London played host to the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards on , and the evening belonged to One Battle After Another, Paul Thomas Anderson’s sprawling dark comedy. The film secured a leading six awards, cementing its position as a frontrunner as awards season continues its march toward the Oscars.
The win for One Battle After Another included the coveted Best Film award, alongside recognition for Anderson as Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Sean Penn also took home a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film. The film’s success was further bolstered by wins for Best Cinematography and Best Editing.
While One Battle After Another dominated the night, other films also garnered significant attention. Hamnet, a period drama focusing on Shakespeare’s family life, was named Outstanding British Film and earned Jessie Buckley the award for Leading Actress. Ryan Coogler’s Sinners also proved a strong contender, securing three awards: Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku.
However, perhaps the biggest surprise of the evening was the win for Robert Aramayo as Leading Actor for his role in I Swear, a biopic about a man living with Tourette’s syndrome. Aramayo, who also received the EE Rising Star Award, defeated a formidable field of nominees including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, and Ethan Hawke. He acknowledged Hawke specifically during his acceptance speech, a gesture highlighting the respect within the acting community.
The awards ceremony wasn’t without its established stars. Donna Langley received the BAFTA Fellowship, a lifetime achievement award recognizing her significant contribution to the film industry. The award was presented by Prince William.
Beyond the major categories, several other films were recognized for their technical and artistic achievements. Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein secured wins for Costume Design, Production Design, and Make Up & Hair. Avatar: Fire and Ash was honored for its Special Visual Effects, while Zootropolis 2 took home the award for Best Children’s & Family Film.
The British film industry also celebrated emerging talent. Akinola Davies Jr and Wale Davies were awarded Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer for My Father’s Shadow. The award recognizes promising new voices in British cinema.
The international scope of the awards was also evident, with Sentimental Value winning the award for Film Not in the English Language. The film’s win underscores the growing recognition of global cinema within the BAFTA awards.
Wunmi Mosaku’s win for Best Supporting Actress in Sinners marked a significant moment, recognizing her powerful performance and adding to the film’s overall success. She beat out nominees including Teyana Taylor for her work in One Battle After Another and Emily Watson for Hamnet.
The full list of winners demonstrates a diverse range of cinematic achievements, from large-scale epics like One Battle After Another and Avatar: Fire and Ash to intimate character studies like I Swear and Hamnet. The awards reflect a year of strong filmmaking across multiple genres and national boundaries.
The BAFTA awards often serve as an indicator of potential success at the Academy Awards. With six wins, One Battle After Another has significantly boosted its Oscar prospects. The surprise win for Robert Aramayo, however, adds an element of unpredictability to the upcoming awards season. His performance in I Swear has clearly resonated with critics and industry professionals alike.
The ceremony also highlighted the importance of recognizing technical craftsmanship, with awards for sound, editing, and cinematography acknowledging the vital contributions of those working behind the scenes. These awards underscore the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the dedication required to bring a vision to life.
Clare Binns was also honored with the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award, recognizing her long-standing commitment to supporting and promoting British film through her work as Creative Director of Picturehouse Cinemas.
