The 2025 BAFTA Film Awards delivered major surprises, with Conclave dominating, Mikey Madison and Adrien Brody winning top acting honors, and key Oscar contenders gaining momentum.

As the 2025 awards season reaches its climax, the BAFTA Film Awards have once again set the stage for the upcoming Oscars, delivering shocking victories, unexpected snubs, and a clearer picture of which films might dominate Hollywood’s biggest night.

Held at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall in London, this year’s ceremony was a glittering affair, attended by some of the biggest stars in the industry.

Red carpet fashion was a spectacle in itself, with bold statements from nominees and presenters alike, making it one of the most stylish nights in British cinema.

The night’s biggest winner was Conclave, which secured the coveted Best Film award along with Outstanding British Film and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Directed by Edward Berger, the film had already led the nominations with 12 nods, but its sweep at BAFTA solidifies its place as a frontrunner for the Oscars.

Despite these wins, Berger himself was notably snubbed for a Best Director nomination at the Academy Awards, making its future prospects uncertain.

One of the evening’s most celebrated moments came when Mikey Madison won Best Actress for her performance in Anora.

The victory adds fuel to her late-season Oscar push, especially after the film’s recent success with influential guilds like the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and the Producers Guild of America (PGA).

Meanwhile, Adrien Brody triumphed in the Best Actor category for his role in The Brutalist, further cementing the film’s growing presence in the awards race.

Other major acting categories saw Zoe Saldaña winning Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez, while Kieran Culkin claimed Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain.

Both actors have been considered strong contenders throughout the season, and their BAFTA wins could tip the scales in their favor for the Oscars.

Jesse Eisenberg also made headlines by securing Best Original Screenplay for A Real Pain, solidifying the film’s growing momentum.

In a significant directorial victory, Brady Corbet won Best Director for The Brutalist, a film that also took home Best Cinematography and Best Original Score, showcasing its technical brilliance.

The Best Film Not in the English Language category was dominated by Emilia Pérez, continuing its impressive run through international awards circuits.

The BAFTAs also honored fresh talent, with David Jonsson winning the EE Rising Star Award, recognizing him as one of the industry’s most promising newcomers.

Meanwhile, Rich Peppiatt’s Kneecap was named Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer, further spotlighting new voices in cinema.

Beyond the awards themselves, the night was filled with unforgettable moments. Presenters ranged from British film royalty to Hollywood A-listers, with appearances by former BAFTA winners and legendary actors.

One of the standout highlights was a heartfelt tribute to the late Michael Gambon, known for his iconic roles in both British and international cinema.

The audience was also treated to a surprise reunion of past BAFTA winners, celebrating the legacy of the prestigious awards show.

The technical categories brought their own share of surprises. Dune: Part Two, despite its dominance in visual and sound effects, lost Best Film but still managed to secure Best Sound and Best Special Visual Effects.

The extravagant spectacle of Wicked claimed Best Costume Design and Best Production Design, while The Substance earned Best Makeup and Hair.

Anora took home Best Casting, further highlighting the importance of strong ensemble performances.

The animated and short film categories also delivered exciting wins, with Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl taking both Outstanding British Film and Best Children’s & Family Film, while Wander to Wonder secured Best British Short Animation.

Rock, Paper, Scissors won Best British Short Film, adding to a night filled with standout achievements.

With BAFTA and the Oscars sharing many voting members, the results of this prestigious British ceremony often influence the final Academy Award decisions. Historically, the BAFTAs have proven to be a strong predictor of Oscar success.

While Conclave and The Brutalist emerged as dominant forces at BAFTA, it remains to be seen whether they can translate their success into Oscar gold.

As Hollywood prepares for its biggest night, these wins and losses will undoubtedly shape the final narratives leading up to the Academy Awards.

The ceremony concluded with a grand after-party attended by the night’s biggest winners, industry veterans, and upcoming talents, solidifying its reputation as one of the most glamorous nights in the film industry.

Now, all eyes turn to the Oscars, where the final battles for gold will take place. Will Conclave and The Brutalist continue their reign, or will the Academy throw in some last-minute surprises? The race is far from over.