London – Paul Thomas Anderson’s sweeping black comedy thriller, One Battle After Another, dominated the British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, taking home six prizes including Best Picture and Best Director. The win further solidifies the film’s position as a frontrunner heading into the Academy Awards next month, where it has received 13 nominations. Ryan Coogler’s Sinners likewise had a strong showing, securing three awards, even as Frankenstein took home three prizes as well.
Anderson, visibly moved, accepted the award for Best Director, paying tribute to his longtime assistant director, Adam Somner, who died in November 2024 during the film’s production. He quoted Nina Simone, saying, “’I know what freedom is: It’s no fear,’” and urged fellow filmmakers to “Let’s retain making things without fear. It’s a solid idea.” The film, inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland, follows an ex-revolutionary pulled back into a life of conflict when he and his daughter are pursued by a corrupt military officer. One Battle After Another, which cost an estimated $130–175 million to produce, has grossed $208.7 million worldwide, according to verified box office figures.
The awards ceremony saw a surprise win for Robert Aramayo, who took home the Best Actor award for his performance in the British indie drama, I Swear. Aramayo’s victory was described as an “upset,” as he beat out a competitive field including Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Timothée Chalamet. The film centers on a campaigner for people with Tourette syndrome.
A Night of Recognition for Diverse Storytelling
Beyond One Battle After Another and Sinners, the BAFTAs celebrated a range of filmmaking talent and stories. Wunmi Mosaku was recognized with the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as Annie, a herbalist and healer, in Sinners. Mosaku spoke of finding “a part of my hopes, my ancestral power and my connection” through the role, adding that she had previously felt pressure to diminish aspects of her identity as an immigrant. Sean Penn also secured a Best Supporting Actor award for his performance in One Battle After Another.
Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her portrayal of Agnes Hathaway in Hamnet, making history as the first Irish performer to win in that category at the BAFTAs. The film explores the life of William Shakespeare’s wife and their son, Hamnet, who died at a young age.
Emerging Voices and International Cinema
The awards also highlighted emerging talent and international filmmaking. Akinola Davies Jr. Received the award for Outstanding Debut for his film, My Father’s Shadow, a coming-of-age drama set during Nigeria’s 1993 election crisis. Davies Jr. Dedicated the award to his immigrant parents, acknowledging their sacrifices. He previously made history as the first Nigerian film to be selected for the Cannes Film Festival.
Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value was awarded Best Film Not in the English Language, continuing its success after sweeping the European Film Academy Awards last month. The film explores complex family dynamics and received praise for its mature and nuanced storytelling.
Technical Achievements Honored
The technical artistry of filmmaking was also recognized. Frankenstein took home awards for Best Production Design and Best Make Up & Hair, while Avatar: Fire and Ash won Best Special Visual Effects. Boong was awarded Best Children’s and Family Film.
Ryan Coogler also won Best Original Screenplay for Sinners, and the film’s musical score was also recognized. The full list of winners is available here.
With the BAFTAs concluded, attention now turns to the Academy Awards on March 15th, where One Battle After Another and Sinners are expected to be major contenders. Sinners leads with a record 16 nominations, setting the stage for a potentially historic night for Ryan Coogler and his team.
