The 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), held on February 16, 2025, at London’s Royal Festival Hall, sparked significant discussions among viewers regarding the fairness of certain awards and the recognition of deserving winners. Hosted by David Tennant, the ceremony featured notable films such as “Conclave” and “The Brutalist,” which dominated the awards but also faced scrutiny over their victories.
Major Winners and Viewer Reactions
“Conclave,” directed by Edward Berger, emerged as a prominent winner, securing awards for Best Film, Best British Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing. The film’s unexpected triumph over “The Brutalist” in the Best Film category surprised many, as “The Brutalist” had been a frontrunner in the awards season. This outcome led to debates among viewers about the criteria and decision-making process behind the awards.
Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist” did not go unnoticed, earning accolades for Best Director, Best Actor for Adrien Brody, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score. Despite these achievements, some fans felt the film deserved the Best Film award, considering its critical acclaim and innovative storytelling.
In the acting categories, Mikey Madison’s win for Best Leading Actress in “Anora” was a highlight of the evening. Her heartfelt acceptance speech, where she paid tribute to her mother and expressed solidarity with the sex worker community, resonated with many. However, her victory over the favored Demi Moore, nominated for “The Substance,” led to discussions about potential upsets and the subjectivity inherent in award selections.
Zoe Saldaña’s performance in “Emilia Pérez” earned her the Best Supporting Actress award. The film also won Best Film Not in the English Language, despite controversies surrounding its lead performer. Saldaña’s emotional acknowledgment of her husband during her acceptance speech added a personal touch to the ceremony.
Complete List of Winners
- Best Film: “Conclave”
- Best British Film: “Conclave”
- Best Director: Brady Corbet for “The Brutalist”
- Best Leading Actor: Adrien Brody for “The Brutalist”
- Best Leading Actress: Mikey Madison for “Anora”
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin for “A Real Pain”
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña for “Emilia Pérez”
- Best Original Screenplay: Jesse Eisenberg for “A Real Pain”
- Best Adapted Screenplay: “Conclave”
- Best Cinematography: “The Brutalist”
- Best Editing: “Conclave”
- Best Original Score: “The Brutalist”
- Best Costume Design: “Wicked”
- Best Animated Film: “Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl”
- Best Children’s and Family Film: “Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl”
- Best Documentary: “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story”
- Best Film Not in the English Language: “Emilia Pérez”
- EE Rising Star Award: David Jonsson
The ceremony also featured memorable red carpet moments, with celebrities like Demi Moore, Selena Gomez, and Cynthia Erivo showcasing elegant and bold fashion choices. These appearances added to the event’s glamour and were widely discussed alongside the award outcomes.
In summary, the 2025 BAFTAs highlighted a blend of expected victories and surprising outcomes, prompting conversations about the awards’ fairness and the recognition of true talent. As the film industry continues to evolve, such discussions underscore the dynamic nature of artistic appreciation and the diverse perspectives of audiences and critics alike.
