Stars gather at BAFTAs 2026 as One Battle After Another claims six awards, marking a dramatic night that reshapes the Oscar race worldwide!
One Battle After Another stormed the BAFTA Film Awards, taking home six trophies, including Best Picture, and strengthening its Oscar momentum. The politically charged drama also earned awards for directing, adapted screenplay, cinematography, editing, and a supporting win for Sean Penn.
Director Paul Thomas Anderson called the moment “overwhelming,” dedicating his win to late assistant director Adam Somner and urging filmmakers to create “without fear.”
Acting Wins Bring Surprises and Firsts
Irish star Jessie Buckley secured Best Actress for her emotional role in Hamnet, becoming the first Irish performer to win in the category.
In a major upset, Robert Aramayo won Best Actor for I Swear, beating heavyweight nominees including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Ethan Hawke, and Michael B. Jordan.
Multiple Wins for Sinners and Frankenstein
Sinners collected three awards, including Original Screenplay for Ryan Coogler and Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku.
Frankenstein also won three technical prizes, with Jacob Elordi undergoing dramatic daily transformations for the role.
Norwegian drama Sentimental Value was named Best Film Not in the English Language.
Royal Presence and Star Power
The ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall drew major names, with Prince William attending as BAFTA president alongside Catherine, Princess of Wales. Host Alan Cumming led a night that balanced heavy film themes with red-carpet glamour.
Oscar Race Heats Up
Often an Academy Awards bellwether, the BAFTAs boosted the prospects of One Battle After Another, which now heads into the Academy Awards as a major contender.
With powerful storytelling and multiple honors, this year’s BAFTAs confirmed a strong — if politically and emotionally intense — year for global cinema.
