Stylish war movie '1917' big winner at British Academy awards

Dean-Charles Chapman (left) and George MacKay star in '1917'.

Gut-wrenching World War I epic 1917 was the big winner at Sunday’s British Academy Film Awards, winning seven awards including best picture and best director.

Sam Mendes’ drama about one of the most devastating conflicts in British history bested hotly tipped American contenders Joker, The Irishman and Once Upon A Time ... In Hollywood at a glitzy London event that was overshadowed by criticism of the nominees’ lack of diversity — even from some of the nominees themselves.