Joanna Lumley fans slam 'stuck up' Jennifer Lawrence for 'throwing sass' at BAFTAs introduction

Joanna Lumley has been defended by fans after Jennifer Lawrence appeared to shut down a compliment from her at the BAFTAs.

Lumley, 71, dubbed a 'national treasure' by viewers, took over the reins from Stephen Fry on Sunday night to become the first ever woman to host the annual awards bash.

While introducing Lawrence to the stage to present Outstanding British Film, she said: “Right let’s start giving out some of those beautiful BAFTAs shall we?

“And we start with the award for Outstanding British Film and who better to kick the whole evening off than the hottest actress on the planet. Soon to be seen in Red Sparrow, it’s the ravishing Jennifer Lawrence.”

Lawrence replied: “Hi, that was a bit much but thank you, Joanna.”

Fans slated Lawrence's “ungrateful” response, with one tweeting: “Jennifer Lawrence was unnecessarily rude then wasn’t she? #EEBAFTAs didn’t think there was any need for that reply to Joanna Lumley.”

Another wrote: “Jennifer Lawrence rude to Joanna Lumley tonight and also talked all the way through that first BAFTA award winning speech.”

Lumley left viewers in hysterics with her opening skit which saw her making calls to actors from the year’s biggest film to inform them of her new role.

She then kicked off her opening monologue with a nod to the “dogged determination” of the Suffragettes and the “powerful Time's Up movement” which she praised for having “the determination to eradicate the abuse of women all over the world”.

She later heaped praise on the “inimitable” Gary Oldman, “ineffable” Gemma Arterton and gushed over “tour de force” Frances McDormand.

Referring to nominee Angelina Jolie, she said: “Actress, director, writer, humanitarian, there's literally nothing this woman can't do.”

She then quipped: “Since she arrived, she's already knocked up 400 portions of risotto for the after show dinner.”

Lumley was hailed a “breath of fresh air” after Fry’s lengthy stint as host with many praising her “charming and warm” demeanour.

But others were more critical, with some chastising her for not “taking the p*** a little bit more”.

One user posted: “That BAFTA ceremony was hideous. I understand the whole female theme this year but Joanna Lumley just wasn't funny. Bring back @stephenfry.”

Another tweeted: “Bring back Stephen Fry next year. Joanna Lumley was incredibly dull as the host of this year’s #BAFTAs.”

Martin McDonagh’s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri was the night’s biggest winner, taking home five gongs including the coveted Best Film.

Frances McDormand, who plays grieving mother Mildred Hayes, was honoured with Leading Actress while her co-star Sam Rockwell received Best Supporting Actor.

Gary Oldman continued his awards haul, picking up Leading Actor for his portrayal of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour.

I, Tonya’s Allison Janney took home Best Supporting Actress, Daniel Kaluuya was crowed EE Rising Star and Guillermo del Toro was presented with Best Director.