Baftas 2024: Prankster hijacks stage during ‘Oppenheimer’ presentation for ‘Best Film’
At the Baftas on February 18th in London, a YouTube prankster invaded the stage as the cast and crew of Oppenheimer collected the award for ‘Best Film’.
Christopher Nolan’s latest film won a total of seven awards at the ceremony, also picking up ‘Best Editing’, ‘Best Cinematography’, and ‘Best Director’. Meanwhile, Robert Downey Jr won ‘Best Actor in a Supporting Role’ for his portrayal of Lewis Strauss, and Cillian Murphy took home ‘Best Actor in a Leading Role’ for his performance in the film’s eponymous role.
However, when they collected the ‘Best Film’ prize, a mysterious man dressed in a dark suit was stood beside Murphy. The Baftas have now confirmed this was a “social media prankster” and revealed they are taking the matter “very seriously”.
Their full statement reads: “A social media prankster was removed by security last night after joining the winners of the final award on stage – we are taking this very seriously, and don’t wish to grant him any publicity by commenting further.”
Although they chose against naming the individual, a YouTuber, who uses the name Lizwani online, was later identified on social media. Additionally, on an Instagram post, Lizwani revealed that police had confiscated footage he’d recorded at the prestigious event.
Lizwani has a history of similar stunts, having previously targeted the Ballon D’or event in France and the Brit Awards in 2022.
Meanwhile, Murphy made history at the Baftas by becoming the first Irish actor to win ‘Best Lead Actor’. In his speech, he told the crowd at London’s Royal Festival Hall: “Thank you, Chris, for seeing something in me that I probably didn’t see in myself. For the wonderful script and for pushing me, and always demanding excellence.”
Murphy added: “One man’s monster is another man’s hero, and that’s why we make movies. So we have a space to celebrate, interrogate and investigate that complexity. It’s a privilege to be a part of this community with you all.”
Watch the footage below of the Oppenheimer cast and crew collect the ‘Best Film’ award.
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