LONDON – Paul Thomas Anderson’s politically charged thriller, One Battle After Another
, emerged as the major victor at the British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, securing six prizes including the coveted Best Picture award. The win provides significant momentum for the film as it heads into next month’s Academy Awards.
The film’s success wasn’t limited to the top prize. Anderson also took home the award for directing, while the film was further recognized for its adapted screenplay, cinematography and editing. Sean Penn, a member of the ensemble cast, was awarded the prize for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of an obsessed military officer.
Accepting the directing prize, Anderson expressed his overwhelming gratitude, and paid tribute to his longtime assistant director, Adam Somner, who passed away in November 2024 during the film’s production. He shared a quote from Nina Simone, I know what freedom is: It’s no fear,
adding, Let’s keep making things without fear. It’s a good idea.
This sentiment resonated throughout the ceremony, particularly given the current climate within the industry and the ongoing discussions surrounding artistic freedom.
While One Battle After Another
dominated the evening, other films also garnered significant recognition. The blues-steeped vampire epic Sinners
and the gothic horror story Frankenstein
each secured three awards, demonstrating the breadth of talent and creativity within British and international cinema. Shakespearean family tragedy Hamnet
also proved successful, winning two awards, including the prestigious Best British Film.
Jessie Buckley made history at the awards, winning the Best Actress prize for her performance as Agnes Hathaway, the grieving wife of William Shakespeare, in Hamnet
. Buckley is the first Irish performer to receive this honor at the BAFTAs, marking a significant moment for Irish representation in the film industry. Her performance has been widely praised for its emotional depth and nuance.
The ceremony, hosted by Alan Cumming, also drew attention to the presence of Prince William, who attended solo as his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, continues her recovery following a recent operation. BAFTA chair Sarah Putt extended very best wishes
to both Catherine and King Charles III, who is also currently recovering following a cancer diagnosis. The royal family’s presence, even in a limited capacity, underscored the cultural significance of the event.
Host David Tennant opened the show with a pre-recorded sketch inspired by his lockdown series Staged
, featuring co-star Michael Sheen and his dog, Bark Ruffalo, alongside other prominent figures like Tom Hiddleston and Judi Dench. Tennant’s opening remarks, including a playful reference to Ryan Gosling’s physique in Barbie
– Tonight’s going to go smoother than Ken’s chest
– set a lighthearted tone for the evening.
The awards ceremony took place at the Royal Festival Hall in London, and served as a crucial precursor to the Academy Awards. One Battle After Another
‘s strong showing at the BAFTAs positions it as a frontrunner for several Oscar categories, potentially reshaping the landscape of the awards season. The film’s critical acclaim, combined with its BAFTA success, suggests a strong likelihood of further recognition in Hollywood.
The win for One Battle After Another
is particularly noteworthy given the film’s complex and challenging subject matter. Its exploration of political upheaval and revolutionary fervor has resonated with audiences and critics alike, sparking conversations about power, freedom, and the human cost of conflict. The film’s success demonstrates a growing appetite for thought-provoking and politically engaged cinema.
The BAFTA Awards continue to be a vital platform for celebrating cinematic excellence and recognizing the contributions of artists from around the world. This year’s ceremony highlighted the diversity of talent within the industry, showcasing both established filmmakers and emerging voices. The awards serve as a reminder of the power of film to entertain, inspire, and provoke meaningful dialogue.
The event also provided a glimpse into the fashion choices of the attending stars, with Clin d’œil reporting on the most striking looks on the red carpet. The combination of cinematic achievement and celebrity glamour ensured a high level of media attention and public engagement.
