The BAFTA Film Awards 2025, held on February 16 at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall in London, showcased the brightest talents and films from the past year. This year’s ceremony, hosted by the charismatic David Tennant, was marked by memorable moments and strong competition, with major wins for 'Conclave' and 'The Brutalist'.
'Conclave,' directed by Edward Berger, stood out as the star of the night, taking home four awards including Best Film and Outstanding British Film. The film, which centers on the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the election of a new pope, struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. Berger, accepting the Best Film award, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort involved, saying, "What you did for me on set was magic," and highlighted the film’s reflection on the crisis of democracy.
Adrien Brody earned the coveted Leading Actor award for his portrayal of a Hungarian-Jewish architect in the epic drama 'The Brutalist.' Brody’s heartfelt acceptance speech underscored the film’s themes of legacy and meaning, stating, "The film is about this pursuit of leaving something meaningful and I think that's something we can all relate to." Brody’s director, Brady Corbet, also received accolades, winning Best Director.
Mikey Madison took home the Leading Actress award for her performance in 'Anora,' where she plays a sex worker who falls for a Russian oligarch. This unexpected win over frontrunners such as Demi Moore left the audience surprised. Madison’s emotional acceptance speech included words of support for the sex worker community, stating, "I see you, you deserve respect and human decency. I will always be a friend and ally." Her heartfelt acknowledgment of the struggles faced by marginalized groups added depth to the celebration.
Among other notable winners was Zoe Saldana, who won the Supporting Actress award for her role in 'Emilia Perez'. Saldana gratefully thanked her family, noting the importance of representation and stories within the cinematic sphere. Kieran Culkin won the Supporting Actor category for his performance in Jesse Eisenberg’s 'A Real Pain.' Eisenberg accepted the award on Culkin’s behalf, humorously noting it was the “fifth” time he had collected for his co-star, who was attending to family matters.
The animated film 'Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl' also enjoyed success, clinching two awards for Best Animated Film and Best Children's and Family Film. This victory highlighted the film's ability to engage younger audiences and families alike, reinforcing the significance of storytelling across generations.
David Tennant, well-known for his humor, kept the mood lively throughout the evening. Opening with a spirited version of The Proclaimers’ 'I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles),' he set the stage for what was to be another vibrant evening filled with laughter and glitz. His playful jabs during the monologue, including references to current events, kept the ambiance enjoyable and allowed the audience to relax and celebrate the achievements of the artists present.
The BAFTAS this year tackled significant social issues, with films like 'Emilia Perez' illustrating the need for diverse narratives, even amid controversies surrounding its lead actress. Despite the upheaval generated by unearthed offensive social media posts from Karla Sofía Gascón, the film still managed to walk away with the award for Best Film Not in the English Language.
Warwick Davis was honored with the BAFTA Fellowship award, acknowledging his decades of work and contributions to the film industry. His tribute was touching and heartfelt, connecting personal experiences with his career. Davis remarked, "This is probably the best thing that's happened to me," emphasizing the emotional weight of the honor.
The annual ceremony serves as the final significant film awards before the upcoming Oscars, and this year’s results suggested potential frontrunners for Hollywood’s most coveted awards. The significant overlap among voters, coupled with the rising star status of winners like David Jonsson, indicates heightened anticipation leading up to the Oscars.
Overall, the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards delivered not just awards but also celebrated the rich diversity and talent within the film industry today. With memorable moments and poignant speeches, the night affirmed the importance of film as both a medium for storytelling and as a reflection of societal values.