The 2026 British Academy Film Awards, widely known as the BAFTAs, concluded on Sunday, 22nd February 2026, with a glamorous ceremony that celebrated the finest achievements in cinema over the past year. Held in London, the event saw a diverse array of films and talents honoured, highlighting both established icons and emerging voices in the industry.
Major Awards and Highlights
The evening's top prize, Best Film, was awarded to "One Battle After Another", a gripping drama that captivated audiences and critics alike. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film also secured several other key awards, reinforcing its dominance at the ceremony. Anderson himself was recognised as Best Director for his masterful work on the project, showcasing his continued influence in contemporary filmmaking.
Acting Categories and Standout Performances
In the acting categories, Robert Aramayo delivered a standout performance, earning the Best Actor award for his role in "I Swear". Aramayo's talent was further acknowledged when he won the Rising Star Award, a category voted for by the public, underscoring his popularity and promising future in the industry. Meanwhile, Jessie Buckley took home the Best Actress award for her compelling portrayal in "Hamnet", which also won Best British Film, celebrating homegrown storytelling at its finest.
Supporting roles were equally celebrated, with Sean Penn receiving the Best Supporting Actor award for his contribution to "One Battle After Another", and Wunmi Mosaku honoured as Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Sinners". These wins highlighted the depth of talent across ensemble casts, adding to the night's excitement.
Technical and Creative Excellence
The awards also shone a light on the technical and creative prowess behind the scenes. "One Battle After Another" continued its sweep with wins for Adapted Screenplay by Paul Thomas Anderson, Cinematography by Michael Bauman, and Editing by Andy Jurgensen. In other categories, "Sinners" was recognised for Original Screenplay by Ryan Coogler and Musical Score, while "Frankenstein" impressed with awards for Production Design, Costume Design by Kate Hawley, and Makeup and Hair.
Animated films had their moment too, with "Zootropolis 2" (known as "Zootopia 2" in the U.S.) winning Best Animated Film, delighting family audiences. The documentary category was won by "Mr. Nobody Against Putin", a powerful piece that resonated with viewers for its timely subject matter.
British Talent and Special Recognitions
Celebrating British contributions, the Outstanding British Debut award went to Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies for writing and directing "My Father's Shadow", highlighting new voices in cinema. Clare Binns, Creative Director of PictureHouse Cinemas, was honoured with the Outstanding British contribution to cinema award, acknowledging her impact on the film exhibition sector.
The prestigious BAFTA Fellowship was awarded to Donna Langley, chairperson of NBCUniversal Entertainment, in recognition of her significant influence and dedication to the global film industry. This lifetime achievement award capped off a night that celebrated both artistic innovation and enduring legacy.
Complete List of Winners
- Film – "One Battle After Another"
- British Film – "Hamnet"
- Director – Paul Thomas Anderson, "One Battle After Another"
- Actor – Robert Aramayo, "I Swear"
- Actress – Jessie Buckley, "Hamnet"
- Supporting Actor – Sean Penn, "One Battle After Another"
- Supporting Actress – Wunmi Mosaku, "Sinners"
- Rising Star (voted for by the public) – Robert Aramayo
- Outstanding British Debut – Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies for "My Father's Shadow"
- Original Screenplay – Ryan Coogler, "Sinners"
- Adapted Screenplay – Paul Thomas Anderson, "One Battle After Another"
- Film Not in the English Language – "Sentimental Value"
- Musical Score – "Sinners"
- Cinematography – Michael Bauman, "One Battle After Another"
- Editing – Andy Jurgensen, "One Battle After Another"
- Production Design – "Frankenstein"
- Costume Design – Kate Hawley, "Frankenstein"
- Sound – "F1"
- Casting – Lauren Evans, "I Swear"
- Visual Effects – "Avatar: Fire and Ash"
- Makeup and Hair – "Frankenstein"
- Animated Film – "Zootropolis 2" (released in the U.S. as "Zootopia 2")
- British Short Film – "This is Endometriosis"
- British Short Animation – "Two Black Boys in Paradise"
- Children’s and Family Film – "Boong"
- Documentary – "Mr. Nobody Against Putin"
- Outstanding British contribution to cinema – Clare Binns, Creative Director of PictureHouse Cinemas
- BAFTA Fellowship – NBCUniversal Entertainment chairperson Donna Langley
The 2026 BAFTAs not only honoured cinematic excellence but also reflected the diversity and creativity shaping the film world today, setting a high bar for future ceremonies.
