On 22 February 2026, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts hosted the 79th BAFTA Film Awards at the stunning Royal Festival Hall in London’s vibrant Southbank Centre, celebrating the best films of 2025. With a red carpet filled with global stars, unforgettable fashion moments, and emotional wins, this year’s ceremony was a true testament to the power of storytelling on the big screen.
Hosted by acclaimed performer Alan Cumming for the first time, the awards were broadcast live on BBC One and streamed on BBC iPlayer in the U.K. At the same time, international audiences caught highlights on multiple platforms.
As the night unfolded, one thing became clear: the 2026 BAFTAs were not just about celebration — they were about recognising breakthrough talent, artistic bravery, and the changing face of global cinema.
Unforgettable Highlights from the Red Carpet
The evening began with some of the most talked‑about fashion of the awards season, as stars from diverse corners of the film world arrived in elegant, bold, and memorable ensembles. Designers from London to Los Angeles were represented, with many attendees opting for looks that blended classic glamour with modern edge.
Kate Hudson is wearing a custom red backless Prada gown at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards red carpet.
Teyana Taylor is wearing a high-neck plum satin gown at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards red carpet.
Timothée Chalamet in a black double-breasted tuxedo at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards.
Kate Middleton is wearing a dual-toned pink and raspberry Gucci gown and Queen Elizabeth’s diamond chandelier earrings at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards.
Big Winner of the Night: One Battle After Another
The political thriller One Battle After Another was the undisputed champion of the evening, taking home a remarkable six BAFTAs — the most awards won by any film this year. The film’s success was a highlight of the ceremony and a major talking point among industry insiders.
Awards for One Battle After Another included:
- Best Film — the highest honour of the night.
- Best Director — Paul Thomas Anderson, also receiving recognition for his daring vision.
- Best Adapted Screenplay — a nod to the film’s layered storytelling.
- Best Cinematography — acknowledging its visual mastery.
- Best Editing — for its seamless narrative pacing.
- Best Supporting Actor — Sean Penn, in a powerful lead‑up to awards season buzz.
This strong showing reaffirmed the film’s position as one of the most influential cinematic works of the last year.
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Paul Thomas Anderson receiving Best Film at the BAFTA Film Awards 2026.
Acting Triumphs and Surprises
The acting categories brought both expected honours and delightful surprises, shining a spotlight on both veteran performers and rising stars.
Best Leading Actor: Robert Aramayo — I Swear
In one of the most talked‑about moments of the night, Robert Aramayo won Best Leading Actor for his nuanced performance in I Swear. His win stood out not just for its emotional depth, but also because he outpaced heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet in one of the most competitive fields of the year.
In a double win, Aramayo also took home the EE Rising Star Award, voted for by the public — a testament to his growing connection with film audiences globally.
Robert Aramayo holds his BAFTA for Best Leading Actor.
Best Leading Actress: Jessie Buckley — Hamnet
Jessie Buckley delivered a powerful performance in Hamnet, earning her first BAFTA in the Best Leading Actress category. Her portrayal captured hearts and critics alike, making her victory one of the most celebrated moments of the night.
Jessie Buckley at the BAFTA Film Awards 2026, holding the Best Leading Actress award.
Supporting Acting Awards
- Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn for One Battle After Another, adding another star‑studded accolade to the film’s tally.
- Best Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners, a breakout moment that highlighted both her performance and the strength of the film’s writing.
Visual suggestion:
A side‑by‑side grid of all four winners (Aramayo, Buckley, Penn, Mosaku) in elegant frames.
Alt text: BAFTA 2026 acting winners portrait grid.
Top Five Awards and What They Mean
Below are the standout honours of the evening, each with context for why they mattered at the ceremony and beyond:
1. Best Film — One Battle After Another
A sweeping, cinematic statement that captivated both critics and voters, this win further solidified the film’s cultural impact.
2. Best Director — Paul Thomas Anderson
His directorial flair brought one of the year’s most ambitious narratives to life, cementing his reputation as one of cinema’s most audacious filmmakers.
3. Leading Actor — Robert Aramayo
Aramayo’s win marked a major milestone in his career and underscored his ability to outshine more established contemporaries.
4. Leading Actress — Jessie Buckley
Buckley’s powerful portrayal in Hamnet was a highlight of a year rich with evocative performances.
5. Best Original Screenplay — Sinners
This award was particularly meaningful; with Ryan Coogler becoming the first Black filmmaker to win in this category at BAFTA, it marked a moment of progress in storytelling recognition.
Film posters or stills from One Battle After Another, I Swear, Hamnet, and Sinners.
Celebrating Other Noteworthy Wins
Beyond the headline categories, the 2026 BAFTAs acknowledged excellence across technical, international, and genre fields:
- Best Animated Film: Zootropolis 2 — a continuation of beloved animated storytelling.
- Best Documentary: Mr Nobody Against Putin — powerful real‑world narrative filmmaking.
- Best Film Not in the English Language: Sentimental Value — international flair that found acclaim.
- Outstanding British Film: Hamnet — celebrated both domestically and internationally.
- Outstanding British Debut: My Father’s Shadow — spotlighting fresh new voices.
- Children’s & Family Film: Boong — an inspiring win for diverse cinema.
Technical honours included awards for Costume Design and Production Design (Frankenstein), Sound (F1), and Visual Effects (Avatar: Fire and Ash).
Visual suggestion:
Group image of technical category award winners or representative stills from the winners.
Alt text: Stills or representative visuals from the technical BAFTA winners 2026.
Lifetime Achievement and Special Recognition Awards
The BAFTA ceremony also paid tribute to individuals whose influence extends beyond a single film:
- BAFTA Fellowship: Dame Donna Langley, honoured for her outstanding contribution to film leadership and industry advancement. Presented by HRH The Prince of Wales, this accolade recognises sustained excellence and influence.
- Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema: Clare Binns, a champion of diverse cinema and independent film culture in the UK.
Dame Donna Langley honored at BAFTA 2026.
What This Means for Global Cinema
The 2026 BAFTAs reflected a dynamic and evolving film landscape. With powerful breakout performers, diverse storytelling, and films from across the globe being recognised, this awards season highlighted cinema’s ability to entertain, challenge, and inspire.
From One Battle After Another’s sweep to historic firsts in screenplay recognition, the 79th BAFTAs will likely be referenced throughout awards conversations this year and beyond.
