Edward Berger’s All Quiet on the Western Front Wins Seven BAFTAs

It was a night of celebration for SWEETSHOP director Edward Berger as his Netflix drama, All Quiet on the Western Front took out seven of the record holding 14 nominations at this year’s British Academy of Film and Television Awards (BAFTAS) held in the UK.

The film was awarded Best Film, Best Cinematography, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film not in the English Language, Best Original Score, Best Sound, and Berger himself took out the coveted Best Director.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony Berger seemed his usual humble self, seemingly in disbelief over the wins, "Best director is the one I never would have thought it would ever work," and for Best Film? "I mean it's a German movie, for Christ sake. Who votes for that?"

While accepting the award for Best Director, Berger credited his daughter Matilda with helping him overcome any doubts he had about taking on the project: “I went home and I wanted to discuss it at the dinner table, and my Daughter when she heard the title said, ‘ You have to do it! You have no choice, I just read it in school’ so thank you Matilda for giving me the confidence, and turning the doubts into faith and trust.”

Along with the seven BAFTA wins, All Quiet on the Western Front is also up for nine Academy Awards this year, including Best Picture. The 2023 Academy Awards (Oscars) will take place in Los Angeles on March 13th.

Executive producer for Sweetshop UK, Justin Edmund-White said: “Edward’s film is an instant classic, and will be studied at film schools for decades to come inspiring the next generation of filmmakers."