Conclave and The Brutalist Dominate the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards

The 78th British Academy Film Awards, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall on February 16th, 2025, proved to be a night of surprises and well-deserved accolades. Hosted by the charismatic David Tennant, the ceremony celebrated the finest cinematic achievements of the past year, with Conclave and The Brutalist emerging as the night’s big winners, each clinching four prestigious awards.  

Conclave’s Triumph

Conclave, a gripping thriller exploring the inner workings of the Vatican, took home the coveted Best Film award, solidifying its place as a critical and audience favorite. The film’s compelling narrative, stellar performances, and masterful direction resonated deeply with the BAFTA voters. In addition to Best Film, Conclave also secured wins for Outstanding British Film, Adapted Screenplay, and Editing, underscoring its excellence across various aspects of filmmaking.  

The Brutalist’s Artistic Acclaim

The Brutalist, a thought-provoking drama delving into the complexities of art, architecture, and personal struggles, made a significant impact at the awards ceremony. Brady Corbet’s directorial prowess earned him the Best Director award, while Adrien Brody’s captivating performance as the titular Brutalist garnered him the Leading Actor accolade. The film’s visual artistry was also recognized with awards for Cinematography and Original Score.  

Anora and Emilia Pérez Shine

Anora, a poignant and heartwarming tale of love and acceptance, earned Mikey Madison the Leading Actress award for her nuanced portrayal of a young woman navigating life’s challenges. The film’s casting, which played a crucial role in bringing its characters to life, was also honored with an award.  

Emilia Pérez, a captivating musical drama exploring themes of identity and transformation, won over the BAFTA voters in the Film Not in the English Language category. Zoe Saldaña’s compelling performance as a woman grappling with her past earned her the Supporting Actress award.  

Other Notable Wins

Kieran Culkin’s portrayal of a complex and troubled character in A Real Pain earned him the Supporting Actor award. The film’s thought-provoking narrative also secured a win for Original Screenplay.  

Wicked, a visually stunning and enchanting fantasy film, captivated audiences with its imaginative world-building and earned awards for Costume Design and Production Design.  

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, the latest installment in the beloved animated series, delighted audiences with its humor and heart, winning both Animated Film and the newly introduced Children’s & Family Film category.  

Dune: Part Two, a visually spectacular and immersive science fiction epic, took home awards for Special Visual Effects and Sound, recognizing its technical brilliance.  

Honoring Outstanding Contributions

The BAFTA Fellowship, the highest accolade bestowed by the academy, was presented to the esteemed actor Warwick Davis in recognition of his remarkable career and his advocacy for people with dwarfism.  

MediCinema, a charity dedicated to bringing cinema experiences to hospitals, received the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award for its invaluable work in enhancing the well-being of patients through the power of film.  

David Jonsson, a rising star in the British film industry, was voted the winner of the EE Rising Star Award by the public, recognizing his immense potential and promising future.  

A Night of Celebration

The 2025 BAFTA Film Awards was a resounding success, celebrating the diversity and brilliance of filmmaking. The winners’ list reflected a wide range of genres, themes, and artistic styles, showcasing the power of cinema to entertain, inspire, and provoke thought.

The ceremony was not only a celebration of cinematic achievements but also a platform for honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the film industry. The recognition of Warwick Davis and MediCinema served as a reminder of the importance of using film to promote inclusivity, challenge societal prejudices, and bring joy to those in need.

As the curtains closed on another successful BAFTA Film Awards ceremony, the film industry looked forward to another year of exceptional storytelling and cinematic innovation.