• 'Conclave' dominates the awards
  • Standout winners in acting 
  • Celebrating technical brillance

The BAFTA Awards 2025 delivered an evening filled with surprises and triumphs. Director Edward Berger’s Vatican thriller 'Conclave' emerged as the big winner, securing four prestigious awards, including the coveted Best Film prize. Despite tough competition from 'Emilia Perez' and 'A Complete Unknown,' 'Conclave' dominated the night. The BAFTAs are often seen as a key indicator for the Oscars, set to take place in Los Angeles in two weeks. With eight Oscar nominations, 'Conclave' could make an equally strong impression there.

'Conclave' cleans up

'Conclave' took home awards in Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing. The film, which delves into the intrigues of a papal election, captivated the jury with its gripping narrative and stellar ensemble cast. However, Ralph Fiennes, who delivers a standout performance as "Cardinal Lawrence," surprisingly left empty-handed. Despite this, the film remains a strong contender at the Oscars with its impressive nomination count.

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Acting sensations

The acting categories saw their share of unexpected victories. Mikey Madison won Best Actress in a Leading Role for 'Anora,' delivering a heartfelt acceptance speech dedicated to the sex worker community. Adrien Brody took home Best Actor in a Leading Role for 'The Brutalist,' while Kieran Culkin earned Best Supporting Actor for 'A Real Pain.' Zoe Saldaña triumphed in Best Supporting Actress for her performance in 'Emilia Perez.'

Technical masterpieces

The night also celebrated technical brilliance. Gerd Nefzer, who previously won for 'Dune: Part One,' once again claimed Best Visual Special Effects for 'Dune: Part Two.' The sci-fi epic also won Best Sound, further cementing its reputation for technical excellence. With these wins, 'Dune: Part Two' strengthens its position as an Oscar frontrunner in technical categories.

The BAFTA ceremony, hosted by David Tennant, was a glamorous affair that brought the biggest names in international cinema to London’s Royal Festival Hall. With the Oscars on the horizon, the night’s biggest winners may soon find themselves celebrating once again.