BAFTA Responds Firmly to Prankster's Stage Intrusion at Film Awards Ceremony

BAFTA has issued a strong response after a social media prankster crashed the final category at the film awards ceremony on Sunday night. The unnamed individual joined "Oppenheimer" director Christopher Nolan, producers Emma Thomas and Charles Roven, and star Cillian Murphy on stage as the best film winner was announced.

In a statement to Variety, a BAFTA spokesperson stated, "A social media prankster was removed by security last night after joining the winners of the final award on stage — we are taking this very seriously, and don’t wish to grant him any publicity by commenting further."

The intrusion occurred as the "Oppenheimer" team was collectively walking up to the podium to accept their award. Dressed in a black suit, the prankster emerged from the opposite side of the audience and joined them on stage. Despite standing silently between Murphy and Roven, he went unnoticed by many in the audience and those watching at home.

The confusion escalated as the prankster remained on stage during Thomas's acceptance speech, with no immediate reaction from the rest of the team. It was only after the speech concluded that security apprehended the individual.

The prankster is believed to have crashed other awards ceremonies both in the U.K. and abroad, documenting his exploits on social media. Meanwhile, "Oppenheimer" enjoyed a successful night at the BAFTA awards, winning seven prizes, including Best Director for Nolan and Leading Actor for Murphy. The film is set to compete at the Oscars next month.

The ceremony, which aired on the BBC and iPlayer in the U.K. with a two-hour delay, attracted an average audience of 3 million, peaking at 3.8 million viewers.