The BAFTA Film Awards 2026 took place at London’s Royal Festival Hall, bringing together the year’s most prominent films, performances, and creative teams from across British and international cinema.
The ceremony reflected a year marked by literary adaptations, large-scale studio productions, and director-driven storytelling, with awards distributed across a broad range of genres and styles.
Best film and major wins
The evening’s top honour, Best Film, went to One Battle After Another, which also secured wins in Best Director, Best Editing, Best Cinematography, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film emerged as the most awarded title of the night.
Hamnet also featured prominently, winning Outstanding British Film and Best Leading Actress for Jessie Buckley, alongside multiple technical nominations.
Acting awards
In the leading categories, Robert Aramayo received Best Leading Actor for his role in I Swear, a performance that also earned the film Best Casting.
The supporting performance awards went to:
- Wunmi Mosaku for Sinners (Best Supporting Actress)
- Sean Penn for One Battle After Another (Best Supporting Actor)
The EE Rising Star Award, voted for by the public, was also awarded to Aramayo, marking a standout year for the actor.
Direction, writing, and international cinema
Best Director was awarded to Paul Thomas Anderson, while Best Original Screenplay went to Ryan Coogler for Sinners.
In the international category, Sentimental Value, directed by Joachim Trier, won Best Film Not in the English Language.
Technical and creative categories
Several films dominated the craft awards:
- Frankenstein won Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Make Up & Hair
- Avatar: Fire and Ash won Best Special Visual Effects
- F1 won Best Sound
- Sinners won Best Original Score
Animation, documentary, and British debuts
In animation, Zootropolis 2 was awarded Best Animated Film, while Boong won Best Children’s and Family Film.
Mr Nobody Against Putin received Best Documentary, and My Father’s Shadow won Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer.
Special honours
The ceremony also recognised outstanding contributions to the industry. Clare Binns received the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award, while Donna Langley was honoured with the BAFTA Fellowship.
A year reflected in cinema
BAFTA 2026 showcased a film landscape shaped by strong directorial voices, literary adaptations, and technical ambition. With wins spread across independent, British, and international productions, the awards highlighted both creative range and industry depth, offering a clear snapshot of cinema as it stands heading into the year ahead.
