The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards delivered major surprises as Robert Aramayo and Wunmi Mosaku scored unexpected wins, while Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another claimed Best Film. The shocking results have reshaped predictions ahead of the Academy Awards.
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Dubai: The 2026 edition of the BAFTAs concluded on Sunday night with celebration, suspense, and a series of outcomes that few had predicted. While One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, claimed the prestigious Best Film award, the ceremony was ultimately defined by its unexpected victories and dramatic turns.
Going into the night, One Battle After Anotherappeared to be the dominant force, leading the nominations with 14 nods. Close behind was Sinners, which secured 13 nominations and was widely viewed as a formidable competitor. However, instead of one film sweeping the ceremony, awards were distributed across a wide range of contenders, making this one of the most unpredictable BAFTA ceremonies in recent years.
The event was hosted by Alan Cumming, best known to many viewers for The Traitors. His charismatic presence added energy to a night already charged with anticipation. As envelopes were opened and winners announced, it became clear that this year’s results would significantly reshape the awards-season conversation.
With the Academy Awards scheduled for March 15, industry observers and Oscar forecasters were quick to note that the BAFTAs had introduced fresh uncertainty into what had seemed like clearer races.
One of the most talked-about moments of the evening came in the Leading Actor category. Robert Aramayo delivered the night’s biggest shock by winning for his performance in I Swear. Many had predicted a victory for either Timothée Chalamet, nominated for Marty Supreme, or Leonardo DiCaprio, recognized for One Battle After Another. When Aramayo’s name was announced, the surprise was palpable, marking a breakthrough achievement in his career and instantly altering the momentum of the awards race.
The surprises did not end there. In the Supporting Actress category, Wunmi Mosaku emerged victorious for her role in Sinners. The award had widely been expected to go to Teyana Taylor, who earned strong praise for her performance in One Battle After Another. Mosaku’s win highlighted the broad support for Sinnerswithin the voting body and reinforced the unpredictable tone of the evening.
Perhaps the most surprising outcome was reserved for Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie. Entering the ceremony with 11 nominations, the film had been viewed as a major contender across several key categories. Expectations were high that it would secure at least one significant win.
Instead, Marty Supremeleft the ceremony empty-handed. For a production so heavily nominated, the shutout was particularly striking and underscored just how competitive and fragmented this year’s field proved to be. In an awards season where momentum can shift quickly, the film’s performance at the BAFTAs may have significant implications for its prospects at the Oscars.
Although One Battle After Anotherultimately secured the top prize, the 2026 BAFTAs will be remembered less for its Best Film winner and more for the shocks that rippled through the industry. Acting upsets, unexpected losses, and a broad distribution of honors ensured that no single narrative dominated the night.
As Hollywood now turns its focus to the Oscars, one thing is clear: the BAFTAs have complicated the race. What once appeared predictable is now wide open, and the surprises from London may well echo all the way to the Academy Awards stage.
Source: Gulf News
