Ordinarily no one could be in three places at once. Yet last night HeyUGuys managed to bring you the sights, sounds and results of the Jameson Empire Awards 2010 and still find time to ping across town to the glamorous after-party. For your award-scrutinising pleasure we have photos from the red carpet, interviews with the attendees and reactions to the night right here on site. That’s the thing about HeyUGuys…
There’s nothing ordinary about us!
So, you’ve seen the pictures and watched the footage, now it’s time for the party. Few stars risked the soggy dash from the Grosvenor House Hotel to Soho House – perhaps concerned the rain would extinguish their shine. Those who braved the precipitation, however, were there to celebrate and a celebration is exactly what the night was. The beauty of the Jameson Empire Awards is that they are more reflective of cinemagoers taste and last night there was a real consensus that some overlooked films had been given their moment in the spotlight. There was genuine delight for both Let the Right One In and In the Loop in particular and the atmosphere in the chic interconnecting rooms of Soho House’s second floor was fizzing with expectation as party attendees waited for the award-goers to return.
While nominees’ friends and colleagues staked out the best people watching spots on the sofas bracketing the Circle Bar, drawing room and chill out room, we noticed one particularly lively party at our side. It was the Sony/Lionsgate team proudly toasting their Harry Brown win. We were impressed by their passion for the film and touched by their evident delight. The uniform rows of Jameson cocktails standing to attention at the bars were soon disrupted (and swiftly replenished!) as a rustle of Empire goodie bags announced the arrival of the first winners. We’ve included some pictures here but as most of the venue was plunged in fashionable pitch darkness we hope you’ll excuse their quality.
On the stairs HeyUGuys caught up with Done in 60 Seconds winner Mark Wong whose unique interpretation of Top Gun had entertained everyone at the Friday night shortlist party. Mark, in his movie dress whites, was “completely overwhelmed” by the whole experience. Indeed we can attest that the grin of sheer delight didn’t leave his face all night. Lina (Let the Right One In) Leandersson too looked overwhelmed and not a little dazzled by it all as she circulated in her lovely flowery frock.
Armando Iannucci was modest but clearly chuffed in the wake of his In the Loop triumph. Echoing our “about time too” he set the tone for pride in the British award recipients of 2010. Although we were secretly hoping he would insult us with some custom Malcolm Tucker inspired expletives he was, in fact, charm itself. Pity really! Bionic Woman Michelle Ryan – soon to be seen in No Ordinary Trifle with Claire Forlani and Dougray Scott – made no secret of her support for her countrymen, counting Sir Ian McKellen’s speech and Ray Winstone’s win as her highlights of the night. “It was great to see so many Brits win, really lovely.” She did also confess a fondness for Avatar so had been happy to see James Cameron’s blue money monster take home the best of the rest.
Richard Coyle (The Libertine, Coupling) shared her sentiments telling us how happy he was at Ian McKellen’s win. We also had a chance to talk to him about his recent experience on The Prince of Persia. He confided that the contrast between the “tough, tough, desert shoot” and the “impressive final product” was “amazing”. He had only recently seen the finished film and was blown away by how good it was and “proud, very proud” of his work on the film.
Potentially our favourite partygoers of the night were the Irish boys representing Done in 60 Seconds nominee Let There Be Less Blood (Tom Rowley, Dublin 8 ) they were having a whale of a time and relishing every moment of the experience. The Jameson Empire after party was a truly enjoyable night and we loved seeing the sheer joy on the faces of the winners and their teams. It felt good to be in the company of people who live and love film. For all our coverage of the nights’ events you may click the links above or below. After such a positive experience we look forward to seeing what the 2011 awards will bring!
Our thanks to Caroline Joy Watson for the Jameson photographs & Mauricio Samayoa