The 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) delivered a night of big wins, surprises, and controversy as Conclave and The Brutalist each secured four awards. The annual event, held in London, celebrated the best in global cinema, with Conclave winning Best Picture and Outstanding British Film. The Brutalist took home Best Director for Brady Corbet and Best Actor for Adrien Brody, marking a major moment for both films.
Conclave and The Brutalist Lead the Night
Directed by Edward Berger, Conclave emerged as the biggest nominee of the night with twelve nominations. The film, a gripping thriller about the Vatican’s secretive papal election process, gained critical acclaim for its tense storytelling and strong performances. Winning both Best Picture and Outstanding British Film, it now heads into the Oscars with strong momentum. While accepting the award for Outstanding British Film, Berger highlighted global challenges, saying, “We live in a time of crisis in democracy. Institutions meant to unite us now divide us. Sometimes, keeping the faith is hard, and that’s why we make movies.”
Meanwhile, The Brutalist, a historical drama focusing on a Hungarian architect’s struggles in post-war America, also had a standout night. Brady Corbet’s direction won Best Director, while Adrien Brody’s lead performance secured Best Actor. The film has been widely praised for its rich storytelling and stunning cinematography.
Major Wins for Actors and New Talent
Adrien Brody’s victory came in a highly competitive category. He triumphed over Wonka star Timothée Chalamet, who had been nominated for his role in A Complete Unknown, a Bob Dylan biopic. Veteran actor Ralph Fiennes, who has been nominated seven times at the BAFTAs and won before, also left empty-handed.
The Best Actress award went to Mikey Madison for Anora, a Brooklyn tragicomedy that previously won the Palme d’Or. The film has been described as a mix of classic New York screwball comedy and gritty storytelling. Film critic David Mouriquand called Anora “a kinetic New York City comedy, updating Pretty Woman, channeling the chaos of Uncut Gems, and hiding a dark core beneath its boy-meets-girl story.”
Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Performer for A Real Pain, further solidifying his rising status in Hollywood. Zoe Saldaña also claimed Best Supporting Performer for her role in Emilia Pérez, which later won Best Film Not in the English Language.
Emilia Pérez Controversy and Record-Breaking Oscar Nods
Emilia Pérez made history by earning 13 Oscar nominations, the highest ever for a non-English-language film. However, controversy overshadowed its success. Lead actress Karla Sofía Gascón faced backlash over past social media posts about Islam, George Floyd, and diversity in Hollywood. Netflix distanced itself from Gascón, removing her from promotional material to avoid harming the film’s award chances. Whether she will attend the Oscars on March 2 remains uncertain.
Sci-Fi and Animation Shine
The awards also honored achievements in animation and science fiction. Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl won Best Animated Feature and Best Family & Children’s Film. The return of the beloved claymation duo was met with excitement from fans and critics alike. Dune: Part Two, one of the year’s most anticipated sci-fi blockbusters, secured wins for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects, recognizing its stunning technical achievements.
BAFTA Fellowship for Warwick Davis
A highlight of the night was the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship, awarded to Warwick Davis. The British actor, best known for his roles in Willow and Return of the Jedi, was recognized for his contributions to cinema and advocacy for short actors. Reflecting on his career, Davis said, “Short actors weren’t known for their talent, just their height.” With a touch of humor, he added, “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me—and I’ve been in Star Wars.”
Rising Star Award and Future Talents
The Rising Star award went to 31-year-old David Jonsson, recognized for his roles in Industry, Rye Lane, and the upcoming Alien: Romulus. Accepting the honor, Jonsson joked, “Star? I don’t know. But rising, I guess.” His win signals a bright future ahead in the entertainment industry.
The 78th BAFTA Awards delivered both celebration and controversy, highlighting the best of global cinema and its evolving culture. With Conclave and The Brutalist securing major wins, the race for the Oscars becomes even more intense. Meanwhile, debates over social issues, rising talent, and industry recognition continue to shape the future of film, reflecting the ever-changing cultural landscape of storytelling and artistic expression.
For more updates on international cinema and award season news, visit Euro News 24.
