The 79th edition of the British Academy Film Awards unfolded in grand style on February 22, 2026, at London’s iconic Royal Festival Hall.
With Alan Cumming steering the evening’s festivities, the ceremony celebrated a year of bold storytelling, unforgettable performances and masterful filmmaking from across the globe.
The Film That Ruled the Night
The political thriller One Battle After Another emerged as the undisputed heavyweight of the evening, sweeping up six major awards — including the coveted Best Film prize.
Visionary filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson clinched Best Director, further cementing his legacy with a commanding creative triumph. The film also secured wins for Adapted Screenplay, Editing and Cinematography, while Sean Penn added Best Supporting Actor to its haul.
Acting Brilliance Takes Centre Stage
Performance categories delivered both expected victories and inspiring milestones:
Best Leading Actor: Robert Aramayo for I Swear, capping his breakout year with both the top acting honour and the public-voted EE Rising Star Award.
Best Leading Actress: Jessie Buckley for her stirring performance in Hamnet.
Best Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners, marking a landmark achievement for the acclaimed British-Nigerian talent.
Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn for One Battle After Another.
Celebrating Storytelling Across Borders
The night also honoured a broad spectrum of cinematic excellence:
Outstanding British Film: Hamnet
Best Original Screenplay: Sinners, penned by Ryan Coogler, which also won Best Original Score
Film Not in the English Language: Sentimental Value
Best Documentary: Mr. Nobody Against Putin
Best Animated Film: Zootropolis 2
Children’s & Family Film: Boong
Craft and Creative Excellence
Behind-the-scenes artistry received its deserved applause:
Frankenstein dominated the design categories, winning Costume Design, Production Design and Make-Up & Hair.
F1 raced ahead to claim Best Sound.
My Father’s Shadow secured Outstanding Debut for Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies.
Two Black Boys in Paradise won British Short Animation, while This Is Endometriosis triumphed in British Short Film.
Honouring Industry Titans
The academy’s highest tribute — the BAFTA Fellowship — was presented to Dame Donna Langley for her remarkable contribution to global cinema. Meanwhile, Clare Binns received the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award for her unwavering support of independent film culture.
A Night That Reflected Global Cinema’s Pulse
BAFTA 2026 was more than a celebration; it was a statement. From powerful political thrillers to intimate dramas and animated adventures, this year’s winners underscored the diversity, innovation and global resonance shaping contemporary cinema.
As the curtains closed at the Royal Festival Hall, one thing was clear: storytelling remains the beating heart of the film industry, and 2026 delivered it spectacularly.
