Baftas 2026: A Night of Shocks and Celebrations in London
The 2026 Baftas ceremony, held at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall in London, delivered an evening filled with unexpected twists and triumphant victories for the British film industry. On Sunday, 22 February, the event attracted a glittering array of stars, including Timothée Chalamet, Paul Mescal, Michael B. Jordan, Jessie Buckley, and Emma Stone, all gathered to honour cinematic excellence.
Major Upsets and Dominant Performances
In one of the most surprising moments of the night, Robert Aramayo clinched the Best Actor award for his role in I Swear, beating out heavy favourite Leonardo DiCaprio from One Battle After Another. During his emotional acceptance speech, Aramayo expressed disbelief, stating, "I absolutely can't believe this. I can't believe I'm here looking at people like you, in the same category as you," as he gestured towards DiCaprio in the audience.
Meanwhile, Paul Thomas Anderson's dark comedy One Battle After Another emerged as the big winner of the evening, securing six awards out of its fourteen nominations, including the coveted Best Film prize. However, the film's star, Leonardo DiCaprio, missed out on the Leading Actor accolade, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the awards.
Notable Wins and Highlights
Irish actress Jessie Buckley took home the Best Actress award for her powerful portrayal of Anne Hathaway in Chloé Zhao's Hamnet, which also won Outstanding British Film. Other key victories included:
- Best Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners
- Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn for One Battle After Another
- Outstanding Debut: My Father's Shadow by Akinola Davies Jr.
- Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler for Sinners
- Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another
The EE Rising Star Award was presented to Robert Aramayo, capping off his remarkable night. Additionally, Alan Cumming made a fashion statement on the red carpet by sporting transgender pride colours in his hairdo, adding a touch of activism to the glamorous event.
Complete List of Bafta 2026 Winners
Below is the full breakdown of winners across all categories:
- Best Film: One Battle After Another
- Director: Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another
- Leading Actress: Jessie Buckley for Hamnet
- Leading Actor: Robert Aramayo for I Swear
- Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners
- Supporting Actor: Sean Penn for One Battle After Another
- Casting: Lauren Evans for I Swear
- Outstanding British Film: Hamnet
- Outstanding Debut: My Father's Shadow
- Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler for Sinners
- Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another
- Film Not in the English Language: Sentimental Value
- Documentary: Mr. Nobody Against Putin
- Animated Film: Zootropolis 2
- Children's & Family Film: Arcoboong
- Editing: Andy Jurgensen for One Battle After Another
- Cinematography: Michael Bauman for One Battle After Another
- Production Design: Tamara Deverell and Shane Vieau for Frankenstein
- Costume Design: Kate Hawley for Frankenstein
- Make Up and Hair: Jordan Samuel, Cliona Furey, Mike Hill, Megan Many for Frankenstein
- Original Score: Ludwig Göransson for Sinners
- Sound: Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo, Juan Peralta for F1
- Special Visual Effects: Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Daniel Barrett, Eric Saindon for Avatar: Fire and Ash
- British Short Film: This Is Endometriosis
- British Short Animation: Two Black Boys in Paradise
- EE Rising Star Award: Robert Aramayo
The 2026 Baftas not only celebrated artistic achievements but also underscored the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of British cinema, with surprises and standout performances defining a memorable night.
