“One Battle After Another” Dominates BAFTAs with Six Wins

Politically charged thriller One Battle After Another emerged as the biggest winner at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards on Sunday, taking home six trophies including Best Film and strengthening its position ahead of next month’s Academy Awards.

Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, the explosive drama about revolutionaries locked in chaotic conflict with the state also won prizes for Best Director, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, and Editing. Sean Penn earned a supporting actor award for his portrayal of an obsessive military officer.

Accepting the directing prize, Anderson described the moment as “very overwhelming and wonderful.” He paid tribute to his longtime assistant director, Adam Somner, who died of cancer in November 2024 shortly after production began. Quoting Nina Simone, Anderson said: “I know what freedom is: It’s no fear. Let’s keep making things without fear.”

Blues-infused vampire epic Sinners and gothic horror drama Frankenstein claimed three awards each, while Shakespearean family drama Hamnet secured two trophies, including Best British Film.

Bookmakers’ favourite Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her portrayal of Agnes Hathaway, wife of William Shakespeare, in Hamnet. The 36-year-old becomes the first Irish performer to claim the Best Actress prize at the BAFTAs. She dedicated her award “to the women past, present, and future who taught me and continue to teach me how to do it differently.”

In one of the night’s biggest surprises, Robert Aramayo won Best Actor for his role in I Swear, a fact-based indie drama centred on a campaigner advocating for people with Tourette syndrome. The 33-year-old appeared visibly stunned, calling his victory over fellow nominees Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Timothée Chalamet “absolutely mad.”

“I absolutely can’t believe this,” Aramayo said. “Everyone in this category blows me away.”

The awards ceremony, widely regarded as Britain’s equivalent of the Oscars, is often seen as a key indicator of momentum heading into Hollywood’s biggest night.