Temple Update’s London Correspondent, Alexa Ross, got an up-close look at London’s version of the Oscars:
Kensington is the home of the royal family and Temple students but this past weekend, it was home to the 70th annual British Academy of Film and Television Arts Film Awards, known to most as the BAFTAs. The Cirque du Solieil cast set the red carpet on fire before the biggest names in Hollywood and beyond made their way to the show.
Kisa was one of the spectators: “It’s crazy. There’s always something going on in London, it’s really fun.”
People from all over the world gathered on Prince Consort Road for the chance to receive one of 800 wristbands that provided red carpet access before the main show at Royal Albert Hall.
“I’ve been waiting out here since Thursday at 2 pm…I want to meet Meryl Streep,” said one film fan.
Countless hours of waiting outside culminated in the red carpet experience of a lifetime for two Temple students, Abby Markle, a film major, and Vicki Gouvalis, a journalism major, who waited outside for a combined total of 42 hours, sleeping outside in the snow to get their BAFTA wristbands. Abby didn’t mind the wait: “Studying abroad is a great experience in itself and being a film major here, it’s just cool to be part of the buzz.”
Even after braving the elements, Markle and Gouvalis were all smiles on BAFTA day. Vicki said, “Despite the cold being horrendous, I’m so glad to be here and to have the wristband and I’m going to see these amazing celebrities I’ve admired for so long.”
“I would absolutely do something like this again.”
Even I got to join in on the red carpet fun and take a selfie with a familiar face from “The Office” and Pennsylvania — actor John Krasinski.
Film awards will continue going on their way back to the States with the Oscars coming up on February 26.
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