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The BAFTA Film Awards 2025 delivered a night of cinematic triumph, with Conclave and The Brutalist standing out as the biggest winners. Both films secured four awards each, marking a historic evening that celebrated storytelling, artistic vision, and powerful performances. Held at London’s Royal Festival Hall and hosted by David Tennant, the ceremony highlighted a mix of surprises, emotional moments, and groundbreaking achievements in the film industry.

 

Conclave and The Brutalist Lead the Winners

Edward Berger’s Conclave emerged as a dominant force, winning Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing. This victory made it the first film since 1917 in 2019 to secure both Best Film and Outstanding British Film in the same year. Conclave, a gripping drama centered around the secretive Vatican papal election process, captivated audiences with its tension-filled narrative and a standout performance by Ralph Fiennes.

Matching Conclave’s success, Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist also took home four awards, including Best Director for Corbet and Best Actor for Adrien Brody. Brody’s portrayal of László Tóth, a Hungarian architect and Holocaust survivor, was hailed as one of his finest performances, earning widespread critical acclaim. The film’s atmospheric storytelling was further recognized with wins for Best Original Score and Best Cinematography, solidifying its place among the year’s most celebrated films.

A notable surprise of the evening was Mikey Madison’s win for Best Actress in Anora. The film, which follows a New York stripper’s unexpected romance with the son of a Russian oligarch, has been gaining traction ahead of the Oscars. Madison’s acceptance speech resonated with many, as she used the moment to express solidarity with the sex worker community, emphasizing dignity and respect.

Other major acting awards went to Kieran Culkin, who won Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain, and Zoe Saldaña, who earned Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez. A Real Pain, directed by Jesse Eisenberg, explores the journey of two cousins reconnecting with their Jewish heritage in Poland, delivering a deeply moving narrative. Emilia Pérez, a French film about a feared drug lord choosing to transition and start a new life as a woman, has been both celebrated and controversial, making Saldaña’s win even more significant.

 

Additional Noteworthy Wins and Highlights.

Beyond the night’s biggest victors, several other films earned recognition across various categories. Dune: Part Two continued its success in technical achievements, winning awards for Special Effects and Sound. Meanwhile, Wicked impressed with its elaborate visuals, securing Best Production Design and Best Costume Design. Aardman Animations also had a historic moment, as Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl won Best Animation and the inaugural award for Best Children and Family Film. The beloved stop-motion franchise’s latest installment was widely praised, further cementing Aardman’s legacy in animated storytelling.

 

In the documentary category, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story won Best Documentary, with Reeve’s children delivering a heartfelt tribute to their late father while accepting the award. Meanwhile, Kneecap, an Irish-language film based on the semi-fictionalized story of the rap group’s formation, took home the award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer. The BAFTA Film Awards 2025 was a celebration of diverse storytelling, powerful performances, and innovative filmmaking. With films like Conclave and The Brutalist leading the way, this year’s winners showcased the breadth and depth of cinematic excellence, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the industry.