I, Daniel Blake, Florence Foster Jenkins and Denial: BBC FILMS Receives 10 NOMINATIONS at this year’s EE BAFTAs

NOMINATIONS FOR I, Daniel Blake, Florence Foster Jenkins, Denial

BBC Films has scooped 10 nominations at this year’s EE British Academy Film Awards, which were announced today.

I, Daniel Blake received 5 nominations, Florence Foster Jenkins received 4 nominations and Denial received 1 nomination.

I, Daniel Blake, written by Paul Laverty, starring Dave Johns and Hayley Squires, produced by Rebecca O’Brien; the film explores the life of Daniel Blake, who has worked as a joiner most of his life in the North East of England, when following a heart attack and nearly falling from a scaffold, he needs help from the State for the first time in his life. The film has been recognised with 5 nominations for Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Ken Loach for Director, Paul Laverty for Original Screenplay & Hailey Squires for Supporting Actress.

In addition, Stephen Frears’ Florence Foster Jenkins starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant tells the true story of the legendary New York heiress and socialite who obsessively pursued her dream of becoming a great opera singer, the film has received 4 nominations for Meryl Streep for Leading Actress, Hugh Grant for Supporting Actor, Costume Design, Makeup and Hair.

Denial, based on the Deborah E. Lipstadt’s acclaimed book History on Trial: My Day in Court with a Holocaust Denier and adapted for the screen by David Hare, the book recounts Lipstadt’s legal battle for historical truth against David Irving, who accused her of libel when she declared him a Holocaust Denier. In the English legal system, the burden of proof is on the accused; therefore it was up to Lipstadt and her legal team to prove the essential truth that the Holocaust happened. The film has received 1 nomination for Outstanding British Film.

Joe Oppenheimer, Acting Head of BBC Films, said “We are so proud to have supported these outstanding films, all of which showcase in their own way the very best of British film-making”.

The winners will be announced at the much-anticipated EE British Academy Film Awards ceremony, which will take place on Sunday 12th February at London’s Royal Albert Hall.