Gritty British prison drama Starred Up may have just had its awards chances boosted – because it's recently triumphed at the Scottish incarnation of BAFTAs.
Starred Up is the gritty, gutsy story of a youth offender (played by Jack O'Connell) who is 'starred up': prematurely transferred to the level of adult prison due to his violent behaviour. Whilst in the slammer, he again comes into contact with his estranged lifer father Neville (Ben Mendelsohn).
On Sunday 16th November, the film grabbed three Scottish BAFTAs for Best Feature Film, Best Director (David Mackenzie) and Best Writer (Jonathan Asser). The awards primarily honour homegrown talent – Mackenzie is himself Scottish – but given that the film and its star O'Connell have already been the recipient of worldwide acclaim, it looks increasingly likely that Starred Up will gain recognition at the international BAFTAs next February.
Also awarded on the night were a selection of last year's hits including Filth (for which James McAvoy won Best Actor) and Sophie Kennedy Clark won Best Actress for Philomena.
Even so, all attention is now on how well Starred Up will do next February. Do you think it stands a chance of grabbing some prestigious gongs? Post your thoughts in the comments.
