London, UNITED KINGDOM – A night of glamour, unexpected victories and uneasy controversy marked the 79th British Academy Film Awards on Sunday, with One Battle After Another dominating the ceremony, a broadcast apology after a racial slur, and a surge of support for films and talent that defied predictions.
Here are seven major highlights from the BAFTAs at London’s Royal Festival Hall:
1. Blockbuster One Battle After Another Wins Big
Paul Thomas Anderson’s sweeping political drama led the evening with six wins, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing and Best Supporting Actor for Sean Penn. The film also topped nominations, underscoring its critical appeal in the British awards season.
2. British Actor Robert Aramayo Shocks With Best Actor
In one of the night’s biggest shocks, British talent Robert Aramayo won Best Actor for I Swear, beating heavyweights including Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet — one of the most surprising outcomes in recent BAFTA history. He also collected the EE Rising Star Award.
3. Jessie Buckley and Hamnet Shine
Irish actress Jessie Buckley secured Best Actress for her portrayal of Agnes in Hamnet, which also took home Outstanding British Film, cementing her awards-season momentum.
4. BBC Apologises After Racial Slur Heard on Air
The ceremony was overshadowed on broadcast when an audience member reportedly with Tourette syndrome involuntarily shouted a racial slur during a presentation involving Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo. The BBC issued an on-air apology for any offence caused, and host Alan Cumming addressed the incident, urging understanding and compassion as the remarks were involuntary verbal tics.
5. Host Alan Cumming’s Poignant Response
Cumming paused the show twice to explain the unusual interruptions and thanked the audience for their patience, highlighting the nuances of neurological conditions like Tourette syndrome — a moment that sparked discussion on live television, disability awareness and empathy.
6. Snubs and Surprises: Big Names Left Empty-Handed
Several favourites failed to convert nominations into wins. Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme, despite double-digit nominations, came up empty, while breakout victories for films like Sinners (Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Score) and the surprise casting win for I Swear underscored the unpredictability of this year’s BAFTAs.
7. Royal Return and Red Carpet Buzz
The awards also saw the first joint BAFTA appearance in years from Prince William and Princess Kate, who attended amid renewed media attention on the monarchy, adding regal glamour to an already headline-rich night.
The BAFTA Awards, long regarded as a bellwether for the Oscars, delivered a blend of artistic celebration and cultural conversation — balancing triumphs with wider debates about representation, live TV unpredictability and what it means to reflect diverse experiences on the world stage.