BAFTAs 2026: British and Irish Talent Shine as 'One Battle After Another' Dominates
The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards celebrated a year of outstanding cinema, with Paul Thomas Anderson's war epic One Battle After Another emerging as the night's biggest winner, while British and Irish performers claimed some of the most prestigious acting honours.
The ceremony, held in London, saw One Battle After Another take home six awards including Best Film and Best Director, cementing its status as the frontrunner heading into the upcoming Academy Awards season. The film also claimed Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Supporting Actor for Sean Penn.
Key Developments
It was a historic night for British talent. Actor Robert Aramayo made BAFTA history by winning both the Best Actor award for his role in I Swear and the public-voted EE Rising Star Award in the same year — a feat never previously achieved at the ceremony. His dual win was met with a standing ovation from the audience at the Royal Festival Hall.
Irish actress Jessie Buckley delivered what many critics described as the performance of the year, winning Best Actress for her "feral" and deeply moving portrayal of Agnes in Hamnet, the adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's acclaimed novel. Hamnet was also named Outstanding British Film, a double triumph that underscored the strength of British and Irish storytelling on the world stage.
Wunmi Mosaku secured the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Sinners, becoming the first British winner in that category in four years. Sinners also claimed Best Original Screenplay and Best Original Score.
Background
The BAFTAs are widely regarded as one of the most reliable predictors of Oscar success, and the strong showing for One Battle After Another will be closely watched by Academy voters. The ceremony also attracted attention for an off-script moment when the BBC, which broadcast the event, issued an apology after an unedited racial slur was aired — the result of an involuntary tic from a Tourette's syndrome campaigner in the audience whose life story inspired I Swear.
Why It Matters
The 2026 BAFTAs reinforced the global standing of British and Irish filmmaking talent. With Jessie Buckley's win and the success of Hamnet, Irish literature and performance are once again at the forefront of international cinema. The ceremony also highlighted the diversity of British talent, with Wunmi Mosaku's win a welcome recognition of the breadth of acting excellence in the UK.
What's Next
The Academy Awards are now the next major milestone on the awards calendar, with One Battle After Another widely expected to dominate the nominations. Full winners list at BBC News.
