London – Paul Thomas Anderson’s politically charged thriller, One Battle After Another, dominated the 79th British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, securing six wins including Best Film. The victory provides significant momentum for the film as it heads into next month’s Academy Awards in Hollywood. The film’s success, alongside strong showings from Ryan Coogler’s Sinners and Priscilla Hertzel-Hauser’s Frankenstein, signaled a dynamic awards season.
Anderson’s film, an explosive depiction of revolutionary conflict, also earned awards for directing, adapted screenplay, cinematography, and editing. Sean Penn received recognition for his supporting performance as an obsessive military officer. Accepting the directing prize, Anderson spoke movingly about his longtime assistant director, Adam Somner, who died of cancer in November 2024 shortly after production began. “This is very overwhelming and wonderful,” Anderson said, paying tribute to Somner.
“We have a line from Nina Simone that we used in our film: ‘I know what freedom is: It’s no fear,’” Anderson continued. “Let’s keep making things without fear. It’s a good idea.” The film’s critical and now awards success positions it as a major contender for the upcoming Oscars, sparking conversation about its themes of political upheaval and individual liberty.
Buckley and Aramayo Claim Top Acting Honors in Surprise Wins
Jessie Buckley was named Best Actress for her portrayal of Agnes Hathaway, the grieving wife of William Shakespeare, in the Shakespearean family tragedy Hamnet. Buckley, 36, made history as the first Irish performer to win the award in that category at the BAFTAs. She dedicated her win “to the women of the past, present and future who taught me and continue to teach me how to do things differently.”
In a notable upset, Robert Aramayo took home the award for Best Actor for his performance in I Swear, a British independent drama based on the true story of an activist living with Tourette’s syndrome. Aramayo, 33, expressed his astonishment at winning against a field of acclaimed actors including Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Timothée Chalamet. “I really can’t believe it,” he said. “Everyone in this category leaves me speechless.” The win is a significant breakthrough for Aramayo, elevating his profile within the industry.
Coogler and Mosaku Recognized for Sinners
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, a blues-infused vampire epic, secured three awards: Original Screenplay, Original Score, and Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku. Mosaku, who played Annie, a herbalist and healer, spoke powerfully about finding “a part of my hopes, my ancestral power and connection, parts I thought I had lost or tried to shut down as an immigrant trying to fit in.” Her win highlights the film’s exploration of identity and belonging.
Royal Presence Amidst Controversy
The awards ceremony, held at the Royal Festival Hall in London, drew a star-studded crowd including Hollywood luminaries Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, Cillian Murphy, Glenn Close, and Ethan Hawke. The event also saw the attendance of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, just three days after Prince Andrew, William’s uncle, was arrested by police and detained for 11 hours in connection with allegations of sharing sensitive government information with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as reported by the Associated Press.
The scandal surrounding Prince Andrew has shaken the royal family, though William and Kate remain popular figures. Prince William presented an award in his role as President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts.
BAFTA Awards as Oscar Bellwether
The British Academy Film Awards, officially known as the EE BAFTA Film Awards, are often seen as a key indicator of success at the Academy Awards, which will be held on March 15th. The ceremony also featured a performance by Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami – the voices of the animated group HUNTR/X from the box office hit KPop Demon Hunters – performing the film’s hit song, “Golden.”
The majority of BAFTA winners are chosen by the 8,500 members of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. The Rising Star Award, determined by public vote, went to Aramayo.
The success of One Battle After Another at the BAFTAs undoubtedly positions it as a frontrunner for the Oscars. The Academy Awards nominations will be announced in the coming weeks, and the film industry will be watching closely to see if this momentum continues.
The awards season continues to unfold, and the outcomes will shape the landscape of cinematic recognition for the year.
