The 2025 BAFTA Film Awards took place at the Royal Festival Hall in London, and it was a night filled with excitement, unexpected wins, and plenty of cinematic brilliance. Hosted by the charismatic David Tennant, the ceremony delivered both heartfelt moments and intense competition, with films like Conclave and The Brutalist leading the charge.
The Big Winners: “Conclave” and “The Brutalist” Take Center Stage
The night’s biggest winners were Conclave and The Brutalist, each securing four awards and proving to be the standout films of the season.
Conclave – A Masterclass in Storytelling
Edward Berger’s Conclave, a gripping political thriller set within the walls of the Vatican, swept multiple categories, winning Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing. With a powerhouse performance by Ralph Fiennes and a script filled with intrigue, it was no surprise that this film left such a strong impression.
The Brutalist – Artistry at Its Best
Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist also had a remarkable night, earning him the Best Director award. The film’s striking cinematography and hauntingly beautiful score helped it secure wins for Best Cinematography and Best Original Score, while Adrien Brody’s performance won him Best Leading Actor. It’s safe to say The Brutalist cemented its place as one of the year’s most artistically ambitious films.
A Big Night for Acting: Mikey Madison Shines, Kieran Culkin Steals the Show
Mikey Madison’s Breakthrough in Anora
One of the most surprising but well-deserved wins of the night was Mikey Madison taking home Best Leading Actress for her role in Anora. Her performance captivated audiences and critics alike, marking a major milestone in her rising career.
Supporting Performances That Stood Out
Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for his outstanding role in A Real Pain. Given his success in television, this win further solidifies his versatility as an actor.
Zoe Saldaña secured Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez, proving yet again that she can seamlessly transition between blockbuster hits and award-winning dramas.
Best Non-English Language Film: Emilia Pérez
Despite some controversy leading up to the awards, Emilia Pérez took home the Best Film Not in the English Language award. The film’s bold storytelling and powerful performances made it a deserving winner in a category filled with strong contenders.
Animated Films and Rising Stars
The animation category saw an exciting victory for the beloved duo Wallace and Gromit. Their latest adventure, Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, won Best Animated Film and also claimed the first-ever Children’s and Family Film award.Meanwhile, David Jonsson was named EE Rising Star, a category voted by the public. His growing presence in the industry suggests we’ll be seeing a lot more of him in the coming years.
Warwick Davis Receives BAFTA Fellowship
One of the most emotional moments of the night was Warwick Davis receiving the BAFTA Fellowship, the highest honor awarded by the British Academy. His long-standing contributions to cinema, from Willow to Harry Potter, earned him a well-deserved standing ovation.
Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember
The 2025 BAFTA Awards once again proved that cinema is as unpredictable as it is inspiring. While some wins were expected, others took everyone by surprise, making for a night filled with excitement and celebration. Whether it was Conclave’s gripping storytelling, The Brutalist’s stunning cinematography, or Mikey Madison’s breakout moment, this year’s BAFTAs reminded us why we love movies so much.Now, all eyes turn to the Oscars—will the BAFTA winners continue their dominance, or will Hollywood shake things up? We’ll have to wait and see!
Sources:
https://ew.com/bafta-film-awards-2025-winners-list-11678754
https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/key-winners-2025-bafta-film-awards-2025-02-16/
https://www.huffingtonpost.es/life/cultura/emilia-perez-gana-bafta-mejor-pelicula-habla-inglesabr.html
https://apnews.com/article/e18ca507630153e87fbd1edbc08ed50d