Selena Gomez's Viral BAFTAs Moment
At the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards, all eyes were on Selena Gomez as she took to the stage to present the Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer award. Accompanied by her Emilia Perez co-star Zoe Saldana, Gomez found herself in an awkward situation when she stumbled over the pronunciation of the film title Kneecap. The movie highlights the Irish rap group of the same name, causing a humorous moment that quickly became a talking point online.
Gomez hesitated, admitting with a candid chuckle, 'I don't know how to say...' before finally managing the correct pronunciation. The crowd seemed to enjoy the light-hearted mishap, and social media didn't miss a beat, making the gaffe viral. Comparisons were made to the complexities of the Gaelic language, adding to the buzz surrounding the awards ceremony.
The Film's Cultural Impact
Directed by Rich Peppiatt, Kneecap is much more than a catchy title. This film dives deep into the life and struggles of the real Irish rap trio Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí. Known for their music that mixes cultural and political messages, the trio has been vocal advocates for various causes, often rapping in Irish. Peppiatt, in his acceptance speech, underscored the movie's relevance, describing it as a 'movement' aimed at promoting language and cultural respect
The members of Kneecap also seized the spotlight, posting a striking image of an Irish balaclava over Big Ben on Instagram. This bold move brought attention to their stance against British governmental policies and their support for Palestinian rights.
Adding to the eventful night, Saldana's earlier speech was noted for its colorful language, parts of which were censored by the BBC. This added yet another layer to the night's social media jokes, with one tweet quipping how it all felt like a night at the 'cinema.' The BAFTA evening might have been about celebrating filmmakers, but moments like these ensure it's not just about the awards, it's the stories that unfold on and off the stage that leave a lasting impression.
