BAFTA Awards 2025: A Night of Triumph and Emotional Moments

Conclave Reigns Supreme, The Brutalist Makes History

The 2025 BAFTA Awards were nothing short of spectacular, with Conclave and The Brutalist emerging as the big winners of the night. Based on Robert Harris’s 2016 novel, Conclave claimed the coveted Best Film and Outstanding British Film awards. The movie also bagged Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Editing, further cementing its dominance. Director Edward Berger, who previously swept the awards with All Quiet on the Western Front, expressed his gratitude to the cast, calling their performances “pure magic” that he could hardly comprehend. However, Conclave missed out on acting honors, with Ralph Fiennes losing the Best Actor award to Adrien Brody for his powerful portrayal of Hungarian architect Lazlo Toth in The Brutalist. Brody, who collected his first BAFTA, described the win as “incredibly meaningful,” especially given his recent connection to England. The Brutalist, a three-and-a-half-hour epic, also triumphed in Best Director, Best Original Score, and Best Cinematography categories. Interestingly, Brady Corbet, who won Best Director for the film, humbly dismissed the idea of a “best director,” emphasizing the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

Emerging Talent and Historic Wins

The evening also highlighted the rise of fresh talent and historic achievements. Mikey Madison, the breakout star of Anora, a film about a Brooklyn sex worker who marries into wealth, won Best Actress. Madison, just 25 years old, used her acceptance speech to honor the sex worker community, stating, “I see you. You deserve respect and human decency. I will always be a friend and an ally.” Her heartfelt words resonated deeply, adding a layer of social consciousness to the ceremony. Anora also took home the award for Best Casting.

Meanwhile, Emilia Perez, a mostly Spanish-language film, claimed the prize for Best Film Not in the English Language, despite facing controversy over its representation of the trans community and stereotypical depictions of Mexicans. The film’s star, Karla Sofia Gascon, was notably absent from the event. In another highlight, Zoe Saldana, who won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Perez, delivered an emotional speech. She reflected on her past struggles with British accent roles, which she was once told were unattainable for her. “Films are supposed to change hearts and challenge minds,” she said, hopeful that Emilia Perez had made an impact. Her win marked a milestone, as she had also triumphed in the same category at the Golden Globes.

Technical Excellence and Unforgettable Performances

The BAFTAs also celebrated technical brilliance and standout performances. The Substance, a body horror film, won Best Makeup and Hair, even though its lead actress, Moore, missed out on Best Actress. Meanwhile, A Real Pain, a comedy about two cousins revisiting their family history in Poland, claimed Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Kieran Culkin. However, Culkin was unable to attend due to a family member’s illness, so his co-star and the film’s writer, Jesse Eisenberg, accepted the award on his behalf.

The ceremony also showcased the power of music and animation. Dune: Part Two opened the night with a win for Special Visual Effects, while Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl charmed audiences by bagging both Best Children’s and Family Film and Best Animated Feature. Accepting his second award of the night, Aardman director Nick Park humorously admitted, “I didn’t actually write a second speech.”

Music, Magic, and In Memoriam

The BAFTAs were not just about the awards; they were a celebration of artistry and legacy. Host David Tennant kicked off the show with a spirited rendition of The Proclaimers’ I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), setting a lively tone for the evening. Later, Take That performed their hit song Greatest Day, which has gained new popularity due to its inclusion in Anora. Meanwhile, Jeff Goldblum paid a touching tribute to late stars, including Dame Maggie Smith and David Lynch, by playing As Time Goes By during the In Memoriam segment.

Rising Stars and Special Honors

The night also recognized rising talent and contributions to the film industry. David Jonsson, star of Alien Romulus, won the publicly voted Rising Star Award, celebrating his growing presence in the industry. In a pre-announced honor, British actor Warwick Davis, known for his roles in Willow and the Harry Potter franchise, received the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship for his acting and advocacy work.

As the ceremony drew to a close, the BAFTAs reminded everyone of the power of cinema to inspire, challenge, and unite. From historic wins to emotional speeches, the 2025 BAFTAs were a testament to the magic of storytelling and the talent that brings it to life.