'Dune,' 'Power of the Dog' lead race for BAFTA film awards

Sci-fi epic “Dune” and dark western “The Power of the Dog” lead the race for Sunday's British Academy Film Awards

LONDON -- Sci-fi epic “Dune” and dark western “The Power of the Dog” led the race as the British Academy Film Awards returned Sunday with a live, black-tie ceremony after a pandemic-curtailed event in 2021.

Acting nominees Benedict Cumberbatch and Lady Gaga were among the stars walking the red carpet at London’s Royal Albert Hall before a ceremony hosted by Australian actor-comedian Rebel Wilson.

Last year’s event was largely conducted online, with only the hosts and presenters appearing in person. This year, stars were gathering in the shadow of Russia's bloody invasion of Ukraine.

Krishnendu Majumdar, chairman of the British Film Academy, known as BAFTA, said he would deliver a message from the Ukrainian Film Academy during the ceremony.