The BAFTA Film Awards 2025 was a night to remember, filled with tears, laughter, and unforgettable moments that reminded everyone why these ceremonies are so special. The event saw “Conclave” and “The Brutalist” dominate the awards, each taking home four accolades, including Best Picture and Outstanding British Film for “Conclave,” and Best Actor for Adrien Brody and Best Director for Brady Corbet for “The Brutalist.” However, it wasn’t just the big wins that made the night memorable—there were plenty of standout moments that kept the audience and viewers talking.
One of the highlights of the evening was the return of David Tennant as the host. The Scottish actor, who charmed audiences in 2024, brought his signature wit and energy back to the stage. Kicking off the ceremony with a nod to BAFTA legends Dame Helen Mirren, Jim Broadbent, and Brian Cox, Tennant set the tone with a lively sketch featuring The Proclaimers’ hit song “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).” The audience, including stars like Camila Cabello, Colman Domingo, and Anna Kendrick, joined in with gusto, even if some seemed a bit clueless about the classic Scottish anthem. Tennant’s humor didn’t miss a beat, poking fun at the length of films like “The Brutalist” and joking about the much-needed intermission. “Who doesn’t like a chance to have a wee halfway through?” he quipped, leaving the crowd in stitches.
The ceremony also saw its share of controversy, particularly surrounding “Emilia Perez,” a film that had been a favorite going into awards season but found itself under fire for its portrayal of Mexico and trans people, as well as offensive tweets from lead actress Karla Sofia Gascon, who was notably absent from the event. Despite the backlash, the film picked up two BAFTAs: Best Film Not in the English Language and Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldana. Director Jacques Audiard acknowledged the controversy but chose to celebrate the film’s achievements, namechecking all his stars, including Gascon, and blowing her a kiss through his translator. “I’m deeply proud of what we have all achieved together—long live Emilia Perez,” he said. Saldana, visibly emotional during her acceptance speech, thanked her co-stars and broke down in tears as she paid tribute to her mother. “Films are supposed to change hearts and challenge minds,” she said, hoping that “Emilia Perez” had done just that.
While the red carpet was filled with A-listers, one attendee kept a low profile: Kylie Jenner, who was in the audience supporting her partner, Timothée Chalamet, nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown.” Tennant didn’t miss the opportunity to poke fun at the couple, referencing the Chalamet lookalike competition that made headlines last year and joking about how nice it was to have a Jenner lookalike in the room. The couple’s efforts to keep their appearance under the radar were no match for Tennant’s quick wit and the cameras.
Music fans were in for a treat as Take That took the stage to perform their hit song “Greatest Day,” remixed for the film “Anora.” The performance was a crowd-pleaser, and no one was more excited than Best Actress nominee Saoirse Ronan, who confessed to being a longtime fan. “I’ve seen you twice,” she shouted to Gary Barlow, Mark Owen, and Howard Donald as they left the stage. Her husband, Jack Lowden, seemed just as thrilled, making it clear that Take That still has a dedicated fanbase.
The night also saw some heartfelt moments, including a touching tribute from Mikey Madison, who won Best Actress for her breakout role in “Anora.” Madison, who plays a young sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, paid tribute to the sex worker community, thanking them for their support and urging others to treat them with respect and decency. Her win was all the more impressive given that she was also nominated for the Rising Star award, a rare feat. She wasn’t the only one to move the audience to tears—Warwick Davis, who received the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship, dedicated his award to his late wife, Samantha, and spoke about how his children had helped him keep going after her passing. “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me—and I’ve been in Star Wars,” he joked, before getting emotional.
The ceremony also highlighted British success, with films like “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” and “Dune: Part Two” picking up awards. Camila Cabello presented the award for Best Children’s and Family Film to the “Wallace & Gromit” team, sparking hopes of a potential collaboration between the singer and the beloved animated duo. Meanwhile, David Jonsson was named the BAFTA Rising Star, a public-voted award that has previously launched the careers of stars like Kristen Stewart and Daniel Kaluuya. Jonsson, who recently starred in “Alien: Romulus,” spoke about how he never saw a space for himself in the industry but hoped his stories could create one.
One of the most poignant moments of the night came from the filmmakers behind “Sing Sing,” a film about an arts rehabilitation project in a maximum-security prison. While Colman Domingo, who played one of the real-life participants, was able to attend, the two men he portrayed—Divine G Whitfield and Clarence Maclin—were denied visas to enter the UK because of their criminal records. “Their visas were denied to enter the country because they have served prison time, which goes against the grain of everything this movie stands for,” said director Greg Kwedar. “It shows that people have the capacity to grow and to come back into their communities when they leave prison.” The films stood as a testament to their courage and vulnerability, even in their absence.
In the end, the BAFTA Film Awards 2025 was a night of celebration, tears, and laughter, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on hearts and minds. From the big wins to the emotional speeches, and from the musical performances to the moments of controversy, it was a ceremony that will be remembered for years to come.
