BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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The 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), held on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall in London, celebrated outstanding cinematic achievements over the past year. Hosted for the second consecutive time by the ever-charismatic David Tennant, who brought charm, wit, and a touch of Scottish flair to the stage–marked by his entrance in a traditional kilt–the evening was filled with star-studded moments, emotional speeches, and well-deserved victories.
The BAFTAs, established in 1947 by key members of the British Film Academy and first presented in 1948, have long been regarded as one of the most prestigious film award ceremonies in the world, often considered the British equivalent of the Academy Awards (Oscars). These awards honor excellence in filmmaking across various categories, including acting, directing, screenwriting, cinematography, and special effects, recognizing and celebrating both British and international cinema.
The ceremony’s eligibility is based on films released in the UK during the previous year, with major awards including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor/Actress in a Leading Role, and Best Supporting Actor/Actress, among others. The BAFTAs also recognize key technical achievements such as Cinematography, Editing, Production Design, and Costume Design. Additionally, the organization acknowledges excellence in television and video games through separate events–the BAFTA Television Awards and the BAFTA Games Awards, respectively.
With such a rich history of celebrating the best in global cinema, the BAFTA Film Awards continue to serve as a significant platform showcasing emerging talent, industry legends, and groundbreaking achievements. The 2025 edition was no exception, as numerous films and performances left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.
The political thriller Conclave emerged as one of the evening’s biggest victors, taking home four BAFTAs, including Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Best Adapted Screenplay (won by Peter Straughan), and Best Editing. Director Edward Berger, in his acceptance speech, praised producer Tessa Ross, calling her “the best producer I know.” The film’s triumph reflected both its narrative depth and its powerful cinematic execution, cementing its place in the BAFTA spotlight.
Similarly, The Brutalist claimed four awards. Brady Corbet was honored as Best Director, while Adrien Brody was recognized as Leading Actor. The film also earned accolades for Best Cinematography and Best Original Score, reinforcing its artistic and technical brilliance. Its complex narrative and atmospheric design made it a standout during the evening’s celebrations.
Emilia Pérez, a French musical crime drama told in Spanish, garnered significant attention, winning Best Film Not in the English Language and earning the Best Supporting Actress award for Zoe Saldaña. In her emotional acceptance speech, Saldaña, visibly moved, dedicated the award to her trans nephew, Eli, and made a heartfelt call for greater support and visibility for the trans community, using her platform to champion inclusivity.
In a powerful moment, Mikey Madison won Leading Actress for her role in Anora. In her moving speech, she dedicated the award to sex workers, advocating for their dignity and respect. Her words resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the importance of representation and respect in the film industry.
Kieran Culkin was honored with the Best Supporting Actor award for his standout performance in A Real Pain. His nuanced portrayal added a distinct layer of depth to the film, and his victory was well-earned. The much-anticipated musical adaptation of Wicked took home Best Costume Design and Best Production Design awards, though Ariana Grande, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress, did not win.
In the world of animation, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl captured the hearts of audiences, securing both Best Animated Film and the inaugural Best Children’s and Family Film award. The film’s widespread appeal was demonstrated by its impressive viewership, with over 20 million tuning in on BBC One to witness the iconic duo’s latest adventure.
The documentary Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story won Best Documentary, offering an intimate and poignant look into the life of the late Hollywood legend and former Superman actor, Christopher Reeve, who became a symbol of resilience following his paralyzing accident in 1995.
The highly anticipated sci-fi epic Dune: Part Two continued to garner recognition for its technical brilliance, winning Sound and Special Visual Effects, further solidifying its legacy as a visual and auditory marvel.
Actor Warwick Davis, known for his roles in Willow and Harry Potter, received the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship. The award was presented by Tom Felton, and Davis used the occasion to honor his late wife, Samantha Davis, sharing personal memories and expressing gratitude to his family. He also underscored the importance of creating meaningful stories and highlighted BAFTA’s continued support for Little People UK, an organization he co-founded with his late wife.
Despite receiving six nominations for A Complete Unknown, Timothée Chalamet walked away empty-handed, as the film did not win in any of its categories. The film’s lack of awards added to the suspense of the evening, as the anticipated favorite failed to secure a win.
The event was a true celebration of the film industry’s vibrancy, with countless celebrities gracing the red carpet. Fashion was a central focus, with stars showcasing their most jaw-dropping outfits. The after-parties were filled with industry luminaries and emerging talent, reflecting the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the global cinema scene.
Ariana Grande’s presence on the red carpet was a highlight, with fans eagerly awaiting her stylish appearance and participation in the ceremony.
Ultimately, the 78th BAFTA Awards proved to be an evening full of triumphs, heartfelt speeches, and unexpected twists. From the victories of Conclave and The Brutalist to the emotional wins of Zoe Saldaña and Mikey Madison, the night highlighted both the technical and artistic brilliance of the films and performances that shaped 2024. As the film industry continues to evolve, the BAFTAs remain a vital platform for celebrating diverse voices, emerging talent, and cinematic excellence.
