Podcast Title: The Run-Through with Vogue
Episode: What the BAFTA Winners Say About Awards Season So Far
Release Date: February 18, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Run-Through with Vogue, hosts Chioma Nnadi and Chloe Malle delve into the highlights of the recent British Academy Film and Television Awards (BAFTAs). Joining them are esteemed guests Adam Badawi, Deputy Global Editorial Lead at GQ, and Radhika Seth, Film and Culture Editor. The conversation offers an insightful recap of the evening, blending discussions on fashion, standout performances, and behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

Fashion on the Red Carpet

The episode opens with a vibrant discussion on the standout fashion moments from the BAFTAs. Cho Menardi expresses her admiration for several attendees:

• Rafi Cassidy in Miu Miu: "a really subtle way to do that 1940s old Hollywood. It felt really modern and fresh" (03:02).

• Colman Domingo in Versace: "unmistakably Versace" (03:10).

• Demi Moore and Marianne Jean Baptiste in Castor McQueen: "I'm just such a huge fan of hers" (03:20).

• Selena Gomez in Schiaparelli: "she looked radiant and happy" (03:30).

Radhika Seth highlights the evolving landscape of men's fashion on the red carpet, noting a shift from traditional tuxedos to more eclectic styles. She remarks, "It's a nice evolution" (05:58).

The Significance of the BAFTAs

Adam Badawi underscores the BAFTAs' pivotal role in the British film industry: "It's the biggest night for the industry here... it's very uniquely British" (07:02). Radhika adds, "It's incredibly crucial. It's big for the studios, it's big for the talent" (08:08), emphasizing the ceremony's influence on Oscar voting and its distinctive British flair.

Awards Highlights

Front-Runners and Surprises:
The competition was tight, particularly between Ralph Fiennes and Adrien Brody. Adam notes, "Adrien's very strong in that" (11:00). While Adrien Brody emerged as a favorite, the surprise of the night was Mikey Madison's unexpected win for Best Actress. Cho reflects, "she was genuinely the only really really big surprise of the night" (11:50), highlighting Madison's heartfelt acceptance speech where she supported the sex worker community.

Rising Star Award:
David Johnson's triumph as the Rising Star was a highlight. Adam shares his involvement in the selection process: "I got to be on the jury to pick the shortlist" (13:03). Radhika praises Johnson, stating, "He's the only person in British GQ history... he's a complete sweetheart" (14:10).

Memorable Performances and Moments

Take That’s Performance:
Adam recounts Take That's electrifying performance, particularly their rendition of "500 Miles": "And like, you know David Tennant singing 500 Miles by the Proclaimers... unlike at any other award show" (09:17). The chemistry between Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner added an extra layer of charm to the evening.

Mark Hamill's Wardrobe Malfunction:
A humorous anecdote surfaces when Adam describes a moment involving Mark Hamill during his presentation: "He had some sort of wardrobe malfunction... too far away to tell what was going on" (18:16). This incident, however, was swiftly edited out of the broadcast.

Ariana DeBose’s Rap:
The hosts recall Ariana DeBose's spirited rap performance: "Viola Davis, my Woman King... I can probably do all of it" (22:38), showcasing her dynamic presence on stage.

Behind-the-Scenes: The After Party

Post-ceremony, the hosts share their experiences at the exclusive after-party hosted by Vogue and GQ at the iconic Tramp venue:

• Radhika: "It was slinky and sexy and really intimate... People actually danced, which I really loved" (24:07).

• Cho: Highlights Cynthia Erivo's captivating presence and Chacuti's impressive dancing: "Cynthia Erivo gliding in with those amazing nails" (25:55).

• Atmosphere: The party was described as "neutral territory... Switzerland for all the film stars," fostering a lively and inclusive environment where attendees could unwind and celebrate.

Favorite Films and Performances

When prompted about their favorite films of the awards season:

• Adam: "Sing Sing" stood out for him, appreciating Colman Domingo's performance and the film's impact.

• Radhika: "Brutalist and Anora" were her top picks, praising their ambition and the stellar performances by Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison.

Concluding Thoughts and Looking Ahead to the Oscars

As the episode wraps up, anticipation builds for the upcoming Oscars. The hosts express excitement and confidence in Adrien Brody's prospects: "My guy's a lock" (18:01). The conversation underscores the BAFTAs' role in shaping the narrative for the Oscars and the broader awards season.

Notable Quotes

• Cho Menardi on Selena Gomez’s Look: "She looked radiant and happy. That was a sweet. And, you know, like, no other word for it." (03:35)

• Radhika Seth on BAFTAs’ Prestige: "It is clutch. It's incredibly crucial." (08:08)

• Adam Badawi on Rising Stars: "It's the best scripted line ever. I love you so much." (15:50)

• Radhika Seth on Speeches: "Give me the rock. Give me the energy." (16:54)

Conclusion

This episode of The Run-Through with Vogue offers a comprehensive and engaging overview of the BAFTAs, blending fashion insights with in-depth discussions on award outcomes and memorable moments. Whether you're a film enthusiast or a fashion aficionado, the conversation provides valuable perspectives on the intertwining worlds of cinema and style.

Produced by: Chelsea Daniel, Alex De Palma, Joanna Solotarov
Engineered by: Jake Loomis, Luke Moseley, James Yost
Mixed by: Mike Kutchman
Executive Producer: Stephanie Karaoke
Conde Nast's Head of Global Audio: Chris Bannon