Bafta Awards 2026: Winners and Highlights from the UK’s Biggest Night in Film
London’s Royal Festival Hall played host to the 2026 Bafta Film Awards on Sunday, February 22nd, celebrating the best in British and international cinema. The evening saw significant wins for One Battle After Another, which took home the award for Best Film and surprising victories for Robert Aramayo and Jessie Buckley in the leading actor and actress categories.
Key Winners of the Night
One Battle After Another dominated the awards, securing a total of six Baftas, including Best Film. Paul Thomas Anderson was recognized as Best Director for his perform on the film. Robert Aramayo’s performance in I Swear earned him the Best Actor award, while Jessie Buckley was named Best Leading Actress for her role in Hamnet.
Other notable winners included:
- Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn
- Best Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku (for Sinners)
- Outstanding British Film: Hamnet
- Film Not in the English Language: Sentimental Value
- Best Costume Design: Frankenstein
- Best Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson
- Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer: Akinola Davies Jr and Wale Davies
- Best Visual Effects: Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Best Children’s and Family Film: Boong
Red Carpet Highlights
The red carpet was a showcase of style, with many attendees opting for vibrant colors and luxurious textures. Jessie Buckley and Chloé Zhao both graced the carpet in regal blue and gold dresses. Leonardo DiCaprio, nominated for Best Actor, was also in attendance. Paul Mescal, nominated for Best Actor, was accompanied by his girlfriend, singer Gracie Abrams, marking their first official red carpet appearance as a couple. Timothée Chalamet attended with Kylie Jenner.
Even Paddington Bear made an appearance, sporting his signature duffle coat and hat.
Surprise Wins and Notable Moments
Robert Aramayo’s win for Best Actor was considered a surprise, beating out Hollywood royalty and fellow nominees. The evening also celebrated emerging talent, with awards recognizing outstanding debuts in British filmmaking.
Prince William attended the awards, noting he wasn’t “in a calm state” due to ongoing family matters, but acknowledged the emotional impact of Hamnet, which left his wife, Kate, in tears.
The Bafta Awards 2026 proved to be a night of celebration, recognizing both established stars and rising talent in the world of cinema.