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CROWE BAILS ON BAFTAS FOR HIS BRIDE

Russell Crowe, the bad boy of last year's BAFTA show, is bowing out this time around _ but for a good reason, reports People magazine.

The "Beautiful Mind" star, who last year was named best actor at the Orange British Academy Film Awards _ otherwise known as the BAFTAs _ has reluctantly backed out of this year's Feb. 23 ceremony because of a "prior engagement." Translation: He's getting ready to marry.

Crowe responded to press reports speculating how he might be received at next month's show, since last year he manhandled a producer who edited Crowe's acceptance speech for TV. Traditionally, last year's winners act as this year's presenters.

"I am flattered to hear of the invitation to attend BAFTA through the press," Crowe, 38, said in a statement issued through his Australian publicist, Wendy Day. "Unfortunately, I have a prior engagement, so to speak," he went on to say. "Danielle and I have a lot of things to do at the moment, and that is all we are focusing on _ what a bride needs and where she needs to be."

Crowe was discussing his longtime girlfriend, singer Danielle Spencer, 32. The wedding is expected to take place sometime later this year.

As for how the 2003 BAFTAs will fare without him, Crowe did some speculation of his own.