The BAFTA nominations mean nothing in terms of Atonement Oscar odds. Joe Wright‘s film is still dead as far as its Best Pictures prospects are concerned. The British simply stood up for a hometown film, is all. Made in England, produced by Brits, based on book by British author, British actors, about England during World War II…hats in the air and 14 nominations! That said, it still is and will continue to be an exceptional, high-grade film. That no one really loves.
Update due to talkbackers claiming the film is loved by many, etc.: Of course it’s liked, loved and selling tickets. Which is why I used “really” to define the kind of love that counts, matters, means something in terms of awards. People admire Atonement as far as it goes, but this hasn’t been enough in terms of trophies on the mantlepiece.