The 78th British Academy Film Awards celebrated the best in cinema, with Conclave and The Brutalist emerging as the biggest winners of the night. Each film claimed four trophies, cementing their status as standout productions of the year.
Conclave, a gripping thriller set within the Vatican, won Best Picture and Outstanding British Film. Meanwhile, The Brutalist, a drama chronicling an architect’s struggles, earned Best Director for Brady Corbet and Best Actor for Adrien Brody. The awards night highlighted remarkable performances, industry achievements, and a few moments of controversy.
Conclave and The Brutalist Dominate the BAFTAs
Edward Berger, the director of Conclave, entered the ceremony with the most nominations—twelve—and left with some of the most prestigious wins. Accepting the award for Outstanding British Film, Berger reflected on the current state of global affairs, emphasizing the importance of storytelling.
“We live in a time when democracy is in crisis,” he said. “Institutions that once brought us together are now dividing us. That’s why we create movies—to keep the faith alive.”
Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist also had a strong showing. The film, which follows the life of a Hungarian architect over 30 years, resonated with audiences and critics alike. Adrien Brody’s lead performance was widely praised, securing him the Best Actor award in a highly competitive category.
Standout Performances Recognized
Adrien Brody’s win for The Brutalist was one of the night’s most talked-about moments. He triumphed over Timothée Chalamet, who starred in A Complete Unknown, a Bob Dylan biopic, and past BAFTA winner Ralph Fiennes. Brody’s performance, filled with raw emotion and depth, cemented his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most talented actors.
Mikey Madison won Best Actress for Anora, a Brooklyn-based tragicomedy that had already gained attention after winning the Palme d’Or. Film critic David Mouriquand described the movie as “a high-energy, darkly funny screwball comedy with a Pretty Woman twist, layered with the chaotic energy of Uncut Gems.”
The Best Supporting Performer awards went to Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain and Zoe Saldaña for Emilia Pérez. Saldaña’s film also won Best Film Not in the English Language, further cementing its international success.
Controversy Surrounds Emilia Pérez’s Success
Despite its critical acclaim, Emilia Pérez was not without controversy. The film became the most-nominated non-English movie at the Oscars, securing 13 nominations. However, lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón faced backlash after old social media posts resurfaced, sparking debates over her comments on Islam, George Floyd, and diversity in Hollywood.
In response to the backlash, Netflix distanced itself from Gascón, removing her from the film’s promotional campaigns to protect its awards prospects. As of now, it remains uncertain whether she will attend the Oscars on March 2.
Animation and Sci-Fi Triumph
The BAFTAs also recognized achievements in animation and science fiction. Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl won both Best Animated Feature and Best Family & Children’s Film, proving that the beloved franchise still has a strong following.
Meanwhile, Dune: Part Two dominated the technical categories, winning for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects. The sci-fi epic continues to be a major force in the industry, with stunning cinematography and groundbreaking effects setting a new standard for the genre.
Warwick Davis Honored with BAFTA Fellowship
The prestigious BAFTA Fellowship was awarded to Warwick Davis, known for his iconic roles in Willow and Return of the Jedi. The award recognized his contributions to cinema as well as his advocacy for short actors in the industry.
In his speech, Davis reflected on his journey: “For years, people saw my height, not my talent. This recognition means the world to me—and I’ve been in Star Wars!” His heartfelt words earned a standing ovation from the audience.
Rising Star Award Goes to David Jonsson
David Jonsson, the talented actor known for Industry, Rye Lane, and the upcoming Alien: Romulus, received the Rising Star award. Accepting the honor, he shared a lighthearted moment with the audience.
“Am I a star? Who knows. But rising? Absolutely,” he said with a grin. The award further solidifies his growing presence in Hollywood.
A Night of Celebration and Reflection
The 78th BAFTAs showcased the best in cinema, celebrating artistic achievements while also highlighting pressing industry issues. Conclave and The Brutalist emerged as major winners, while individual performances made a lasting impact.
Despite controversies, the night was a testament to the power of storytelling and the continued evolution of film. As the industry moves forward, these films and talents will shape the future of cinema culture.
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