The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards delivered a night full of massive sweeps and stunning upsets at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another dominated the 79th edition of the ceremony. Meanwhile, history was made in several major categories.
Here are the biggest takeaways and winners from British cinema’s biggest night.
The Dominance of ‘One Battle After Another’
Paul Thomas Anderson’s political thriller One Battle After Another took home a staggering six awards. The film successfully captured the coveted Best Film trophy. Furthermore, Anderson secured wins for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.
The film also pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the evening. Veteran actor Sean Penn shockingly won Best Supporting Actor for his role as the chilling Colonel Steven J. Lockjaw. Penn beat out heavy favorites like Paul Mescal and Stellan Skarsgård to claim his first-ever BAFTA. Additionally, the film swept technical categories, winning Best Cinematography and Best Editing.
Historic Wins for ‘Sinners’
Ryan Coogler’s vampire horror film Sinners had an incredibly strong showing with three major wins.
Most notably, Coogler won Best Original Screenplay. This monumental victory makes him the first Black filmmaker in BAFTA history to win this specific category. The director received a massive standing ovation as he accepted the award.
“For all the writers out there, when y’all look at that blank page, think of who you love,” Coogler shared during his emotional speech. “Let that love motivate you.”
Furthermore, British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku won Best Supporting Actress for her standout role in the film. Composer Ludwig Göransson also secured the award for Best Original Score.
British Excellence and Rising Stars
Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet proudly took home the award for Outstanding British Film. Lead star Jessie Buckley also won the Leading Actress category for her raw portrayal of a grieving mother.
Meanwhile, actor Robert Aramayo enjoyed a truly breakout night. He won the prestigious EE Rising Star Award, which the public votes on directly. Moments later, he shockingly defeated Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio to win Best Leading Actor for his performance in the Tourette syndrome biopic I Swear.
Craft Categories and Special Honors
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein swept the visual craft categories. The gothic adaptation won Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Make Up & Hair.
In the specialty categories, Mr. Nobody Against Putin won Best Documentary. Meanwhile, the Indian film Boong pulled off an underdog victory to win Best Children’s & Family Film over massive Disney hits like Zootopia 2.
Finally, Prince William presented the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship to NBCUniversal Entertainment chairman Dame Donna Langley. She is the very first Hollywood studio boss to receive the organization’s highest honor.
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