Skyfall tipped for Bafta success

Skyfall was released in October 2012 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Bond franchise, but which 007 outing was released for its 40th anniversary in 2002? (PA)

Film critic Mark Kermode has tipped Skyfall for awards success at this year's Baftas.

The TV presenter and film buff said director Sam Mendes' James Bond film deserved awards recognition, despite being a crowd-pleaser.

He tipped Mendes and 007 star Daniel Craig for awards nominations at the Baftas, but believes the Academy Awards may overlook the blockbuster.

Kermode said: "The track record of Bond movies is they're not awards movies. They're crowd-pleasing movies and therefore the awards ceremonies overlook them.

"I would love to see Skyfall nominated in really significant categories - best film, best actor, best director.

"And I think it deserves to be. There's a reason why it's the huge hit it was - it's a really, really good film.

"My suspicion is that if it's going to happen, it's going to happen at the Baftas rather than the Oscars. The Oscars is going to have a tribute to Bond this year anyway.

"Who knows - it would be great and it would be deserving because it's a really, really good film and it deserves awards recognition, whether it gets it or not."

In 50 years of James Bond movies they have never been nominated for the best director award, although they have won accolades for their special effects and musical scores at both the Baftas and the Academy Awards.

In 2006 Casino Royale, Craig's debut as the British spy, was nominated for the best film and best actor awards at the Baftas, but did not win.

PA