The thriller Conclave emerged as the biggest winner at the BAFTA Film Awards, securing four major prizes, including Best Film. The film, which explores the intrigue of papal selection, also won Outstanding British Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing.
Director Edward Berger reflected on the film’s significance during his acceptance speech at the BAFTA Film Awards. He highlighted the current crisis in democracy and how institutions meant to unite people often cause division. “It can be difficult to maintain faith in such times, but that’s why we create films,” he stated.
‘The Brutalist’ Shines with Four Awards
The period drama The Brutalist also claimed four awards at the recent BAFTA Film Awards, establishing itself as a major contender. The three-and-a-half-hour film tells the story of a Hungarian immigrant architect striving to rebuild his life in post-World War II America.
Brady Corbet won Best Director for his work on the film, while Adrien Brody took home the Best Actor award. In his speech, Brody emphasized the film’s message about leaving behind something meaningful. “That pursuit is something everyone can relate to,” he said.
In addition to its acting and directing wins, The Brutalist was recognized for Best Original Score and Best Cinematography, further cementing its impact at the BAFTA Film Awards.
Mikey Madison Surprises with Leading Actress Win
One of the evening’s unexpected moments came when Mikey Madison won the Leading Actress award for her role in Anora, during the BAFTA Film Awards. She portrayed an fascinating dancer entangled with a Russian oligarch’s son.
Many had expected Demi Moore to win for her role in the body horror film The Substance or Marianne Jean-Baptiste for Hard Truths, where she plays a woman battling depression. However, Madison’s performance took center stage.
In her emotional speech at the BAFTA Film Awards, she acknowledged the sex worker community, saying, “You deserve respect and human decency. I will always stand with you.”
‘Emilia Perez’ Wins Best Film Not in the English Language
The musical crime film Emilia Perez won in the Best Film Not in the English Language category at the BAFTA Film Awards. Director Jacques Audiard, visibly moved, thanked his team, saying, “This award is not just for me but for everyone who worked tirelessly on this film.”
The film’s cast includes Karla Sofia Gascon, who had been nominated for Leading Actress but was absent from the ceremony. Zoe Saldana, who played a lawyer assisting a cartel leader in faking his death and transitioning to a woman, won Best Supporting Actress.
Despite an early lead in the awards race, Emilia Perez faced setbacks due to controversy surrounding Gascon’s past social media comments. The actress later apologized and distanced herself from the public spotlight to avoid affecting the film’s BAFTA Film Awards and Oscar campaign.
Kieran Culkin and ‘A Real Pain’ Win Big
Kieran Culkin took home the Best Supporting Actor award for A Real Pain, a dramedy that resonated with audiences and critics alike at the BAFTA Film Awards. The film also won Best Original Screenplay, recognizing Jesse Eisenberg’s work as both writer and director.
As the BAFTA Film Awards concluded, Conclave and The Brutalist stood out as the night’s dominant winners, setting the stage for further recognition in the upcoming awards season.
