Elton John is garnering recognition once again, this time as he earns a nomination for the prestigious BAFTA Award for his documentary, Elton John: Never Too Late. The film, which explores hs storied career and personal life, has made the longlist for the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards, alongside nine other contenders in the documentary category. The final nominees will be announced on January 15, with the awards ceremony set for February 16 at London’s Royal Festival Hall, hosted by Dr. Who star David Tennant.
Never Too Late, which premiered on Disney+ last December, includes never-before-seen footage of Elton’s life today as he navigates the roles of husband and father. The documentary, though missing the cut for the Academy Awards shortlist for best documentary, features the song “Never Too Late,” co-written with Brandi Carlile, Bernie Taupin, and Andrew Watt, which is currently listed on the nomination shortlist for best original song. Academy Award nominations will be revealed on January 17.
The documentary’s exploration of Elton John’s life is significant, but it isn’t the only hallmark of his expansive legacy. A particularly historic moment for John came during the Cold War era when he defied political boundaries and performed behind the Iron Curtain. 1979 saw him as one of the first major Western artists to perform live concerts for Soviet audiences, meeting immense pent-up demand in the country where fans could only find his music on costly bootleg cassettes.
With tensions running high, Elton John’s concerts represented not only entertainment but also cultural significance. His eight shows, split evenly between Moscow and Leningrad, were long-awaited events, reflecting the desperation of Soviet fans to connect with the outside world. The Soviet media omitted any mention of his tour, complicate ticket sales significantly; high-ranking officials hoarded the best seats, thinking they could enjoy the exclusive affair. Nevertheless, as John touched down on May 20, 1979, fans thronged the airport—bringing gifts and seeking autographs from their idol, illustrating the far-reaching impact of his fame.
“I’m knocked out,” Elton John recalled, expressing disbelief at the enthusiastic reception. “This has to be my biggest achievement as an artist. These people don’t have any records, and yet they reacted like this. I’m at a loss for words.” The energy was palpable; fans communicated their support, driven by their love for John's music and the unwavering hope for greater freedom. Their devotion became manifest during the concerts, where the atmosphere transformed the venues from mere concert halls to arenas of cultural defiance against the oppressive backdrop of the Soviet regime.
During his first performance, John felt unprecedented pressure and fear. “I was terrified before the first night. I felt nobody really knew me here and it could all go terribly wrong,” he admitted. The weight of history and expectation bore down on the iconic musician. Yet, the audience’s reaction was nothing short of euphoric. John made the bold decision to cover The Beatles’ hit, “Back in the U.S.S.R.,” without prior clearance from Soviet officials. His simplistic, yet spirited lyrical repetition stirred the already frenzied crowd, and before long, fans rushed the stage joyfully dancing, boldly expressing their shared sentiments, and symbolizing hope amid adversity.
These concerts didn’t just shake the walls of concert halls; they reverberated politically, serving as a bridge uniting vastly different worlds at the height of Cold War tensions. Reflecting on this monumental experience years later, Elton John summarized, “Music is a very powerful thing. It brings people together, irrespective of their age, their race, their sexuality or their religion. It does not discriminate.” His ability to transcend barriers is not just admirable but also speaks volumes about the potential of music as both an art form and social instrument.
John returned to the Soviet Union 16 years later, four years after the regime fell, where he experienced firsthand the ripple effects his music caused during those groundbreaking performances. The excitement and nostalgia surrounding his concerts remind audiences of the defiance and unity music can evoke, declaring Elton John's career as much more than just chart-topping hits—it's marked by pivotal moments influencing history.
Despite his current acclaim through the BAFTA nomination, Elton John's legacy as both an artist and cultural icon is cemented not only through his music but also the messages and memories he crafted during his career. His openness and willingness to embrace love and unity are attributes fans treasure, proving his worth is timeless both behind the concert stage and on the silver screen.