The 79th British Academy Film Awards took place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, delivering one of the most dramatic nights in recent memory. Held at London’s Royal Festival Hall and hosted by Alan Cumming, the ceremony combined emotional speeches, major upsets and a historic double victory that instantly reshaped this awards season.
The biggest headline came from One Battle After Another, which swept six awards including Best Film. But the defining moment belonged to Robert Aramayo, who achieved something never done before in BAFTA history. From surprise wins to technical domination, BAFTA 2026 delivered scale, emotion and serious momentum heading into the Oscars.
Complete BAFTA 2026 Winners List by Category
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Robert Aramayo Makes BAFTA History With Double Win
The defining story of BAFTA 2026 was Robert Aramayo’s unprecedented double triumph. He won the EE Rising Star Award and then stunned the room again by taking Leading Actor for I Swear. No performer has claimed both awards in the same year.
His performance as John Davidson, a real-life figure living with Tourette’s syndrome, resonated deeply. During his speech, Aramayo thanked Davidson and described him as the most remarkable person he had ever met. The moment instantly went viral and turned the ceremony into something far more personal than typical awards-night spectacle.
One Battle After Another Claims Best Film in 6-Award Night
He edged out global names including Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet, marking a clear generational shift in the Leading Actor race. Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another dominated the ceremony with six major wins:
- Best Film
- Director
- Adapted Screenplay
- Cinematography
- Supporting Actor (Sean Penn)
- Additional category victory
Frankenstein and Sinners Shine at BAFTA 2026
The film blends emotional warfare with intimate character drama, and BAFTA voters clearly responded. While DiCaprio’s presence added star power, the night belonged to the ensemble and Anderson’s direction. This sweep now positions the film as a major contender in the global awards circuit. Frankenstein emerged as the technical powerhouse of the night with four wins: Make Up & Hair, Original Score, Production Design and Special Visual Effects. The craftsmanship behind the film stood out across multiple departments. Sinners, written by Ryan Coogler, won Original Screenplay and Editing, highlighting its sharp narrative structure and bold pacing. Meanwhile, Avatar: Fire and Ash secured Sound, reinforcing its immersive technical scale.
Why BAFTA 2026 Could Shape the Oscars Race
This ceremony was not just about trophies. It reshaped awards momentum. A six-award sweep often signals industry alignment. A historic double acting win signals breakout dominance. Strong British representation signals regional pride heading into global competition.
Last year saw Christopher Nolan and Oppenheimer dominate. Before that, genre-defying films like Everything Everywhere All at Once changed the narrative. BAFTA 2026 feels like another turning point, particularly for Aramayo and Anderson.
As the lights dimmed at Royal Festival Hall, conversations shifted immediately toward what these results mean for Hollywood’s biggest night. If BAFTA momentum holds, this could be remembered as the ceremony that launched a new leading man while reaffirming a master filmmaker’s dominance. BAFTA 2026 was not just another awards show. It was a statement year.
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