The 2026 EE British Academy Film Awards unfolded with a clear narrative taking shape as the night progressed, with Paul Thomas Anderson’s politically charged thriller One Battle After Another emerging as the defining film of the ceremony. By the end of the evening, it had secured six major awards, including Best Film and Best Director, giving it a decisive edge as awards season gathers pace.
There were quieter, equally meaningful victories scattered across the categories. Shakespearean drama Hamnet was named Outstanding British Film, with Jessie Buckley delivering a performance that earned her Best Leading Actress. In the acting races, one of the most talked about results saw Robert Aramayo win Best Leading Actor for I Swear, edging past established names including Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet.
The supporting categories reflected the breadth of storytelling this year. Wunmi Mosaku’s work in Sinners brought her the Supporting Actress award, while Sean Penn secured Supporting Actor for One Battle After Another. Elsewhere, Benicio Del Toro, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, Peter Mullan and Stellan Skarsgård were among the nominees recognised in the same category.
Across the craft fields, Frankenstein showed technical strength, taking honours in Costume Design, Makeup and Hair and Production Design. Cinematography and Editing went to One Battle After Another, reinforcing its overall dominance. Sinners found success in Original Screenplay and Original Score, while the Adapted Screenplay prize went to Anderson’s film as well.
In the international and documentary sections, Sentimental Value was named Best Film Not in the English Language, and Mr. Nobody Against Putin won Best Documentary. Animated film honours went to Zootropolis 2, while Boong claimed the Children’s and Family Film award.
The full slate of nominated and winning titles spanned a wide range of projects including Hamnet, Marty Supreme, Sentimental Value, Sinners, I Swear, Bugonia, The Ballad of Wallis Island, Pillion, Frankenstein, F1, Train Dreams, Wicked: For Good, Warfare, Avatar: Fire and Ash, How to Train Your Dragon, The Lost Bus, Cardboard, Solstice, Two Black Boys in Paradise, Magid/Zafar, Nostalgie, Terence, This Is Endometriosis and Welcome Home Freckles, with Robert Aramayo also taking the EE Rising Star Award.
As the ceremony closed, the pattern of recognition suggested a film year shaped by distinctive voices and ambitious storytelling. With momentum now building toward the Oscars, the BAFTA results have offered a clear signal of which titles and performances are resonating most strongly with voters and audiences alike.
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