LOS ANGELES – On the Friday before the 95th Academy Awards, British Consul General Emily Cloke along with BAFTA and the British Film Commission hosted a pre-Oscar celebration raising a glass to this year’s British nominees.
The Knockturnal was on scene at the bash which was held at a private residence in Hancock park.
Friday evening’s misty Los Angeles weather helped guests, many who flew in from the UK, feel right at home.
Which is exactly how Cloke describes the relationship between the UK and US film industries.
“It goes without saying that we’re incredibly proud of the UK film industry for its economic impact, its cultural impact, and the role that everyone here today has played,” said Cloke who pointed to 2022 being a record breaking year for the UK’s investment in film at more than $6 billion.
The Knockturnal caught up with several of this year’s nominees including 12-time nominee Jenny Beavan who is up for Best Costumer Design for her work in “Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris,” as well as first time nominee Lesley Paterson.
Paterson, a triathlon champion, is up for Best Adapted Screenplay for her work on “All Quiet on the Western Front,” a film that took 16 years to come to life.
“How we actually funded the option for the material, we used my race earnings as an athlete because every year we had to re-option the material,” said Paterson who told The Knockturnal she and her husband also mortgaged their home.
Speaking on what it means to be nominated Paterson said, “to finally see it…not just as a wonderful movie, but to get all this recognition is incredible.”
The Knockturnal also spotted British singer Leona Lewis, CODA’s Troy Michael Kotsur and English cinematographer Sir Roger Alexander Deakins, who also served as the night’s guest of honor.
Guests were treated to passed hors d’oeuvres like tofu bites and tuna tartare while sipping on Ridgeview English sparkling wine and cocktails provided by Isle of Harris Gin and Fever Tree.
A Virgin Atlantic flight crew was also handling the interactive photo booth complete with props like mini British flags.
Now, we just need to book our next trip to London.