Champagne Taittinger and Villa Maria wines from New Zealand, proud partners to BAFTA, were on hand last night to toast film excellence at the EE British Academy Film Awards in Awards 2018. Joanna Lumley sparkled as host of the ceremony for the first time, which was held at The Royal Albert Hall.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri took five Awards, including Outstanding British Film and the coveted Best Film trophy. Frances McDormand also won Leading Actress for her role in the film whilst Gary Oldman was named Leading Actor for his role in Darkest Hour. Sir Ridley Scott was awarded the Academy Fellowship, BAFTA’s highest accolade, in recognition of his outstanding and visionary contribution to film.
Vitalie Taittinger was in attendance at the Awards, adding some signature Taittinger style to the red carpet in a classic black Alexander McQueen gown and Fairfax & Roberts jewellery. Champagne Taittinger and the Taittinger family are keen supporters of film and the arts, and the house has supported BAFTA for the past 16 years.
Special BAFTA labelled Magnums and 75cl bottles of Champagne Taittinger Brut Réserve were produced for the Awards and a bottle was also included in the Nominee gift bags. Taittinger is one of the few premium Champagne houses to remain owned and actively managed by the named family.
An icon of the New Zealand wine industry and New Zealand’s most awarded winery for nearly 40 years, Villa Maria has been the official Wine Partner to the Academy for a decade. Guests at the glitzy awards dinner enjoyed the classic Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2017, which complimented the vegan celeriac and apple starter and the delicious Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir 2016 with the slow cooked shoulder of lamb main course – an award-worthy match indeed.
For the full list of winners visit: www.bafta.org
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