While American television fans were getting ready for SNL’s 50th anniversary special at the start of this week (NZ time), British movie mavens were handing out their version of the Oscars - and throwing a spanner into the art of predicting what will happen at the Academy Awards just two weeks before Hollywood’s big show.

Besides the best film victory at the BAFTAs, where “Conclave” also won best British film, the movie, led by Fiennes and directed by Oscar winner Edward Berger (“ All Quiet on the Western Front ”), has collected a series of awards, including best acting ensemble at the Critics Choice Awards earlier this month.

Anora” and “The Brutalist” also took home major prizes at the British equivalent of the Oscars, tipping the scales again.