British Honour Spielberg (Press, 18 March 1986)

At the British Academy Awards held on 17 March 1986, Woody Allen's film “The Purple Rose of Cairo” was crowned the best film of 1985. The ceremony also honoured director Steven Spielberg, who received the prestigious fellowship of the Academy. Allen's film further secured the award for best original screenplay, marking a significant recognition of his work. American actor William Hurt was awarded best actor for his performance as a homosexual prisoner in “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” The best actress award was given to British actress Dame Peggy Ashcroft for her role in “A Passage to India.” Denholm Elliott received the accolade for best supporting actor for his performance in “Defence of the Realm,” while American actress Rosanna Arquette won best supporting actress for her role in “Desperately Seeking Susan.” Spielberg, addressing the audience of the black-tie event, expressed his gratitude and noted the influence of British cinema on his career. He highlighted the style and craft of British films and acknowledged the works of renowned British directors such as David Lean, Peter Yates, Ridley Scott, and Karel Reisz as inspirations for his filmmaking. His upcoming film, “The Colour Purple,” is also a contender at the American Academy Awards set to take place on 24 March 1986. Woody Allen, who usually maintains a low profile, participated in the event via satellite from New York and expressed his appreciation for the response to “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” expressing hope that his future films would also resonate with audiences. His latest project, “Hannah and Her Sisters,” has also seen considerable success in the United States and has earned him a nomination for best original screenplay at the American Academy Awards. The awards ceremony also recognised Bob Geldof for his innovative work in fundraising for African famine relief through the Live Aid concert, which earned accolades for originality in television. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) performed exceptionally well, with its political thriller “Edge of Darkness” winning three awards, while comedienne Victoria Wood's “As Seen On TV Show” garnered two awards. Additional successes for the BBC included “Only Fools and Horses,” which won best comedy series, and Claire Bloom, who was recognised as best actress for her role in “Shadowlands,” which was named the best drama. Overall, the event showcased a strong presence of both American and British talent, with significant recognitions for various contributions to film and television during the year.

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