The 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) unfolded on February 16, 2025, at London’s Royal Festival Hall, celebrating cinematic excellence across genres and languages.
Hosted by David Tennant, the evening honored outstanding achievements in film.
Major Award Winners
Best Film: Conclave
Best British Film: Conclave
Best Director: Brady Corbet for The Brutalist
Best Actor: Adrien Brody for The Brutalist
Best Actress: Mikey Madison for Anora
Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain
Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez
Best Original Screenplay: Jesse Eisenberg for A Real Pain
Best Adapted Screenplay: Edward Berger for Conclave
Best Animated Feature: Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
Best Documentary: Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
Conclave and The Brutalist emerged as the night’s most awarded films, each securing four BAFTAs. Conclave received accolades for Best Film, Best British Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress. The Brutalist won Best Director, Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor.
Notable Moments
Mikey Madison’s Win: Mikey Madison’s Best Actress award for Anora was a highlight, especially given her previous nomination for the EE Rising Star Award. In her acceptance speech, she dedicated the award to the sex worker community, advocating for their respect and dignity.
Kieran Culkin’s Absence: Kieran Culkin, awarded Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain, was unable to attend due to a family emergency. Director Jesse Eisenberg accepted the award on his behalf, highlighting Culkin’s commitment to family and his role as a father.
Fashion Highlights
The red carpet featured notable fashion moments, including Vera Wang’s appearance in a cutout dress that showcased her ageless beauty.
Implications for the Oscars
The BAFTAs often serve as a precursor to the Academy Awards, offering insights into potential Oscar winners. The successes of Conclave and The Brutalist at the BAFTAs suggest they may be strong contenders for the upcoming Oscars.
