BAFTA Awards 2025: The full list of winners

2023 BAFTA Awards: A Celebration of Cinematic Excellence

The 2023 BAFTA Awards was a dazzling celebration of cinematic excellence, showcasing the best of both British and international filmmaking talent. This year, 42 films were in contention across various categories, ranging from blockbuster hits to independent gems. Among these, Conclave and The Brutalist emerged as the standout winners, each taking home four awards. The ceremony not only highlighted the diversity of storytelling but also honored the extraordinary talent behind the scenes, from directing and acting to technical achievements.

Big Winners: Conclave and The Brutalist

The night belonged to Conclave and The Brutalist, both of which claimed four awards each. Conclave, a gripping political drama, won Best Film and Outstanding British Film, solidifying its status as a critical darling. Its director, Edward Berger, was praised for his masterful storytelling and tense direction. On the other hand, The Brutalist, a visually stunning and deeply unsettling film, earned accolades for its director Brady Corbet, as well as for its cinematography, production design, and original score. These films demonstrated the power of cinema to captivate and provoke, resonating with audiences and critics alike.

Outstanding British Talent and International Flair

British cinema shone brightly at the BAFTAs, with Conclave leading the charge in the Outstanding British Film category. Other notable nominees included Bird, Blitz, and Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, showcasing the diverse range of British storytelling. Meanwhile, the Film Not in the English Language category was won by Emilia Perez, a poignant and beautifully crafted film that highlighted the universal language of cinema. This category also saw strong competition from Kneecap, a debut film that made waves for its bold narrative and director Rich Peppiatt’s innovative vision.

Stellar Performances and Breakthroughs

The acting categories were filled with stellar performances, with both established stars and rising talents vying for recognition. In the Leading Actress category, Mikey Madison delivered a captivating performance in Anora, earning her the top honor. Cynthia Erivo, a BAFTA favorite, was nominated for her powerful portrayal in Wicked, while Saoirse Ronan impressed in The Outrun. On the Leading Actor front, Adrien Brody’s intense performance in The Brutalist earned him the award, beating out Timothée Chalamet for A Complete Unknown and Ralph Fiennes for Conclave. The Supporting categories also saw memorable performances, with Zoe Saldana and Kieran Culkin taking home awards for their roles in Emilia Perez and A Real Pain, respectively.

Technical Excellence and Creative Vision

Behind the camera, the BAFTAs celebrated the technical wizardry that brings films to life. The Brutalist won awards for Cinematography and Production Design, while Conclave took home the prize for Editing. The Costume Design category was dominated by Wicked, whose extravagant outfits dazzled audiences. In the Documentary category, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story emerged as the winner, offering a deeply personal and inspiring look at the life of the iconic actor. Animated films were also celebrated, with Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl charming audiences and securing the award for Best Animated Film.

A Look to the Future: Rising Stars and Debut Talent

The BAFTAs also recognized emerging talent, with the Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer award going to Rich Peppiatt for Kneecap. This category highlighted the innovative voices shaping the future of cinema. Additionally, the public-voted Rising Star Award went to a deserving talent, signaling the next generation of stars set to make their mark on the industry. As the ceremony came to a close, it was clear that the 2023 BAFTAs not only celebrated the achievements of the past year but also laid the groundwork for a bright and exciting future for film.