One Direction superstar Liam Payne is set to make history this weekend by giving a real-time augmented reality performance to kick off the 2021 BAFTAs.
Teaming up with mobile giant EE, who sponsor the iconic British film awards, Liam, 27, will belt out some of his biggest hits in 3D for mobiles up and down the UK.
At the start of the swanky ceremony, Liam’s body, facial movements, and live audio data will be instantly transformed into 3D animations to create the immersive experience before being live streamed.
In a further futuristic twist, Liam’s avatar will join the real-life artist as a hologram on the stage of Royal Albert Hall to kick off the BAFTAs on BBC One.
(Image: PR HANDOUT)
Talking about the collab, Liam said: “To be able to perform live via my very own Avatar blows my mind a little bit…!
“I’m really excited for everyone to see what we’ve been working on. The strides in tech at the minute are phenomenal and I can’t wait to see what we’ll be doing next.
“For now, this Sunday, you can take a first-look at my EE BAFTA performance, delivered by my real life Avatar live in your kitchen, bedroom, on the bus or at the park…see you there.”
Meanwhile, BAFTAs Executive Director of Awards and Content Emma Baehr added: “We’re so excited to be opening Sunday evening’s show with something very different this year.
(Image: PR HANDOUT)
“Liam Payne’s performance, through the transformative power of EE’s 5G technology, will bring the show right into people’s homes, kicking off an evening of entertainment and celebration. I look forward to what will no doubt be a one-of-a-kind performance.”
To watch Liam’s gig fans will need to download The Round app.
The gig will kick off at 6.45pm on Sunday
Pip Brignall and Thomas Winsor, Founders of The Round app, explained: “We are dedicated to finding unique ways for artists to express their creativity and tell engaging stories.
“With our advanced AR technology and EE’s 5G network, the world really can become a stage!
“Our virtual venue offers a meaningful and intimate experience at a time when we are all craving those personal connections.”
2021 EE BAFTA nominations
Best Film
The Father
The Mauritanian
Nomadland
Promising Young Woman
The Trial of the Chicago 7
Outstanding British film
Calm With Horses
The Dig
The Father
His House
Limbo
The Mauritanian
Mogul Mowgli
Promising Young Woman
Rocks
Saint Maud
Leading Actress
Bukky Bakray – Rocks
Radha Blank – The Forty-Year-Old Version
Vanessa Kirby – Pieces of a Woman
Frances McDormand – Nomadland
Wunmi Mosaku – His House
Alfre Woodard – Clemency
(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
Leading Actor
Riz Ahmed – Sound of Metal
Chadwick Boseman – Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
Adarsh Gourav – The White Tiger
Sir Anthony Hopkins – The Father
Mads Mikkelsen – Another Round
Tahar Rahim – The Mauritanian
Supporting Actress
Niamh Algar – Calm With Horses
Kosar Ali – Rocks
Maria Bakalova – Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
Dominique Fishback – Judas and the Black Messiah
Ashley Madekwe – County Lines
Yuh-Jung Youn – Minari
(Image: PA)
Supporting Actor
Daniel Kaluuya – Judas and the Black Messiah
Barry Keoghan – Calm With Horses
Alan Kim – Minari
Leslie Odom Jr – One Night In Miami…
Clarke Peters – Da 5 Bloods
Paul Raci – Sound of Metal
Director
Another Round – Thomas Vinterberg
Babyteeth – Shannon Murphy
Minari – Lee Isaac Chung
Nomadland – Chloé Zhao
Quo Vadis, Aida? – Jasmila Žbanić
Rocks – Sarah Gavron
EE Rising Star Award (voted for by the public)
Kingsley Ben-Adir
Morfydd Clark
Bukky Bakray
Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù
Conrad Khan
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
