Written by Kianna Best on Feb 17, 2025. Posted in Awards and Festivals

78th BAFTAs announce winners

The 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) took place on February 16, 2025, at London's Royal Festival Hall, celebrating outstanding achievements in cinema from the past year. Hosted by the charismatic David Tennant, the evening was filled with notable victories, unexpected surprises, and heartfelt moments that left a lasting impression on attendees and viewers alike.

Conclave image courtesy of TIFF

Leading the accolades was Edward Berger's Conclave, which secured the prestigious Best Film award. This gripping drama also triumphed in the Best British Film category, underscoring its significant impact on both national and international audiences. Conclave amassed a total of four awards, tying with Brady Corbet's The Brutalist for the most wins of the evening.

The Brutalist also garnered four awards, with Brady Corbet receiving Best Director honours. Adrien Brody's compelling performance in the film earned him the Best Actor award, further solidifying the movie's critical acclaim. In a surprising turn, Mikey Madison clinched the Best Actress award for her role in Sean Baker's Anora.

Anora image courtesy of Universal Pictures

The Best Supporting Actress accolade went to Zoe Saldaña for her role in Emilia Pérez, a Spanish-language French musical crime film that also won Best Non-English Language Film. Saldaña's emotional acceptance speech was a highlight of the evening. Jesse Eisenberg's A Real Pain received recognition for Best Original Screenplay, with Kieran Culkin winning Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film.

David Tennant's return as host infused the ceremony with humour and warmth. His light-hearted jokes, including playful references to contemporary figures, set an engaging tone for the evening. A standout musical performance featured Brian Cox leading a spirited singalong of (500 Miles), creating a unifying and joyous atmosphere among attendees.

The Brutalist image courtesy of Universal Pictures

The ceremony also honoured Warwick Davis with the BAFTA Fellowship, recognizing his extensive contributions to cinema. Davis delivered an emotional speech, paying tribute to his late wife and expressing gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career.

The EE Rising Star Award, the only category voted on by the public, was awarded to David Jonsson, known for his role in the television series Industry and the film Rye Lane. Jonsson's win highlights his growing prominence in the industry and the anticipation for his future projects.