British Academy of Film and Television Arts held the BAFTA 2025 awards this Sunday at London’s Royal Festival Hall, in a ceremony that highlighted key trends in contemporary cinema, celebrated major productions, and reflected ongoing cultural debates surrounding the industry.

Edward Berger’s political thriller set inside the Vatican, biggest winner was Conclave which claimed four awards including Best Film. The movie’s exploration of power, secrecy and institutional conflict resonated strongly with voters, cementing its place as one of the year’s most influential films.

Tying for the most wins, The Brutalist also took home four BAFTAs, with Brady Corbet winning Best Director and Adrien Brody earning Best Leading Actor.

The film was praised for its ambitious storytelling and bold visual language, standing out as a defining work of auteur-driven filmmaking.

Emilia Pérez drew significant attention due to controversy surrounding comments made by its lead actress prior to the ceremony.

Despite the backlash, the film won Best Film Not in the English Language, while Zoe Saldaña received Best Supporting Actress, signaling the Academy’s focus on artistic merit over external disputes.

Mikey Madison secured Best Leading Actress for her performance in Anora, while Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for A Real Pain. Both performances were widely regarded as highlights of the year.

Several nominated and awarded films tackled complex social issues, including addiction, marginalization and the impact of drugs as both narrative and societal elements, reinforcing cinema’s role as a space for critical reflection.

Technical categories were dominated by Dune: Part Two, while Nosferatu and Wicked excelled in production design and costume. Overall, the BAFTA 2025 winners reflected a diverse, evolving film landscape shaped by artistic ambition and global conversation.