The 2025 BAFTA Film Awards took place at London’s Southbank Centre, celebrating the best in British and international cinema. Hosted by David Tennant, the night was filled with emotional speeches, surprise wins, and a moving tribute to late industry icons.

Major Winners of the Night

Best Film: Conclave – Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, Michael A. Jackman

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Leading Actress: Mikey Madison (Anora)

Leading Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)

Best Director: Brady Corbet (The Brutalist)

Rising Star Award: David Jonsson

Outstanding British Film: Conclave – Edward Berger, Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, Michael A. Jackman, Peter Straughan

A Night of Triumph for Conclave and The Brutalist

Vatican drama Conclave dominated the night, taking home Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Best Adapted Screenplay (Peter Straughan), and Best Editing (Nick Emerson). Meanwhile, Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist proved to be a major force, winning Best Director, Best Leading Actor for Adrien Brody, Best Cinematography for Lol Crawley, and Best Original Score for Daniel Blumberg.

Powerful Short Film Recognised

The Best British Short Film award went to Rock, Paper, Scissors, a harrowing yet deeply human story about the ongoing war in Ukraine. Directed by Franz Böhm, the film provides a gripping look into the struggles faced by civilians caught in the crossfire.

Through the perspectives of three individuals, a journalist, a medic, and a young refugee—the film paints an unflinching portrait of resilience and survival. The BAFTA jury praised it for its raw storytelling, compelling cinematography, and its ability to capture the heartbreaking realities of war without resorting to sentimentality. Rock, Paper, Scissors stands as a poignant reminder of the power of short-form storytelling in shedding light on global crises.

Emotional Moments and Tributes

One of the most poignant segments of the night was the BAFTA In Memoriam tribute, which honoured industry legends lost over the past year, including James Earl Jones, David Lynch, Shelley Duvall, Donald Sutherland, Kris Kristofferson, and Joan Plowright. However, it was the tribute to Dame Maggie Smith that left audiences in tears. A revered British acting icon, Smith’s legacy in film and television was celebrated with a heartfelt montage, accompanied by Jeff Goldblum’s piano performance of As Time Goes By.

Social media was flooded with emotional responses, with fans sharing their grief and admiration for Smith’s unparalleled career. “Maggie Smith… watch me cry,” one viewer tweeted.

Surprise Wins and Unforgettable Speeches

David Jonsson took home the EE Rising Star Award, delivering a heartfelt speech about representation in the industry. “This award is about the people, and as long as we keep telling stories about people, I think there will be a space for me and for people like me,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez, and Kieran Culkin secured Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain. In an emotional acceptance speech, Saldaña thanked her family and reflected on the significance of the win, saying, “This is so validating and a true honour.”

Technical Excellence Recognised

Dune: Part Two secured Best Sound and Best Special Visual Effects, while Wicked stood out in design categories, winning Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl took home both Best Animated Film and Best Children’s & Family Film, proving the enduring appeal of Aardman’s iconic stop-motion duo.

BAFTA Viewers React to Ceremony Highlights

The awards show wasn’t just about the winners - it was also packed with entertainment and unexpected moments. David Tennant’s charismatic hosting, complete with a cheeky wardrobe malfunction, had audiences laughing. His opening monologue drew applause, particularly his jokes about Conclave and the James Bond casting process.

Meanwhile, Jeff Goldblum’s musical tribute was another highlight, with his rendition of As Time Goes By leaving a lasting impression. Social media buzzed with reactions to emotional speeches, with many praising Jonsson’s remarks on diversity in British cinema.

Industry Controversies and Talking Points

While the night celebrated achievements in film, it wasn’t without controversy. Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón was notably absent from the ceremony, reportedly due to tensions between the actor, Netflix, and the film’s campaign strategy. The first trans actor to receive an Oscar nomination, Gascón’s awards journey has been marred by online controversy, adding to the ongoing conversation about industry inclusivity and recognition.

Additionally, the competition between Conclave and The Brutalist was the subject of debate, with some critics arguing that the former’s traditional storytelling approach overshadowed the artistic risks taken by Corbet’s film. Meanwhile, Dune: Part Two fans were left disappointed that the film didn’t dominate more categories, despite its technical brilliance.

A BAFTA Night to Remember

With Conclave and The Brutalist leading the winners, and emotional tributes making headlines, the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards delivered a mix of celebration, reflection, and cinematic excellence. The ceremony showcased the best of British and global filmmaking, setting the stage for the next chapter in awards season.