BAFTAs security removes 'social media prankster' who crashed stage during Oppenheimer win

Sunday night's BAFTA Awards were a star-studded affair, but it also marked the scene of a seemingly covert operation for a "social media prankster," who crashed the Oppenheimer cast and crew's big moment during the presentation of the ceremony's highest accolade.

At London's Royal Festival Hall, during the acceptance of the Best Film award for the blockbuster, an individual – whom EW will not identify – joined Cillian Murphy, Christopher Nolan, and producers Emma Thomas and Charles Roven on stage. A representative for the BAFTAs told EW that event security removed the individual from the venue due to the disruption.

“A social media prankster was removed by security last night after joining the winners of the final award on stage," the representative tells us via email. "We are taking this very seriously, and don’t wish to grant him any publicity by commenting further."

EW has also reached out to representatives for Murphy and Nolan for additional comment.

The prankster — dressed in a black suit and brown hat — approached the stage after Thomas encouraged the rest of the Oppenheimer team to join them on stage, including Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, and Florence Pugh in the audience. The man climbed to the stage and stood near Thomas as she spoke on behalf of the film, with telecast host David Tennant and presenter Michael J. Fox also on stage nearby.

Outside of the incident, Oppenheimer dominated the evening, winning seven overall BAFTAs (which included Nolan's direction and Downey Jr. and Murphy's performances) as it makes its way toward the Oscars on March 10, where it is expected to repeat with a likely Best Picture victory.

Check out more from EW's The Awardist, featuring exclusive interviews, analysis, and our podcast diving into all the highlights from the year's best in TV.

Related content:

• 2024 Oscar predictions: See who will win Best Picture, Actress, and more
• See top 2024 Oscars contenders for Best Picture, Actor, Actress, and more
• Emma Stone thanks Poor Things writer for 'I must go punch that baby' line in BAFTAs acceptance speech