Key Points:
- Jessie Buckley won Best Leading Actress for Hamnet, and Robert Aramayo won Best Leading Actor and Rising Star for I Swear.
- One Battle After Another won Best Film and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson.
- Sean Penn, Wunmi Mosaku, Zootropolis 2, and Sentimental Value claimed the remaining major awards.
The 78th British Academy Film Awards delivered a night of glamour, celebration, and unforgettable moments as film’s top talents gathered at the Royal Festival Hall on 22 February. The annual ceremony, which honours excellence in cinema from around the world, featured standout red-carpet style, light-hearted interactions between stars,s and a slate of winners reflecting both critical acclaim and audience enthusiasm.
From the moment the guests arrived, the atmosphere blended prestige with playfulness. Host Alan Cumming brought humour to the proceedings, sharing quintessentially British snacks with attendees during the broadcast, st a gesture that quickly became one of the evening’s most talked-about behind-the-scenes moments. As cameras captured stars smiling with crisp packets and treats in hand, the BAFTAs reaffirmed their reputation for mixing formal recognition with warm camaraderie.
High-profile nominees made striking appearances. Leonardo DiCaprio, in contention for Best Actor, and Emma Stone, among other contenders on the shortlist, walked the carpet in tailored ensembles that punctuated the night’s fashionable tone. Other notable figures, such as Teyana Taylor and Michael B. Jordan, also drew attention for their stylish looks and enthusiastic engagement with fans and photographersbeforeo the main event.
Major Wins and Breakthrough Performances
When awards were announced, it was One Battle After Another that emerged as the evening’s dominant film. The politically infused dark comedy-drama secured multiple top honours, including Best Film and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, cementing its status as a highlight of the current cinematic landscape. The film’s success marked a significant moment for storytelling that blends humour with incisive social commentary.
The spotlight, however, shone brightly on Jessie Buckley, who took home the award for Best Leading Actress for her nuanced performance in Hamnet. Her win was celebrated as both a personal milestone and a defining moment in the ceremony. Jessie Buckley’s emotional acceptance speech reflected the depth of her portrayal and the resonance of the film, earning widespread applause inside the venue.
In the Best Leading Actor category, British star Robert Aramayo delivered one of the ceremony’s feel-good moments. He was honoured for his portrayal in I Swear, a film inspired by the life of advocate John Davidson. Aramayo’s double recognition, which also earned the Rising Star award, drew applause both on stage and across social media, spotlighting a breakthrough year in his career.
Global Recognition and Lasting Impact
Supporting categories brought further applause. Sean Penn was awarded Best Supporting Actor for his role in One Battle After Another, while Wunmi Mosaku won Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Sinners. Animated storytelling was celebrated as Zootropolis 2 took home Best Animated Film, adding a family-friendly highlight to the evening’s roster of winners.
International cinema also earned acclaim. The Best Film Not in the English Language award went to Sentimental Value, illustrating the BAFTAs’ continued embrace of global storytelling. Other films recognised for technical brilliance included Frankenstein, which secured several craft awards.
Beyond the trophies, the night was defined by connection and shared celebration. Backstage scenes showed winners embracing friends and collaborators, while fashion highlights from the red carpet kept audiences abuzz. The combination of heartfelt gratitude, gleaming gowns, and memorable moments ensured the 2026 BAFTAs will be remembered as both a serious celebration of film and a joyous gathering of the industry’s most compelling voices.
