Wunmi Mosaku on BAFTA Win Overshadowed by BBC Slur Incident

Wunmi Mosaku, the Bafta-winning actress for her role in Sinners, has spoken about the “shadow” cast over her award by the BBC’s failure to censor a racial slur during the live broadcast of the ceremony. The incident, involving a shout from Tourette’s campaigner John Davidson, has prompted regret from the BBC and an internal investigation.

Bafta Win and Initial Reaction

Mosaku, 39, received the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2026 Bafta Film Awards for her portrayal of Annie, a Hoodoo priestess, in the musical horror film Sinners. She is the first Black British winner of the supporting actress category at the Bafta film awards. Mosaku shared that she felt she rediscovered parts of herself – “my hopes, my ancestral power and connection” – through the role, aspects she had previously felt compelled to suppress as an immigrant.

The Incident and its Impact

During the awards show, as Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award, Davidson shouted a racial slur. The BBC broadcast the slur before removing the footage from its iPlayer streaming service following significant backlash. Mosaku described the incident as “painful” and said it “tainted” the celebration of her win. She emphasized that she held no ill feelings towards Davidson, acknowledging his Tourette’s diagnosis, but felt BAFTA had lessons to learn.

BBC Response and Investigation

Tim Davie, the BBC’s outgoing director-general, has stated the corporation “profoundly regrets” the events surrounding the Bafta awards. The BBC has launched a “fast-tracked investigation” through its Executive Complaints Unit to determine how the slur was aired. Mosaku noted that she and her fellow cast members were left feeling unsupported, stating, “Everyone who was impacted deserved the grace to have it taken out (of the broadcast) – the care to have it taken out.”

Finding Solace and Looking Forward

Mosaku, along with Lindo and Jordan, attended the NAACP Image Awards in California shortly after the Baftas, which she described as a “healing” experience. She appreciated the opportunity to reconnect with a supportive community and celebrate achievements within the Black and minority ethnic arts community.

Personal Growth and Priorities

Mosaku likewise shared insights into her personal life, revealing that becoming a mother has given her “a modern clarity” and a different perspective on her career. She is now more selective about her projects, prioritizing time with her daughter. She discussed how her recent ADHD diagnosis has influenced her lifestyle, leading her to prioritize home life and minimize distractions.