The 79th British Academy Film Awards

On 22 February 2026, the film world convened in London to honour the outstanding cinematic achievements of the previous year at the 79th British Academy Film Awards, presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). Taking place at the historic Royal Festival Hall – a venue synonymous with cultural prestige – the ceremony celebrated films released in 2025, spotlighting excellence from acting and directing to technical innovation and documentary storytelling.

I. Historical and Cultural Context of the BAFTAs

The British Academy Film Awards have long stood as one of the most influential recognitions in global cinema, second only to the Academy Awards in terms of international prestige. Founded in 1947, BAFTA began as a British counterpart to the Oscars, dedicated to celebrating excellence in film. Over the decades it has expanded to include television, games, and much broader media categories, but its annual film awards remain the centerpiece of its cultural influence.

By 2026, the BAFTAs had evolved into a ceremony that not only reflects British filmmaking but also serves as a global stage for international voices. Its timing in late February – usually three weeks ahead of the Oscars – positions it as a bellwether for the broader awards season, often identifying frontrunners and revealing industry preferences that resonate across continents.

In this edition, the BAFTAs continued this tradition, acknowledging films that pushed artistic boundaries, tackled political and social issues, and redefined genres. The 79th ceremony was held at a time when cinema was navigating rapid change: streaming platforms were balancing box-office competition, filmmakers were experimenting with hybrid forms, and global audiences were demanding more inclusive representation both on screen and behind the camera.

Adding to the cultural weight of the event, the evening was hosted by Scottish actor Alan Cumming, known for his vibrant presence and artistic versatility. Cumming’s hosting marked a fresh chapter, succeeding previous hosts and adding a uniquely theatrical flair to the proceedings.

II. Nominations: Leading Contenders and Record-Breaking Films

The nominations for the 79th BAFTAs were announced on 27 January 2026, revealing a competitive field that blended mainstream successes with art-house darlings and international cinema. The longlists had earlier been disclosed on 9 January, generating early buzz and industry chatter.

Dominant Films and Their Impact

At the nomination stage, three films stood out for their sheer volume of recognition:

One Battle After Another – An action thriller that set records with 16 longlist mentions, the highest in BAFTA history, surpassing acclaimed films like Oppenheimer and Barbie.
Sinners – A vampire thriller directed by Ryan Coogler that earned 13 nominations, becoming the most-nominated film by a Black director at BAFTA.
Hamnet and Marty Supreme – Each securing 11 nominations, showing both breadth and depth in storytelling.

These films represented a range of styles and sensibilities. One Battle After Another seemed poised to dominate with its blend of political tension and cinematic artistry; Sinners brought genre cinema into awards conversation with unprecedented recognition; and Hamnet anchored the night with its dramatic and historical gravitas.

The diversity of the nominations underscored BAFTA’s growing embrace of global voices and genre innovation. Animated films, documentaries, and non-English language cinema shared the spotlight with traditional dramatic narratives, reflecting a broadened perspective on what “cinematic excellence” means in 2026.

III. The Ceremony: Moments of Triumph and Surprise

The ceremony on 22 February 2026 was a celebration filled with heartfelt speeches, emotional wins, and a few surprises that sparked conversation across the entertainment world. The evening was broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the United Kingdom, with international coverage extending its reach.

A. One Battle After Another: A Sweep of Awards

One Battle After Another emerged as the night’s most decorated film, winning six major BAFTA awards:

Best Film
Best Director – Paul Thomas Anderson
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Supporting Actor – Sean Penn

This sweep affirmed the film’s powerful resonance with BAFTA voters, who honoured it not only for its narrative strength but also for its technical mastery. Paul Thomas Anderson’s film, a politically charged drama about resistance and ideology, was recognized as both artistically ambitious and culturally timely.

The performance by Sean Penn in a supporting role was widely praised for its emotional intensity, bringing the filmmaker’s vision to life with nuanced skill.

B. Leading Performances: Actor and Actress

At the forefront of the acting categories were Robert Aramayo and Jessie Buckley, whose wins represented both breakthrough and established excellence:

Best Leading Actor – Robert Aramayo for I Swear: Aramayo’s portrayal of a Tourette syndrome advocacy campaigner was a powerful, empathetic performance that garnered widespread acclaim. His win was notable for its emotional depth and was accompanied by the EE Rising Star Award, which he also received—the only category voted on by the public.
Best Leading Actress – Jessie Buckley for Hamnet: Buckley’s performance as Agnes in Hamnet brought a quiet, intense emotionality to the screen. Her victory acknowledged both her individual talent and the film’s resonance with BAFTA voters.

Both victories signaled a broader trend: BAFTA’s willingness to honour performances that may not always dominate commercial box offices but embody transformative artistry.

C. Recognition Across Categories

The 79th BAFTAs also celebrated achievements that echoed filmmaking diversity:

Best Supporting Actress – Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners, honoring her compelling portrayal of a healer confronting existential and cultural dilemmas.
Best Original Screenplay – Ryan Coogler for Sinners, marking a historic achievement in BAFTA history.
Outstanding British Film – Hamnet, reflecting the film’s cultural rootedness and artistic excellence within British—and global—cinema.
Animated Feature – Zootropolis 2, affirming BAFTA’s continued recognition of animation as a vital cinematic art form.
Best Documentary – Mr. Nobody Against Putin, acknowledging the importance of documentary storytelling in engaging political and social realities.

Technical categories also celebrated mastery, with films like Frankenstein earning recognition in Costume Design, Makeup & Hair, and Production Design. Special Visual Effects honours went to Avatar: Fire and Ash, while Boong won the Children’s & Family Film award, highlighting cinema’s capacity to engage audiences across all ages.

D. Special Honours and Moments

Beyond competitive categories, two special honours marked the evening:

The BAFTA Fellowship was presented to Dame Donna Langley, recognizing her exceptional contribution to film over her career.
The Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award was bestowed upon Clare Binns, whose work championed independent cinema across the UK.

These awards underscored BAFTA’s role not just in celebrating films of the past year but also in acknowledging those whose influence sustains the industry’s future.

IV. Red Carpet, Reception, and Public Response

The red carpet at the Royal Festival Hall showcased a dazzling array of international stars and fashion statements. From veteran actors to rising talent, the event highlighted how cinema continues to be a platform for cultural expression—both artistic and sartorial.

International media coverage emphasized memorable outfits, celebrity attendance, and the global reach of the ceremony. In India, for example, outlets noted Bollywood talent participating in the event, signaling BAFTA’s widening cultural resonance.

However, not all attention was celebratory. Some commentary highlighted moments where the host, Alan Cumming, faced unexpected audience reactions, including audience noise that briefly overshadowed his performance. Despite this, the core focus remained on the films and their creators, rather than on isolated moments of awkwardness.

V. Controversies, Snubs, and Critical Debates

No awards ceremony is without debate, and the 79th BAFTAs were no exception. Critics and audiences alike discussed several key talking points:

A. Oscar Implications and Industry Predictions

With BAFTA’s timing just weeks before the Academy Awards, predictions about Oscar outcomes were intensified. Many industry observers analyzed the BAFTA winners as possible indicators of Oscar favourites, especially with films like One Battle After Another and Sinners performing strongly.

Yet BAFTA voters have shown historic independence from Oscars outcomes, and discussions persist about how British sensibilities might diverge from American preferences. The recognition of films like Hamnet and Mr. Nobody Against Putin, for example, demonstrated BAFTA’s broader appreciation for international and documentary categories – areas where Oscar recognition is often more limited.

B. Snubs and Surprising Omissions

Some notable performances and films, despite critical acclaim or buzz, did not win major awards. Broad discussions emerged around figures like Timothée Chalamet or films that were nominated but did not secure wins. These snubs fueled conversation about the shifting landscape – where genre films or films with political edge sometimes gained traction, while others were overlooked.

C. Record-Breaking Recognition for Diverse Directors

The nomination success of Sinners – directed by Ryan Coogler – was both celebrated and discussed in terms of representation. Its historical nomination record for a Black director at BAFTA sparked broader conversations about diversity and inclusion within major film awards.

These dialogues reflect an ongoing cultural reckoning: awards bodies are increasingly pressured to recognize a wider range of voices and narratives. In 2026, the BAFTAs demonstrated progress, though critics noted there was still work to be done.