The 78th BAFTA Awards celebrated the best in global cinema with unexpected wins and emotional moments.
Key Takeaways:
- ‘Conclave’ wins Best Film and Best British Film, securing four awards in total.
- Adrien Brody (‘The Brutalist’) and Mikey Madison (‘Anora’) take home the top acting honors.
- Warwick Davis receives the BAFTA Fellowship for his contributions to cinema.
‘Conclave’ Sweeps Major Categories
The 78th British Academy Film Awards, held on February 16, 2025, at London’s Royal Festival Hall, saw Edward Berger’s Conclave emerge as the evening’s biggest winner. The gripping political thriller won Best Film and Outstanding British Film, alongside Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Editing, securing four awards in total. The film, adapted from Robert Harris’ novel, explores the power struggles within the Vatican following a Pope’s death.
Powerful Performances Steal the Spotlight
The acting categories brought both expected victories and surprising upsets. Adrien Brody won Best Actor for his transformative role in The Brutalist, a film about an architect’s struggle for artistic recognition. Mikey Madison, in a surprise win, claimed Best Actress for her raw and fearless performance in Anora.
In the supporting categories, Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) and Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez) took home awards. Saldaña’s portrayal of a woman caught in a complex crime drama was particularly praised for its depth and emotional range.
Technical Excellence and Animated Triumphs
Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist was also a major player, winning Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score. Meanwhile, British animation shined as Aardman Studios’ Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl won Best Animated Film.
In the non-English categories, Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez secured Best Film Not in the English Language, while Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer received a single win for Best Visual Effects, despite high expectations.
Warwick Davis Honored with BAFTA Fellowship
One of the night’s most emotional moments was Warwick Davis receiving the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship. Best known for his work in Willow, Star Wars, and Harry Potter, Davis was recognized for his decades-long contribution to cinema. The award was presented by David Tennant, who also hosted the ceremony with his signature wit and charm.
The Legacy of the BAFTA Awards
Founded in 1947, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has long been a pillar of cinematic excellence. Over the decades, it has recognized both British and international films, adapting to the evolving film industry.
The 2025 BAFTAs continued that tradition, celebrating a diverse range of films and honoring those who push the boundaries of storytelling and performance.
The 2025 BAFTA Awards showcased the best of global cinema, with Conclave and The Brutalist leading the night. From Adrien Brody’s powerful performance to Warwick Davis’ heartfelt recognition, the event celebrated both emerging talent and industry veterans. As cinema continues to evolve, filmmakers push boundaries, much like those explored in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey.
Just as different cultures bring unique perspectives to storytelling, exploring the history and entertainment industries of places like Bollywood, Paris, and Japan reminds us of cinema’s global influence.
