Joe Wright Surprised by Keira Knightley Snub  2/20/06

Pride & Prejudice director Joe Wright expressed his surprise at Keira Knightley's snub at the BAFTAs tonight (19FEB06).

Wright, who won the The Carl Foreman Award For Special Achievement, was adamant the 20-year-old should have been contesting the Best Actress Award, but she received no recognition from British judges.

He said, "She was my star who brought so much life to this film. I was surprised. I kind of feel like she should have been, and it saddens me that she was not.

"I'm sure you'll all join me in wishing her luck at the Oscars."

Knightley is nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards next month (MAR06), where she faces stiff competition from Dame Judi Dench, Felicity Huffman, Charlize Theron and Reese Witherspoon.