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Paul Thomas Anderson’s Epic Domination (Image Credits: Upload.wikimedia.org)
London – The Royal Festival Hall hosted the 79th BAFTA Film Awards on February 22, where Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another emerged as the undisputed champion amid fierce competition.[1][2]
Paul Thomas Anderson’s Epic Domination
One Battle After Another secured six coveted trophies, including Best Film, Best Director for Anderson, and Adapted Screenplay. The film also triumphed in Editing, Cinematography, and Supporting Actor for Sean Penn. Leading with 14 nominations, it outperformed rivals like Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, which garnered 13 nods. Attendees witnessed Anderson’s masterclass in storytelling pay off handsomely. The victory marked a pinnacle for the dark comedy, solidifying its critical acclaim.
Sean Penn’s win in Supporting Actor highlighted the film’s ensemble strength. Michael Bauman earned Cinematography honors, while Andy Jurgensen took Editing. Producers Adam Somner, Sara Murphy, and Anderson accepted Best Film amid applause.[3]
Acting Excellence Lights Up the Stage
Jessie Buckley claimed Leading Actress for her role in Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao. Robert Aramayo dominated Leading Actor with I Swear and snagged the EE Rising Star Award, beating out stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. Wunmi Mosaku rounded out the acting highlights with Supporting Actress for Sinners. These performances captivated voters and audiences alike. Aramayo’s double win signaled a breakout year for the British talent.
Buckley’s portrayal in the 11-nominated Hamnet resonated deeply, earning her the top spot. The category showcased a blend of international flair and homegrown skill.[4]
British Cinema Shines Bright
Hamnet also won Outstanding British Film, with producers Chloé Zhao, Liza Marshall, Pippa Harris, Nicolas Gonda, Steven Spielberg, Sam Mendes, and Maggie O’Farrell celebrating the honor. Boong took Children’s & Family Film, produced by Lakshmipriya Devi and Ritesh Sidhwani, marking a milestone for Indian storytelling on the global stage. British shorts impressed too: This Is Endometriosis won British Short Film, and Two Black Boys in Paradise claimed British Short Animation.
My Father’s Shadow earned Outstanding Debut for director Akinola Davies Jr. and writer Wale Davies. These victories underscored the UK’s vibrant film scene. Bollywood attendees like Alia Bhatt, Farhan Akhtar, and Shibani Akhtar added cross-cultural buzz.[1][5]
Technical and Genre Standouts
Frankenstein dominated crafts with wins in Production Design, Make-Up & Hair, and Costume Design. Avatar: Fire and Ash repeated Special Visual Effects success. Sinners impressed further with Original Screenplay for Coogler and Original Score by Ludwig Göransson. F1 revved up Sound, while Sentimental Value won Film Not in the English Language. Mr. Nobody Against Putin took Documentary, and I Swear secured Casting.
| Film | Key Wins | Nominations |
|---|---|---|
| One Battle After Another | 6 (Best Film, Director, etc.) | 14 |
| Sinners | 3 (Screenplay, Score, Actress) | 13 |
| Hamnet | 2 (Actress, British Film) | 11 |
| Boong | 1 (Children’s Film) | N/A |
Alan Cumming hosted the glamorous evening, attended by Emma Stone, Michael B. Jordan, and more Hollywood luminaries.
- One Battle After Another’s six wins set a high bar for Oscars contenders.
- British films like Hamnet and Boong bridged cultures effectively.
- Robert Aramayo’s dual awards herald a new era of leading men.
The BAFTA results preview an exciting awards season ahead, with One Battle After Another positioning itself as a frontrunner. Hollywood’s elite gathered under one roof, blending glamour and gravitas. What are your predictions for the Oscars now? Share in the comments below.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Fritz is the managing director of Europe’s largest manufacturer of mobile stages Kultour and has a lot of experience in the event industry, loves music and likes to go to festivals.
