“One Battle After Another” emerged as the leading winner at the 79th British Academy Film Awards, collecting six prizes during the ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Its haul included best film, directing and adapted screenplay for Paul Thomas Anderson, as well as cinematography, editing and supporting actor for Sean Penn. [Source 10067]
The politically charged thriller, which follows revolutionaries in conflict with the state, entered the BAFTAs with 14 nominations. Its success strengthened its position ahead of the Academy Awards scheduled for March 15, where it received 13 nominations. In accepting the directing award, Anderson paid tribute to assistant director Adam Somner, who died in November 2024 after production had begun. [Source 10067]
Two other films finished the BAFTA ceremony with three awards apiece. Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” won original screenplay, musical score and supporting actress for Wunmi Mosaku. Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” was recognized for production design, costume design, and hair and makeup. The Norwegian drama “Sentimental Value” received the award for best film not in the English language. [Source 10067]
“Hamnet” won two prizes, including best British film. Jessie Buckley received the leading actress award for portraying Agnes Hathaway, the grieving wife of William Shakespeare. According to the Associated Press, the result made the 36-year-old the first Irish performer to win BAFTA’s leading actress category. Buckley dedicated the honor to women who had taught her to approach her work differently. [Source 10067]
Robert Aramayo delivered one of the ceremony’s surprise results by winning leading actor for “I Swear,” a British independent drama based on the life of a campaigner for people with Tourette syndrome. He prevailed in a field that also included Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. [Source 10067]
The nominations had already produced two milestones for representation. Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet” received 11 nominations, making it the most-nominated film by a female director in BAFTA history. Its nominations included best film, outstanding British film, director and adapted screenplay. Coogler’s “Sinners,” with 13 nominations, became BAFTA’s most-nominated film by a Black director. Across the nominated films, 25% were directed by women. [Source 10069]
“Marty Supreme” also entered the ceremony with 11 nominations but did not win an award. “Sinners” and “One Battle After Another” remained prominent in the wider awards season, with 16 and 13 Oscar nominations respectively. [Source 10067]
Scottish actor Alan Cumming hosted the black-tie event. Attendees included Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, Glenn Close and Ethan Hawke. Prince William, president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, attended with Catherine, Princess of Wales, and presented an award. [Source 10067]
