Sean Penn claimed the best supporting actor award at the BAFTA Film Awards held on February 22 at the Royal Festival Hall in London, enhancing his prospects for the upcoming Oscars. The evening also saw Paul Thomas Anderson’s film, One Battle After Another, sweep multiple honors, signaling strong momentum ahead of next month’s Academy Awards.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s Film Dominates with Multiple BAFTA Wins
One Battle After Another stood out as the night’s biggest winner, taking home awards for best director, adapted screenplay, editing, and cinematography. Paul Thomas Anderson received best director, an accolade presented by Kate Hudson, where he expressed gratitude towards Leonardo DiCaprio, saying,
“Leo asks you all the right questions.”
Anderson dedicated his win to the late Adam Somner, the film’s assistant director who passed away in November 2024 after battling thyroid cancer. The film led the nominations with 14 nods, reflecting its status as a leading contender in the awards season. Leonardo DiCaprio is also nominated for best actor for his role in the movie, further fueling its Oscar hopes.
Sean Penn Honored as Best Supporting Actor
Sean Penn added to the film’s success by earning the BAFTA for best supporting actor, highlighting his compelling performance. The recognition positions him as a strong candidate for the corresponding Oscar category, reinforcing the film’s widespread acclaim. Meanwhile, British actress Wunmi Mosaku received the best supporting female award for her role in the vampire-themed movie Sinners.
Record-Breaking Nominations and Wins for Female-Directed Film Hamnet
Hamnet, directed by Chloe Zhao, made BAFTA history by breaking the record for the most nominations for a female-directed film, totaling 11 nods. The film earned the BAFTA award for Outstanding British Film in a competitive field of 10 contenders, with producer Sam Mendes accepting on behalf of the team, describing the film as “an act of faith.” Zhao was also recognized for her role in the screenplay nomination alongside Maggie O’Farrell. This achievement marks a significant milestone in recognizing female filmmakers at BAFTA.
Other Major BAFTA Winners Across Key Categories
Sentimental Value, a Norwegian film telling the story of two sisters reuniting with their estranged Hollywood director father, won the BAFTA for Best Film Not in the English Language. Director Joachim Trier acknowledged the award as an unprecedented honor for Norway’s film industry at BAFTA.
The animated sequel Zootropolis 2 captured the award for Best Animated Film. Co-writer Jared Bush highlighted the importance of telling stories that celebrate diversity, stating,
“the world needs these stories right now.”
Meanwhile, the BAFTA for Best Costume was awarded to the film Frankenstein.
Rising Star Award Goes to Robert Aramayo
Actor Robert Aramayo, known for his role in I Swear, received the BAFTA Rising Star Award. After being presented the honor by Aimee Lou Wood and David Jonsson, Aramayo, who had not prepared a speech, thanked his real family and the extended “I Swear” family. He spoke fondly of John Davidson, the Tourette syndrome campaigner whose life inspired the film:
“John Davidson is the most remarkable person I’ve ever met and he believes there is so much more we need to learn about Tourette’s. In the words of the film, they need support and understanding.”
— Robert Aramayo, Actor
BAFTA Fellowship Awarded to Dame Donna Langley
Prince William presented the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship Award to Dame Donna Langley, chief content officer of NBCUniversal. William praised Langley’s dedication and contributions, calling her “a shining light” for emerging talent in the creative industries.
Tributes to Late Film Industry Icons During In Memoriam
The ceremony included a solemn In Memoriam segment, honoring recently deceased film figures. Jessie Ware performed “The Way We Were” as a montage reflected on the lives of notable artists such as Diane Keaton, Terence Stamp, Catherine O’Hara, Gene Hackman, Brigitte Bardot, Val Kilmer, and Robert Redford, among others. This segment underscored the lasting impact of these legends on cinema.
Outstanding British Contribution Award Presented to Clare Binns
Clare Binns, creative director at Picturehouse, received the BAFTA award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema. Accepting the honor, she humorously remarked,
“I’ve been advised to keep it short, which is advice I’d like to extend to filmmakers.”
She further called for visionary approaches in filmmaking, saying,
“What we need above all is unselfish vision, vision which isn’t guided by straight commerce.”
— Clare Binns, Picturehouse Creative Director
Recognition for Outstanding Debut and a Call for Social Awareness
At the ceremony, the film My Father’s Shadow won the BAFTA award for Outstanding Debut by a British writer, director, or producer. Director Akinola Davies Jr used his acceptance speech to address issues affecting diaspora communities and those living under oppression, concluding with a poignant message:
“I appreciate the jury for this honour and what it means for the children of the diaspora. To all those whose parents migrated for a better life for their children, those under occupation, dictatorship, persecution, and those experiencing genocide: you matter.”
“Your stories matter more than ever. Your dreams are an act of resistance. To those watching at home, archive your loved ones, archive your stories yesterday, today and forever. For Nigeria, for London, the Congo, for Sudan. Free Palestine, thank you.”
— Akinola Davies Jr, Director
Additional Awards Highlight Varied Excellence in Film
Besides the major categories, other films were recognized for their achievements. I Swear won the prize for Best Casting, acknowledging its sensitive portrayal of Tourette syndrome. The motor-racing documentary F1 secured best sound, while Sinners earned the award for best original score.
Implications for the Upcoming Oscars and Film Industry Reflections
The strong showing by One Battle After Another, with wins across directing, acting, and technical craft, positions it as a frontrunner for the Oscars next month. The BAFTAs underscored shifting industry dynamics, especially with record-breaking recognition for female-directed films like Hamnet and continued attention to diverse storytelling seen in awardees such as Sentimental Value and Zootropolis 2. The evening balanced celebration with reflection on industry losses, pressing social issues, and the ongoing fight for representation and voices in cinema.
