The 2025 BAFTA Awards were marked by numerous surprises, snubs, and memorable moments, sparking debates across the film industry. As the most prestigious British film awards ceremony, the event saw unexpected wins, emotional speeches, and performances that will likely go down in history. With many films vying for the top awards, the ceremony left viewers buzzing with opinions on the night’s key developments.
Surprise: Conclave Wins Best Picture
One of the most notable surprises of the evening was Conclave‘s triumph as Best Film. Despite the film’s popularity and critical acclaim, it was considered a long shot against other frontrunners like The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, and the dark horse Anora. Many had pegged The Brutalist, with its intellectual appeal, or Anora, a film gaining momentum due to its gripping narrative, as the likely winners. Yet, Conclave managed to clinch the coveted prize, beating out all expectations.
The film, directed by renowned filmmaker Edward Berger, had its share of controversy, particularly regarding its depiction of the Vatican and the potential involvement of Satanism, which may have helped generate the buzz needed to capture the voters’ attention. Conclave’s success at the BAFTAs poses the question: could it also have a real shot at winning the Academy Award for Best Picture?
Snub: Ralph Fiennes Misses Best Actor
Despite Conclave‘s success, one of the biggest disappointments of the night was Ralph Fiennes losing out on the Best Actor award. Fiennes’ portrayal of the conflicted Cardinal Lawrence in Conclave was praised for its subtlety and depth. However, it was this restraint in the performance that may have cost him the award, as many thought it lacked the showy, dramatic moments typically favored at such prestigious ceremonies. Fiennes, who has now faced six losses since his last BAFTA win for Schindler’s List nearly 30 years ago, had hoped to add another win to his impressive career. However, it was Adrien Brody who took home the honor for his role in The Brutalist, confirming the film’s sweeping impact on the awards night.
Surprise: Mikey Madison Takes Home Best Actress
In a year dominated by strong female performances, Mikey Madison’s victory as Best Actress was an unexpected twist. Madison, best known for her work in Anora, triumphed over favorites such as Demi Moore, whose comeback narrative in The Substance had been heavily anticipated, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste, who delivered an extraordinary performance in Hard Truths. Madison’s portrayal of a sex worker in Anora earned her the top prize, despite the fact that BAFTA’s membership is traditionally older and more conservative. This win indicates the growing recognition of fresh, bold voices in the industry, and Madison’s performance continues to gain momentum ahead of the Oscars.
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Surprise: Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl Defeats Inside Out 2
In the animation category, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl emerged victorious, scooping both Best Animated Film and the inaugural Family Film Award. The win was a delightful surprise, as the film faced stiff competition from Pixar’s Inside Out 2 and other critically acclaimed titles. The win not only marks a significant achievement for Aardman Studios but also underscores the continuing popularity of the iconic plasticine duo. The film’s success was also a win for BBC and Netflix, with whom it shares production and broadcasting rights.
Surprise: Emilia Pérez Wins Best Film Not in the English Language
In the international film category, Emilia Pérez claimed an unexpected victory by winning Best Film Not in the English Language. Directed by Jacques Audiard, the film had faced an uphill battle throughout the awards season, garnering mixed reviews. However, Bafta voters seemed to embrace the film’s unique approach, rewarding it with two awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña. While the film still faces challenges at the Oscars, its recognition at the BAFTAs has renewed interest in its potential for further acclaim.
Snub: A Complete Unknown Leaves Empty-Handed
Despite receiving six nominations, A Complete Unknown went home empty-handed. Many had hoped for Timothée Chalamet to take home the Best Actor award, especially given the controversy surrounding Adrien Brody’s use of AI in his performance. However, A Complete Unknown was unable to secure any wins, leaving its cast and crew disappointed. The snub was particularly hard for Chalamet, who had hoped to garner recognition for his portrayal in the film. Nonetheless, the film’s lack of awards did not dampen its charm among audiences.
Highlight: Jesse Eisenberg’s Triple Triumph
One of the most entertaining moments of the night was Jesse Eisenberg’s memorable appearances, as he picked up the Best Original Screenplay award for A Real Pain. Eisenberg’s witty and sincere speeches charmed the audience, showing his flair for humor and timing. He also presented the Best Supporting Actor award to Kieran Culkin and introduced the Best Animated Film category with his co-star Will Sharpe. Eisenberg’s success not only garnered attention for A Real Pain but also highlighted his versatility as an actor and writer.
Conclusion
The 2025 BAFTA Awards were a showcase of unexpected victories, emotional speeches, and unforgettable moments. As we head into the final stretch of the awards season, films like Conclave, Anora, and A Real Pain are generating buzz, while The Brutalist and Emilia Pérez are emerging as strong contenders. Whether these films can replicate their success at the Academy Awards remains to be seen, but the BAFTA ceremony has certainly set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season.
