Robert Aramayo and ‘One Battle After Another’ Triumph at 2026 BAFTAs
The 2026 British Academy Film Awards saw a night of surprises and accolades, with Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another dominating the ceremony, taking home six awards. Robert Aramayo secured two wins – Leading Actor and the Rising Star Award – while Jessie Buckley and Wunmi Mosaku also earned top honors in the acting categories.
‘One Battle After Another’ Leads the Pack
One Battle After Another, a counterculture comedy inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland, was the night’s biggest winner, claiming awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Supporting Actor (Sean Penn, who was unable to attend), and Best Adapted Screenplay. Paul Thomas Anderson, accepting the Best Director award, stated, “Anybody who says movies aren’t good anymore can piss right off, given that this is a great fucking year.” He also honored the film’s late producer, Adam Somner, who passed away in 2024.
Surprise Wins in Acting Categories
Robert Aramayo’s win for Best Actor in I Swear was considered a shock, beating out nominees Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. Aramayo also received the Rising Star Award. Jessie Buckley won the Leading Actress award for her role in Hamnet, becoming the first Irish woman to win in the category at the main awards. Wunmi Mosaku was awarded Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Sinners, portraying a hoodoo practitioner and healer.
Ryan Coogler Makes History with ‘Sinners’
Ryan Coogler made BAFTA history by becoming the first Black winner of the Best Original Screenplay award for Sinners. Ludwig Göransson, who won Best Score for the film, was unable to attend as he is currently working on The Odyssey, with Coogler collecting the award on his behalf.
Key Winners at the 2026 BAFTAs
- Best Film: One Battle After Another
- Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
- Leading Actor: Robert Aramayo, I Swear
- Leading Actress: Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
- Supporting Actor: Sean Penn, One Battle After Another
- Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners
- Original Screenplay: Ryan Coogler, Sinners
- Adapted Screenplay: One Battle After Another
The 2026 BAFTA Awards highlighted a strong year for British and international cinema, with several unexpected wins and historic moments.