One Battle After Another Dominates BAFTA 2026

The politically charged thriller One Battle After Another emerged as the biggest winner at the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026, taking home six major awards, including Best Film. The ceremony, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, is seen as a key indicator ahead of the upcoming Academy Awards on March 15.

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the film tells the story of revolutionaries locked in a chaotic conflict with the state. It won awards for Best Director, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing, and Supporting Actor for Sean Penn, who played an obsessed military officer.

While accepting the Best Director award, Anderson paid tribute to his longtime assistant director Adam Somner, who passed away in November 2024 during production. He also quoted Nina Simone, saying, “I know what freedom is: It’s no fear.”

Acting Winners and Major Surprises

Irish actress Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her role as Agnes Hathaway in Hamnet. She became the first Irish performer to win the Best Actress prize at the BAFTAs. The film also won Best British Film.

In a major upset, Robert Aramayo won Best Actor for his performance in I Swear, a fact-based drama about a campaigner for people with Tourette syndrome. He beat strong contenders including Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Timothée Chalamet. Aramayo also received the Rising Star award, which is decided by public vote.

Sinners and Frankenstein Also Shine

The blues-inspired vampire epic Sinners won three awards, including Original Screenplay for director Ryan Coogler, Best Score, and Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku.

Gothic horror film Frankenstein, directed by Guillermo del Toro, won awards for Production Design, Costume Design, and Hair and Makeup. Actor Jacob Elordi underwent hours of transformation daily to play the creature.

The Norwegian family drama Sentimental Value won Best Film Not in the English Language.

Ping-pong drama Marty Supreme, despite 11 nominations, did not win any awards.

Documentary and Special Honours

The Best Documentary award went to Mr. Nobody Against Putin, directed by David Borenstein. The film follows a Russian teacher who documented propaganda in schools after the Ukraine invasion.

The British Academy’s highest honour, the BAFTA Fellowship, was awarded to Donna Langley, chairwoman of NBCUniversal Entertainment.

Stars and Royal Presence

The ceremony was hosted by Scottish actor Alan Cumming. Among the attendees were Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, along with several Hollywood stars.

With the Oscars approaching, BAFTA 2026 has set the stage for a competitive awards season. “Sinners” leads the Oscar race with 16 nominations, followed by “One Battle After Another” with 13, making both films strong contenders at Hollywood’s biggest night.