BAFTA Film Awards 2025: ‘Conclave’ and ‘The Brutalist’ Dominate with Four Wins Each
The BAFTA Film Awards 2025 saw “Conclave” and “The Brutalist” emerge as top winners, each securing four awards, including Best Film and Best Director.
A Night of Cinematic Triumphs at the BAFTA Film Awards 2025
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Film Awards 2025 delivered a night of surprises, heartfelt speeches, and cinematic victories. Leading the pack were Conclave and The Brutalist, each securing four prestigious wins.
Edward Berger’s Conclave, which entered the evening with 12 nominations, walked away with the coveted Best Film award, along with Outstanding British Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Editing. Meanwhile, The Brutalist, a deeply moving period drama by Brady Corbet, claimed victories in Best Director, Best Actor (Adrien Brody), Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score.
‘Conclave’ Takes Center Stage
Inspired by Robert Harris’ bestselling novel, Conclave offers an intense look into the Vatican’s secretive process of electing a new pope. Its themes of political intrigue and moral dilemmas resonated with audiences and critics alike.
During his acceptance speech for Outstanding British Film, Berger reflected on the film’s relevance:
“We live in a time of a crisis of democracy, where institutions meant to unite us are often used to pull us apart. But that’s why we make films—to spark conversation, inspire, and restore faith in storytelling.”
His words underscored the film’s deeper societal message, which has been a key driver of its awards season momentum.
‘The Brutalist’ Shines with Brody’s Best Actor Win
A frontrunner throughout the season, The Brutalist is a three-and-a-half-hour period drama that chronicles a Hungarian immigrant architect’s struggle to rebuild his life in post-World War II America.
Adrien Brody, in what many critics hailed as a career-defining role, won Best Actor for his portrayal of the determined protagonist. In his acceptance speech, Brody remarked:
“This film is about the pursuit of leaving something meaningful behind. It’s a theme we all relate to, and I am honored to bring this story to life.”
The film’s success extended to the technical categories, winning Best Cinematography and Best Original Score, further cementing its place as a standout in this year’s awards circuit.
A Surprise Win for Mikey Madison in Best Actress
One of the evening’s biggest surprises came in the Best Actress category, where Mikey Madison clinched the award for her role in Anora. Portraying an unfamiliar dancer entangled with a Russian oligarch’s son, Madison outpaced industry veterans such as Demi Moore (The Substance) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths).
Madison took the opportunity to acknowledge the often-overlooked voices her character represented:
“I wasn’t expecting this at all. I want to take a moment to recognize the sex worker community—you deserve respect and dignity. I will always be your ally.”
Her win marked a significant moment for Anora, which has been gaining traction ahead of the upcoming Academy Awards.
‘Emilia Perez’ and the Power of International Storytelling
Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Perez, a bold mix of crime drama and musical elements, won Best Film Not in the English Language.
In his acceptance speech, Audiard emphasized the collaborative effort behind the project:
“This award is not just for me but for everyone who worked tirelessly on this film. It’s a testament to the power of international storytelling.”
The film also earned Zoe Saldana the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as a lawyer aiding a cartel leader’s transformation journey. Saldana’s win added to the film’s success, though its awards campaign has faced hurdles due to past social media controversies surrounding lead actress Karla Sofia Gascon.
Kieran Culkin and ‘A Real Pain’ Earn Major Recognition
In the Best Supporting Actor category, Kieran Culkin won for his performance in the dramedy A Real Pain. The film also secured Best Original Screenplay for writer-director Jesse Eisenberg, solidifying its status as a critical favorite.
With an awards season full of unpredictable twists, A Real Pain is emerging as a strong contender heading into the Oscars, thanks to its sharp storytelling and emotional depth.
What’s Next for These BAFTA Winners?
With the Academy Awards just weeks away, the momentum from BAFTA victories could influence Oscar voting. Conclave and The Brutalist are now firmly positioned as major players, while Anora and Emilia Perez could see renewed interest from international voters.
Film enthusiasts will be eagerly awaiting how these wins shape the final stretch of the awards season. One thing is clear: the BAFTA Film Awards 2025 have celebrated some of the most compelling and thought-provoking stories in recent cinematic history.
Source: (Reuters)
(Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information regarding the BAFTA Film Awards 2025. Awards results and related details are subject to change. Readers should refer to official BAFTA sources for the latest updates.)
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