Jessie Buckley shared a heartfelt story about her acting beginnings, joking about once trying to imitate Judi Dench while sporting a very obvious fake tan. She recounted this journey as she accepted the Leading Actress award at the British Academy Film Awards on Sunday.
Oh my gosh, seeing her accept that award just wrecked me! She’s 36, can you believe it? And so deserving! It was for her incredible performance in Hamnet, directed by Chloe Zhao, and honestly, I nearly cried. The movie itself won two awards that night, but it was her acceptance speech that really got to me. She was so emotional and genuine, it was perfect!
Jessie is expected to win the Best Actress Oscar, and she graciously thanked her fellow nominees when accepting an award.
I’m so excited about this new film! It tells the story of William Shakespeare’s wife, Agnes, and it’s beautifully adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s wonderful novel of the same name. It really brings her story to life!
She expressed how honored she was, saying she never imagined as a child that she’d have the opportunity to make a film, but here she is, living that dream.
I met my agent, Lindy King, in London looking quite a mess – I had a terrible fake tan, large white hoop earrings, and a red polka dot skirt and top. Despite my appearance, I actually told her I hoped to become an actress like Judi Dench!
I honestly can’t believe she thought that could happen. Thanks to Lindy, I’ve always been encouraged to be curious, take risks, and embrace my humanity.
This achievement is truly thanks to the women who have guided me, and continue to show me new ways of doing things.
While thanking her fellow nominees, Jessie accidentally left out Kate Hudson and jokingly asked the audience if she’d forgotten anyone.
She then added ‘I am in awe of all your incredible performances thank you.’
Maggie O’Farrell, thank you for giving the mother character a voice and presence equal to Shakespeare’s in this production.
One Battle After Another was the major success story at the BAFTAs on Sunday, winning six awards at the ceremony held at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s acclaimed film was already a frontrunner with a record-breaking 14 nominations, and ultimately took home the top prizes, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, a win for its supporting actor, and awards for both cinematography and editing.
The night had a few unexpected moments, including Timothée Chalamet not winning Best Actor – the award went to a local star instead.
Although many expected Timothée to win for his performance in Marty Supreme, Robert Aramayo, known for I Swear, ultimately took home the award.
When ‘As One Battle For Another’ won Best Film, producer Sarah Murphy shared that they wished their partner, Adam Somner, could have been there to accept the award in his hometown.
Director Paul Thomas Anderson expressed his gratitude, calling the recognition for their film a tremendous honor.
I know other movies have similar themes, but anyone who claims movies aren’t good anymore is wrong – this is a fantastic year for film.
He added that he planned to go and find a ‘bar somewhere to go celebrate.’
The night’s biggest disappointment was the ping pong drama Marty Supreme. Despite being a frontrunner with 11 nominations, the show didn’t win any awards.
The audience and those attending the event were shocked when Robert was named Best Actor for ‘I Swear,’ unexpectedly winning over established stars Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio.
When Robert’s son was recognized for his achievement, his father leaped up, excitedly shouting and jumping for joy as his son’s name was announced.
Standing on stage, Aramayo expressed his disbelief, saying he couldn’t believe he was seeing the crowd before him, let alone that he was the one standing there.
He expressed his disbelief at winning the award, saying he was truly stunned and deeply impressed by the other nominees.
Ethan Hawke visited my school, Juilliard, and gave a really inspiring talk about having a long career as an actor. He emphasized taking care of yourself – both physically and mentally – and avoiding harmful habits. It truly resonated with everyone there.
Just moments before the ceremony’s closing gong, Robert received the EE BAFTA Rising Star award, which is unique because it’s the only prize decided by public vote.
He seemed nervous, recalling a previous BAFTA experience where he accidentally dropped an award. He expressed hope that this event would go more smoothly.
I’m incredibly grateful for the constant support of my family – my dad, mom, sister, and my wonderful partner. I love you all very much. I also want to thank my second family, the I Swear team, for allowing me to share their story. John Davidson is truly an inspiring person.
Robert Aramayo’s father compared his son getting into Juilliard, New York’s prestigious performing arts school, to the feeling of having a child selected to play for Barcelona’s football club. It was an especially proud moment, as Robert was the sole British student accepted out of 4,000 applicants.
Originally from Hull, Aramayo has become well-known thanks to his roles in popular shows like Game of Thrones and The Lord of the Rings.
Hamnet won two awards, including the prestigious title of Outstanding British Film, surpassing both I Swear and The Ballad of Wallis Island.
Although Paul received positive reviews for his portrayal of young William Shakespeare, Sean Penn won the Supporting Actor award for his performance in One Battle After Another.
When the film won, young actors Jacobi Jupe and Olivia Lynes celebrated with a heartwarming hug onstage as producer Sam Mendes accepted the award.
Sam described making the movie, which was adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s book, as a truly positive experience for the entire team.
He also gave a shout-out to his co-producer, Steven Spielberg, praising his dedication to film and filmmakers, and for immediately believing in the movie.
Lead producer Liza Marshall expressed her gratitude to the entire cast and crew, specifically mentioning Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, writer Maggie O’Farrell, and director Chloe Zhao.
Wunmi Mosaku, known for her role in ‘Sinners,’ was one of the first award recipients, winning Supporting Actress for her performance in the Ryan Coogler film.
Mosaku, expecting her second child, expressed gratitude to her husband, family, and daughter while accepting the award. She shared that her mother had always supported her, allowing her to pursue her own path.
She explained that playing the role of Annie in ‘Sinners’ allowed her to reconnect with a side of herself she had suppressed while adjusting to a new life as an immigrant.
The film ‘Sinners’ won Best Original Screenplay, bringing its total awards to three, including Best Original Score.
Sean Penn won the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in ‘One Battle After Another,’ surprising many as Stellan Skarsgård was widely expected to win.
Because of this, Paul Mescal didn’t win, even though many critics loved his acting in Hamnet.
Paddington Bear announced Boong as the winner of the Best Children’s & Family Film award. Boong is a moving coming-of-age story in the Manipuri language from India.
Zootropolis 2 was awarded Best Animated Film, while Best Sound was given to F1.
Frankenstein, starring Jacob Elordi as the monster, took home the award for Best Production Design. The film also won prizes for Best Makeup and Hair, and Best Costume Design.
Monica Bellucci presented the award for Best Documentary to Mr Nobody Against Putin.
Miles Caton and Milly Alcock presented the award for Best British Short Film to This Is Endometriosis. Two Black Boys in Paradise won Best British Short Animation.
As a lifestyle expert, I’m always thrilled to see fresh talent recognized! This year, the award for Outstanding Debut from a British Writer, Director, or Producer went to the incredible duo Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies for their moving work, My Father’s Shadow. It’s a truly special film, and I’m excited to see what they do next.
Best Casting was given to I Swear, while Best Editing was given to One Battle After Another.
Avatar: Fire and Ash won the first award of the evening, taking home the prize for Special Visual Effects.
Alan Cumming, hosting for the first time, began the show by suggesting that many of the nominated films drew inspiration from challenging real-world events, likely referencing the political climate in the United States.
He playfully mentioned that watching the Timothée Chalamet film, Marty Supreme, was surprisingly tiring, like a good workout. He then turned to a more somber topic, expressing sadness over the heartbreaking story of Hanet and a child’s death.
Are you familiar with the storyline of Zootopia 2? It involves deceit, dishonest leaders, poisoning, and the unfair treatment of a specific group. Many feel it’s insensitive for Disney to release a story with these themes right now.
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve noticed a really interesting trend lately. It feels like what’s happening around us – in the real world, with current events – is starting to heavily influence the stories filmmakers are telling. Does anyone else see this connection? I’m especially curious if my American audience is picking up on it – it’s pretty noticeable, isn’t it?
Oh my god, it was incredible! He just told everyone to scream – like, a huge, collective primal scream – and then he screamed, this massive yell that gave me chills! And then he just looked at us and asked, all casually, ‘That felt better, didn’t it?’ It totally did! Seriously, it was the most amazing, cathartic thing ever. I think I actually felt lighter after that scream. He just gets it, you know?
As a huge KPop Demon Hunters fan, I was absolutely thrilled to see Rei Ami, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna – all from Huntr/x – perform their amazing song, Golden! It was such a treat.
Clare Binns, the Creative Director of Picture House Cinemas, received the BAFTA Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award.
She started her career as an usher in the 1980s and went on to work with acclaimed directors like Danny Boyle, Francis Lee, Steve McQueen, Shola Amoo, Charlotte Regan, and Alice Winocour.
Clare thanked her family for supporting her passion for film, even when it meant sacrifices for them.
She finished her speech: ‘Vivre le cinema!’
Dame Donna Langley received this year’s BAFTA Fellowship, which is the highest honor awarded by the arts organization.
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2026-02-23 00:06