The glamorous 79th British Academy Film Awards lit up London’s Royal Festival Hall on Sunday, 22 February 2026, celebrating an extraordinary year in global cinema. Hosted for the first time by acclaimed actor Alan Cumming, the ceremony honored the finest films of 2025, uniting filmmakers, performers, and creatives from around the world for a night of prestige, passion, and powerful storytelling.
One Battle After Another Leads the Charge with Six Major Wins
The evening unquestionably belonged to One Battle After Another, which dominated the night with six prestigious awards, including Best Film and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson. Its commanding sweep affirmed the film’s cultural resonance and critical acclaim.
Actor Robert Aramayo enjoyed a landmark night, claiming both Best Leading Actor for I Swear and the coveted EE Rising Star Award cementing his place among the industry’s brightest talents.
Historic Triumphs for Sinners and Powerful Performances
Ryan Coogler’s genre-defying drama Sinners made history with three wins, including Best Original Screenplay marking the first time a Black director has won in that category.
British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku delivered one of the night’s most heartfelt moments, earning Best Supporting Actress for her moving performance in Sinners.
Meanwhile, acclaimed performances from Jessie Buckley (Hamnet) and Sean Penn (One Battle After Another) further elevated the ceremony’s star power
A Celebration of Diversity, Craft and Global Storytelling
Beyond the headline wins, the 2026 BAFTAs reflected an industry embracing diverse voices and international perspectives. From powerful documentaries to animated features and British independent debuts, the awards spotlighted cinema’s unique ability to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.
With standout films like One Battle After Another, Sinners, and Hamnet leading the honors, the night will be remembered not just for its trophies but for signaling a bold and inclusive future for global filmmaking.
Full Roll Call of Winners @ BAFTA Awards 2026
Feature Film Categories
- Best Film: One Battle After Another
- Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson — One Battle After Another
- Best Leading Actor: Robert Aramayo — I Swear
- Best Leading Actress: Jessie Buckley — Hamnet
- Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn — One Battle After Another
- Best Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku — Sinners
Writing & Screenplay
- Best Original Screenplay: Sinners — Ryan Coogler
- Best Adapted Screenplay: One Battle After Another
British & International Recognitions
- Outstanding British Film: Hamnet
- Film Not in the English Language: Sentimental Value
- Best Animated Film: Zootropolis 2
- Best Documentary: Mr. Nobody Against Putin
- Best Children’s & Family Film: Boong
Craft & Technical Achievements
- Best Costume Design: Frankenstein
- Best Production Design: Frankenstein
- Best Sound: F1
- Best Cinematography: One Battle After Another
- Best Editing: One Battle After Another
- Best Special Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Best Makeup & Hair: Frankenstein
Shorts & Emerging Talent
- Best British Short Animation: Two Black Boys in Paradise
- Best British Short Film: This Is Endometriosis
- Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer:
My Father’s Shadow — Akinola Davies Jr. & Wale Davies - EE Rising Star Award: Robert Aramayo
Special Tribute Honors
- BAFTA Fellowship: Dame Donna Langley
- Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema: Clare Binns
The 2026 BAFTA Awards will be remembered as a defining night one that celebrated excellence, diversity, and the enduring magic of cinema on a truly global stage.
