Meryl Streep's reaction to Cirque du Soleil at BAFTAs hailed as 'greatest moment of 2017'

The Hollywood star couldn't take the daring acrobatics
'Incredible': Meryl Streep couldn't look
BBC
Emma Powell13 February 2017
The Weekender

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Meryl Streep may not have picked up an award at this year’s BAFTAs – but she won over the audience with her “incredible” reaction to Cirque du Soleil.

The circus group gave Streep a fright with their daring acrobatics as they kicked off the annual ceremony at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Sunday night.

The Hollywood star – who was nominated for Leading Actress – held her head in her hands as one female gymnast was catapulted into the air before landing on her co-star’s shoulders.

Struggling to watch, Streep took off her glasses and covered her eyes.

She later looked close to tears as she threw her hands in the air and applauded the gymnast for diving off of a tower of humans.

Viewers deemed Streep’s reaction “incredible” and called for it to be immortalised as a meme.

One viewer tweeted: "Meryl Streep's reaction to Circ du soleil has been the greatest moment of 2017 so far #BAFTAs."

Another posted: "Meryl Streep's reaction to @Cirque is possibly one of the best things I've seen this weekend #BAFTAs."

Streep later enjoyed a kiss with host Stephen Fry after he plucked her out of the crowd.

The former QI host set his sights on Streep after explaining that it has become a tradition for him to kiss a nominee ahead of the ceremony.

Streep looked honoured to have been chosen and grabbed Fry around the neck as she pulled him in for a kiss.

The act was met with cheers from the audience before Fry made his way back on stage.

Emma Stone and Casey Affleck were among the big winners, taking home the coveted Leading Actress and Actor gongs for their roles in La La Land and Manchester By The Sea respectively.

La La Land was crowned Best Film with Damien Chazelle taking Best Director.

British Academy Film Awards 2017

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Click here for the full list of winners.

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