The 2026 BAFTA awards turned into a dazzling celebration of cinema, marked by major wins and thunderous applause at the 79th edition of the British Academy Film Awards held at London’s Royal Festival Hall on February 22. Among the night’s biggest highlights, 'One Battle After Another' emerged as the clear frontrunner, dominating the evening and walking away as the most celebrated winner of the ceremony.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s 'One Battle After Another' took home six awards including Best Film, Director, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Editing and Supporting Actor for Sean Penn. It was followed by Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners' which took home three awards (Original Screenplay, Original Score, Supporting Actress), while Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein' swept the crafts categories with three wins of its own.
The film revolves around a washed-up former revolutionary, Bob, who lives off-grid with his spirited daughter, Willa. Their secluded life is shattered when Bob's nemesis, a man known as Lockjaw, resurfaces after 16 years, leading to Willa's disappearance and forcing Bob to confront his violent past to rescue her. The film was released in theatres on September 26.
