The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, held on February 22 at London’s Royal Festival Hall, delivered a night of cinematic surprises, emotional tributes, and a sweep of historic wins that will be remembered for years to come. The ceremony, hosted by Emmy-winner Alan Cumming, saw Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another emerge as the undisputed frontrunner, taking home six awards, including the coveted Best Film and Best Director gongs.
From the moment the nominations were announced, One Battle After Another was pegged as a favorite, leading with 14 nods. According to Deadline, the film’s winning streak included not only Best Film but also Best Adapted Screenplay for Anderson, Best Cinematography for Michael Bauman, Best Editing, and a surprise Best Supporting Actor win for Sean Penn—his first at the BAFTAs. Penn, notably absent from the ceremony, was considered an outsider in his category, making his victory all the more unexpected.
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners was another major player, securing three awards. The film’s triumphs included Best Original Screenplay, making Coogler the first Black filmmaker to win in the category—a significant milestone highlighted by the BBC. Wunmi Mosaku’s win for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Sinners drew one of the loudest ovations of the evening, while Ludwig Göransson’s original score also took home a trophy. Coogler, accepting on Göransson’s behalf, joked, “He’s working on a little independent film called The Odyssey.”
Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet also made its mark, winning Outstanding British Film and Leading Actress for Jessie Buckley. The latter’s performance was lauded across the board, with Buckley’s win seen as a crowning achievement in a fiercely competitive category. Zhao’s adaptation, produced by an all-star team including Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes, was recognized for its evocative storytelling and fresh take on British heritage.
One of the evening’s breakout stars was Robert Aramayo, who achieved the rare feat of winning both Leading Actor and the public-voted EE Rising Star Award for his performance in I Swear, a film centered on Tourette’s activist John Davidson. The movie also won Best Casting, further cementing its status as a critical darling. The real-life Davidson’s presence at the ceremony led to an unexpected moment when his tics—part of his Tourette’s syndrome—were audible during the live broadcast. Host Alan Cumming addressed the incident with empathy, explaining, “You may have noticed some strong language in the background there, this can be part of how Tourette’s syndrome shows up for some people as the film explores that experience.” Cumming later thanked the attendees for their understanding, a gesture that resonated with viewers and attendees alike, as reported by Variety.
In the crafts categories, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein was a force to be reckoned with, sweeping Best Costume Design, Best Production Design, and Best Make Up & Hair. These wins underscored the film’s technical prowess and del Toro’s reputation for visual storytelling. Meanwhile, Avatar: Fire and Ash claimed Best Special Visual Effects, a testament to the ongoing innovation in blockbuster filmmaking.
The documentary prize went to Mr. Nobody Against Putin, with director David Borenstein remarking, “No matter how dark things get, whether in Russia or on the streets of Minneapolis, we always face a moral choice.” The comment, highlighted by The Guardian, captured the evening’s spirit of resilience and political engagement.
Perhaps the most emotional moment came when the Manipuri-language film Boong won Children’s & Family Film, beating out Disney’s global juggernaut Zootopia 2. As IndieWire noted, Boong became the first film from Northeast India to win a BAFTA, representing a major step forward for diversity in British and world cinema. The award was presented by Paddington Bear, who quipped, “I am the first presenter to get marmalade all over a BAFTA.”
Other notable wins included Akinola Davies Jr. picking up Outstanding Debut By A British Writer, Director Or Producer for My Father’s Shadow. Clare Binns, creative director of Picturehouse Cinemas, was recognized for her Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema, while NBCUniversal Entertainment chairman Dame Donna Langley received the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship for her industry leadership. In terms of distribution, Warner Bros led the pack with nine wins, while Netflix, Studiocanal, Universal, Disney, and Mubi also took home multiple awards.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the ceremony was not without its controversies. The BAFTAs, which are not broadcast live but aired after a two-hour delay, edited out a moment when Akinola Davies Jr. said “Free Palestine” during his acceptance speech, sparking debate online about censorship versus broadcast standards. The unfiltered moment with John Davidson, however, was left in, reflecting a willingness to engage with the realities depicted in the nominated films.
The full list of winners reads like a who’s who of contemporary cinema. One Battle After Another claimed Best Film, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Supporting Actor. Sinners secured Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Original Score. Hamnet won Outstanding British Film and Leading Actress, while I Swear delivered Best Actor, Best Casting, and the EE Rising Star Award. Frankenstein was recognized for its technical artistry, and Boong made history in the family category. The evening’s other winners included Avatar: Fire and Ash for Special Visual Effects, Mr. Nobody Against Putin for Documentary, and This Is Endometriosis and Two Black Boys In Paradise in the short film categories.
Looking back, the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards were a night of both tradition and transformation, honoring established auteurs while embracing new voices and global perspectives. With its blend of star power, heartfelt moments, and a few unscripted surprises, this year’s ceremony left audiences with plenty to talk about—and plenty of films to watch.