Bafta taking Oppenheimer stage invasion 'seriously'

Bafta has said it is taking a security breach during Sunday night's best film speech "very seriously".

A man, thought to be a YouTuber, was seen standing the background as Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas accepted their award for Oppenheimer.

The gate-crasher did not make any notable gestures or attempt to speak.

A Bafta spokesman said: "A social media prankster was removed by security last night after joining the winners of the final award on stage.

"We are taking this very seriously, and don't wish to grant him any publicity by commenting further."

Bafta did not name the individual, who has not yet posted about the stunt on YouTube or TikTok.

However, Deadline reports it is not the first time the YouTuber has infiltrated a major awards ceremony.

He is previously thought to have gate-crashed events including the Brits, the Mobos and the Ballon d'Or football awards in France.

The prankster made his way on to the stage after Oppenheimer producer Emma Thomas urged cast members to join her, saying: "Where are you? Come on, all of you!"

He stood next to actor Cillian Murphy, who had earlier won best actor for his portrayal of theoretical physicist J Robert Oppenheimer.

Oppenheimer was the big winner at the awards, which were broadcast on BBC One, taking home seven prizes.

Poor Things won five trophies and The Zone of Interest scored three.