BAFTA 2025: A Night of Surprises and Triumphs

The 2025 BAFTA Film Awards unfolded as an unpredictable spectacle, defying expectations and leaving audiences buzzing with excitement. While some anticipated a clear victor, the awards were instead shared among several prominent films, creating a thrilling and diverse outcome. The ceremony saw unexpected triumphs alongside widely predicted wins, culminating in a night filled with both surprises and well-deserved celebrations. This year's awards proved that the British Academy of Film and Television Arts is as unpredictable as the films it celebrates.

Conclave's Papal Power Play

Edward Berger's Conclave, a gripping Vatican-set thriller, entered the ceremony with a remarkable twelve nominations, more than any other film. The film's stellar performance was undeniable, securing four prestigious awards: Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing. Berger's acceptance speech for Outstanding British Film resonated deeply, highlighting the current “crisis of democracy” and emphasizing the unifying power of cinema in a time of division. His powerful words, quoting Leonard Cohen's poignant line, “There’s a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in,” provided a profound reflection on the role of art in society. This powerful quote perfectly encapsulated the film's theme and the current political climate. The film's success marks the first time a movie has won both Best Film and Outstanding British Film in the same year since 1917.

The Brutalist's Architectural Achievement

Brady Corbet's The Brutalist, an epic drama centered around a Hungarian modernist architect, also claimed a significant share of the spotlight, securing four BAFTAs. The film's wins included Best Director for Corbet himself, Best Actor for Adrien Brody's captivating portrayal of László Tóth, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score. Brody’s acceptance speech was particularly moving as he highlighted the film's message: "This film is about this pursuit of leaving something meaningful, and I think that’s something we can all relate to." The film's recognition underscores the power of storytelling to explore themes of legacy, loss, and resilience.

Madison's Unexpected Triumph in Anora

One of the most stunning upsets of the night was Mikey Madison's victory for Best Actress in Anora. Her win came as a surprise, even to Madison herself, who humorously admitted on stage that she hadn't prepared a speech. Madison's performance as a New York stripper in Sean Baker's film was praised widely, and her win highlights the growing recognition of talent beyond the traditional Hollywood narrative. Her moving speech was a powerful testament to the importance of social justice as she acknowledged and voiced her support for the sex worker community. The film also won the award for Best Casting, further validating its overall impact.

A Surprising win

Many had predicted a win for Demi Moore, who had been receiving accolades recently for her performance in The Substance, but Madison's triumph made the award ceremony even more memorable. Madison's win in this category was both unexpected and well-deserved, highlighting the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the awards season. This unexpected win speaks volumes about the evolving landscape of the film industry, demonstrating an openness to diverse voices and talents.

Emilia Pérez's International Acclaim

Despite recent controversy surrounding its star, Karla Sofía Gascón, Emilia Pérez emerged victorious in two categories. The film secured Best Film Not in the English Language and Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaná’s compelling performance. The awards were accepted with grace, while both Audiard and Saldaná thanked Gascón in their speeches, demonstrating remarkable professionalism. Emilia Pérez's wins showcase the film's artistic merit, transcending the off-screen drama. Saldaña's recognition cements her standing as a frontrunner for the upcoming Oscars, following a string of awards this season. Her performance was powerful and moving; her words during her acceptance speech were filled with emotion and genuine gratitude towards her family and team. The resilience of the film's cast and crew amid external pressures was clear to see.

Other Notable Wins

The awards continued to surprise with wins for other films: Aardman's Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl secured both Best Animated Film and the inaugural Best Children's and Family Film awards; A Real Pain won Best Supporting Actor (for Kieran Culkin) and Best Original Screenplay; Dune: Part Two triumphed in Special Visual Effects and Sound, and Wicked won Best Production Design and Best Costume Design.

A night of celebrations and surprises

The BAFTA's of 2025 served as a testament to the vibrant and evolving nature of cinema, showcasing a diverse array of films and performances that captured the attention of audiences and critics alike. The unexpected nature of the wins highlighted the unpredictability of the season, leaving us eager to see what surprises the Oscars will bring. This is a testament to the dedication and hard work of talented actors, producers, and directors behind some of the most outstanding films.

A Fitting Conclusion: The Night's Legacy

The 2025 BAFTAs will be remembered not only for the impressive list of winners but also for the unpredictable nature of the results, highlighting the strength and diversity of modern cinema. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder that awards are just one aspect of a film's success and often do not align with critical acclaim or box office results. The speeches given by the winners provided insightful perspectives on the importance of art, social issues, and family. It leaves us to wonder how many of these films will make their way to the Oscars and what surprises the Academy Awards will bring this year. The diversity of the winners is a sign of change and evolution within the film industry. The future of cinema remains bright and full of promise for fresh voices and talented individuals to shine.