‘One Battle After Another’ Dominates 2026 BAFTA Awards

Paul Thomas Anderson’s politically charged thriller One Battle After Another was the big winner at the 79th British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, February 22, 2026, taking home six prizes, including Best Picture and Best Director . The win builds momentum for the film as it heads into the Oscars next month.

Key Winners

One Battle After Another secured awards for directing, adapted screenplay, cinematography, editing, and Sean Penn’s supporting performance, in addition to the top prizes .

Other notable winners included:

• Best Actress: Jessie Buckley for Hamnet
• Best Actor: Robert Aramayo for I Swear (a surprise win, beating out Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet)
• Best British Film: Hamnet
• Original Screenplay: Sinners
• Musical Score: Sinners
• Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners

Star-Studded Ceremony

The ceremony, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, drew a crowd of Hollywood and British celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, Glenn Close, and Ethan Hawke . Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, were too in attendance, shortly after news of Prince William’s uncle’s arrest .

Awards Season Continues

The BAFTA Awards are a key indicator of success as awards season progresses, often foreshadowing outcomes at the Academy Awards. With six wins, One Battle After Another is now a strong contender for Oscars glory .