The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards: Explained

The 79th British Academy Film Awards, hosted by Alan Cumming at the Royal Festival Hall, London, celebrated a diverse and creatively vibrant year in global cinema. The ceremony was dominated by the politically charged thriller One Battle After Another, which secured six major awards, including Best Film, Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, and Best Supporting Actor for Sean Penn. The event highlighted a shift toward narratives that blend intense social commentary with high-scale production, reflecting the Academy’s evolving criteria for cinematic excellence in the post-streaming era.

A standout moment of the evening was the success of the Shakespearean family tragedy Hamnet, which earned the title of Outstanding British Film. Jessie Buckley won the Leading Actress award for her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare, while Robert Aramayo delivered one of the night’s biggest surprises by winning Leading Actor for his role in I Swear. Aramayo also made history by clinching the EE Rising Star Award, as voted for by the public, underscoring his rapid ascent in the industry. These victories underscore the strength of British-led productions and the Academy's recognition of nuanced, character-driven storytelling.

The 2026 awards also marked a significant milestone for Indian cinema, specifically from the Northeast region. The Manipuri-language film Boong, directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, won the Best Children’s & Family Film award. Backed by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, the film’s victory brought global attention to regional Indian narratives, depicting a child’s emotional quest against the backdrop of Manipur’s social complexities. This win, along with the Best Film Not in the English Language award for the Norwegian drama Sentimental Value, illustrates the Grammys' and BAFTAs' shared trajectory toward a more inclusive and globalized celebration of the arts.