The 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) took place on 22 February 2026 at the Royal Festival Hall in London, celebrating the most remarkable films of 2025. Hosted by Alan Cumming, the event was a vibrant mix of cinematic excellence, emotional wins, and cultural moments — drawing international stars, industry legends, and films from around the world.
A Dominant Winner: One Battle After Another
The political thriller One Battle After Another emerged as the evening’s most decorated film, winning six BAFTAs — including Best Film, Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor (Sean Penn), as well as awards for Cinematography and Editing. The film’s sharp storytelling and bold themes captivated both critics and voters alike, making it a defining cinematic work of the year.
Standout Performances and Acting Honors
Acting honors at BAFTA 2026 celebrated both established and breakthrough performers:
- Best Leading Actor went to Robert Aramayo for his powerful role in I Swear, where he portrays a real-life advocate living with Tourette syndrome. In a remarkable night, Aramayo also clinched the EE Rising Star Award, the public-voted category recognizing rising talent.
- Best Leading Actress was awarded to Jessie Buckley for her moving performance in Hamnet, a Shakespearean drama that also won Outstanding British Film.
- In supporting categories, Wunmi Mosaku won Best Supporting Actress for Sinners, while Sean Penn’s win for One Battle After Another added fuel to the film’s overall success.
Historic and Global Wins
The 2026 BAFTAs weren’t just about the biggest titles — they were also about diversity and fresh perspectives:
- Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, made history as one of the most nominated and awarded films by a Black filmmaker at BAFTA, taking home awards for Original Screenplay, Original Score, and Supporting Actress.
- In a proud moment for Indian cinema, Boong, a Manipuri film, won Best Children’s & Family Film, marking a first for a regional Indian movie in this category and drawing acclaim from audiences around the world.
- Zootropolis 2 won Best Animated Film, while Sentimental Value took Best Film Not in the English Language, showing the BAFTA voters’ appreciation for diverse storytelling.
Behind the Scenes and Industry Honors
Craft and technical achievements were celebrated across many other categories: Frankenstein dominated costume, makeup, and production design, Mr. Nobody Against Putin won Best Documentary, and Avatar: Fire and Ash secured Best Special Visual Effects.
In one of the ceremony’s most prestigious moments, Dame Donna Langley received the BAFTA Fellowship, the Academy’s highest honor, for her lifetime contribution to film. The Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award was presented to Clare Binns for her tireless support of independent cinema.
A Celebration of Film, Culture, and Community
The 2026 BAFTAs reflected the evolving landscape of global cinema — where bold stories, voices from around the world, and fresh talent stand shoulder to shoulder with industry veterans. With memorable speeches, show-stopping style, and unforgettable wins, this year’s ceremony was not only a showcase of 2025’s best films but also a glimpse into the future of filmmaking itself.
Here’s a detailed winners list and fashion highlights from the 2026 BAFTA Awards (79th British Academy Film Awards) held on 22 February 2026 at the Royal Festival Hall in London, hosted by Alan Cumming — celebrating the best in film of 2025.
🏆 BAFTA 2026 Winners — Key Categories
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Film | One Battle After Another |
| Best Director | Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another) |
| Best Leading Actor | Robert Aramayo (I Swear) |
| Best Leading Actress | Jessie Buckley (Hamnet) |
| Best Supporting Actor | Sean Penn (One Battle After Another) |
| Best Supporting Actress | Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners) |
| Original Screenplay | Sinners (Ryan Coogler) |
| Adapted Screenplay | One Battle After Another |
| Outstanding British Film | Hamnet |
| Film Not in English Language | Sentimental Value |
| Animated Film | Zootropolis 2 |
| Documentary | Mr. Nobody Against Putin |
| BAFTA Fellowship | Dame Donna Langley |
| Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema | Clare Binns |
| EE Rising Star Award | Robert Aramayo |
🎬 One Battle After Another dominated with six BAFTAs, including Best Film, Director, Adapted Screenplay, Supporting Actor, Cinematography and Editing — making it the night’s big winner.
💃✨ Red Carpet Fashion Highlights
The BAFTA red carpet once again lived up to its glamourous reputation — with bold colors, classic elegance, experimental silhouettes, and memorable statements:
🌟 Standout Looks of the Night
- Jessie Buckley impressed in an electric blue gown with elegant detailing, celebrating her Best Actress win with high fashion.
- Wunmi Mosaku dazzled in a royal blue fringe-adorned dress by British designer Ahluwalia — a standout fashion moment of the evening.
- Teyana Taylor turned heads in a custom plum silk gown from Burberry with dramatic collar detailing — a gothic-glam highlight.
- Kate Hudson opted for bold glamour in a red Prada gown, merging classic Hollywood with modern chic.
- Chase Infiniti made a strong statement in a sculptural Louis Vuitton mermaid dress, perfectly complementing her breakout role presence.
- Rose Byrne chose a soft yet striking yellow Miu Miu gown, bringing brightness to the carpet.
- Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams debuted as a fashionable couple — Mescal in a relaxed, elegant suit and Abrams in an understated but artistic Chanel gown.
👑 Royal & Special Moments
- Catherine, Princess of Wales (Kate Middleton) returned to the BAFTA red carpet in a re-styled Gucci gown paired with historic Cartier earrings — adding royal elegance to the evening.
- Alia Bhatt, presenting an award in Hindi (“Namaskar”), also brought old-Hollywood-style glamour in a silver gown that captivated fans.
👗 Fashion Trends That Defined BAFTA 2026
From dramatic structure to sleek tailoring and bold colors, this year’s red carpet blended classic and contemporary:
- Statement gowns with architectural elements were everywhere — from intricate collars to voluminous silhouettes.
- Men’s fashion took creative liberties too, with tailored suits incorporating relaxed fits and bold accessories, reflecting individuality on the red carpet.
- A mix of luxury designers — from Louis Vuitton to Prada, Chanel, Burberry and Miu Miu — showcased how global style continues to evolve in awards fashion.
🥂 Conclusion: A Night of Art, Culture & High Style
The 2026 BAFTA Awards were not just a recognition of outstanding cinematic achievements but also a festival of fashion and culture. With iconic wins, memorable performances, and a red carpet filled with creative expression, this year’s ceremony underscored the continued blending of artistry and style that defines the modern awards season.
Images: Getty Images