Emma Watson seemed to subtly criticize JK Rowling as she graced the stage at the BAFTA Film Awards this year. The 31-year-old actress, famous for portraying Hermione Granger in the movie versions of Rowling’s novels, was there to present the award for Best Outstanding British Film. Host Rebel Wilson introduced her by saying, “Here to present the next award is Emma Watson. She describes herself as a feminist, but we all recognize her magical talent as well.”

Emma Watson seemed to subtly mention author JK Rowling during the BAFTA Film Awards this year. She then made a point to say, ‘I’m here for ALL the witches!’ This comment was interpreted by viewers as a jab at the Harry Potter creator, leading to fans praising the actress on Twitter. One viewer even commented, “‘I’m here for all the women.’ Sly little dig at JK Rowling there, Emma Watson?”

Celebrity: The 31-year-old star graced the stage to announce the winner of the prestigious Best Outstanding British Film award, following a warm introduction by host Rebel Wilson.

Playful banter ensued after Rebel made a sly comment about Emma Watson being a feminist but also a witch. Fans of Emma took her side, with one saying they loved Emma subtly shading JK Rowling at the #BAFTAs. Another fan also cheered Emma on, calling her a queen for possibly throwing shade at JK Rowling. Rebel continued the playful digs by joking about her weight loss and hoping JK Rowling still approves of her transformation.

Dig: Home viewers interpreted the comment as a sly dig at the Harry Potter creator and took to Twitter to commend the actress, who was seen on the red carpet. However, some criticized Emma and BAFTA host Rebel for seemingly appeasing the ‘woke mob’ by using the BBC1 prime time show to take shots at Rowling.
Watson is famously known for her portrayal of Hermione Grainger in the film adaptations of Rowling’s famous books, which reportedly earned her £65 million ($85 million).
One viewer expressed, “She should be grateful that JK Rowling stuck with her. She owes her a lot, she should stop biting the hand that feeds her.” Another tweeted, “Emma Watson, a feminist who can’t even define what a woman is? The one who is only famous because of JK?”
These criticisms arose in light of Rowling’s controversial statements on transgender issues, which led to accusations of transphobia and a subsequent backlash from some fans. The controversy stemmed from her tweets about biological sex, which resulted in backlash and a form of ‘cancellation’ from the transgender community.

Celebrity status: Watson gained fame for her portrayal of Hermione Granger in the movie versions of Rowling’s novels, reportedly earning a whopping £65 million ($85 million) from the role.

Ouch: One person commented, “Is this a subtle jab at JK Rowling, Emma Watson?” when she mentioned she was there for all women. In June 2020, Emma Watson expressed her disagreement on an article that used the term ‘people who menstruate’ instead of simply saying women. She continued to discuss biological sex in a Twitter thread. Watson later clarified that she fully supports the rights of transgender individuals to live authentically and comfortably. She also stated that she would march against discrimination towards transgender individuals. Despite this, she mentioned that her experiences as a woman have shaped her life and it is not wrong to acknowledge that. In September 2020, she faced criticism once again for supposed transphobia due to a male serial killer who disguises himself as a woman in her latest book, Troubled Blood, written under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

No filters: Emma couldn’t help but laugh during the comedy show that poked fun at Rowling.

Critics also slammed Emma and BAFTA host Rebel for allegedly caving in to cancel culture by publicly targeting Rowling during their appearance on the popular BBC1 program.

Controversy arose when JK Rowling’s views on transgender issues were labeled as transphobic by some fans, sparking criticism from Harry Potter actors Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, and Eddie Redmayne. Despite facing accusations of transphobia, Rowling continues to assert that sex, rather than gender identity, should be the determining factor in safeguarding decisions. Recently, she accused the Labour party of canceling women on International Women’s Day after the Shadow Equalities Minister declined to provide a clear definition of ‘female’. Anneliese Dodds stated that the definition depended on the context when pressed for an answer by BBC presenter Emma Barnett on Woman’s Hour.

Audiences have criticized this year’s Bafta awards ceremony for being overly woke. Author J.K. Rowling, aged 56, responded to the remarks by tweeting, “Someone please send the Shadow Minister for Equalities a dictionary and a backbone. #HappyInternationalWomensDay.” She went on to criticize comments made by the Shadow Minister and even posted a picture of SNP MP Joanna Cherry, stating, “This is what a woman who owns a dictionary and a backbone looks like.” The politically charged show, which had been delayed for two years, featured a defiant gesture towards Vladmir Putin and many stars donning black and Ukraine ribbons in solidarity.

Before the occasion, it was rumored that BAFTA leaders suggested that guests should wear outfits that show respect, as there were concerns that flashy outfits might be seen as inappropriate given the situation in Ukraine,” a source mentioned (Benedict seen wearing a Ukraine pin alongside his wife Sophie).

The show made its comeback after a two-year hiatus, with Rebel Wilson as the host. During the event, Rebel Wilson openly expressed her disdain towards Putin by flipping him off on camera, while other celebrities showed their support for Ukraine by wearing black and ribbons.
Rebel didn’t shy away from addressing Russia’s invasion during the show and received cheers from the audience when she made the rude gesture towards Putin while introducing a performance with sign language interpreters.
She humorously pointed out that both American Sign Language and British Sign Language interpreters were present, adding that the gesture she made is universal in all sign languages when it comes to Putin, before proceeding to raise her middle finger for the camera.
Aside from the political statements, the ceremony also featured jokes about the gender pay gap, discussions on a female James Bond, and the portrayal of gender fluidity.

Rebel livened up the atmosphere at the British Academy Film Awards by joking that she was the surprise new 007 agent, suggesting a humorous film title like “Die Another G’Day” set in Australia. Addressing the issue of gender pay gap, she comically claimed to be 004.5 instead of the traditional 007. She also playfully poked fun at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Oprah Winfrey interview, suggesting it had all the drama and fantasy elements needed for an award-winning British film, despite not being nominated in that category. Rebel’s charm and wit added a unique touch to the prestigious event at the Royal Albert Hall.

The presenter took a dig at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, mentioning that it wasn’t nominated but highlighted some fantastic British films of the year. The couple’s highly-publicized interview followed their decision to step back from their royal duties in early 2020.

At the British Academy Film Awards, Dune emerged as a big winner, securing five awards from its eleven nominations. The Power Of The Dog was honored with the Best Film award. The ceremony showcased diversity with wins like Lashana Lynch for Rising Star and Troy Kotsur for Supporting Actor. Actress Joanna Scanlan and actor Will Smith were also recognized for their outstanding performances in After Love and King Richard, respectively.