From a shock leading-actor win for Robert Aramayo to a cameo from Paddington and Alan Cumming's cheeky gags, the Baftas blended serious awards with playful interludes
The British Academy’s latest ceremony mixed high drama on stage with plenty of unpredictable, human moments — a night that rewarded familiar contenders, surprised a few pundits, and generated plenty of social-media chatter.
Big winners and surprises
– One Battle After Another emerged as the evening’s standout, picking up Best Film and Best Director and cementing its momentum across awards season.
– Robert Aramayo caused one of the bigger shocks of the night, taking home Best Leading Actor for his portrayal of campaigner John Davidson — a win that sent ripples through the usual predictions.
– Sinners also had a strong night, claiming three awards including Best Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku.
The tone: theatrical, playful, sometimes messy
Alan Cumming, the evening’s host, leaned into theatricality and whimsy. The programme threaded scripted tributes with improvised comic beats: a recurring gag about offering celebrities British snacks, a chaotic pre-recorded video-call sketch that briefly rendered Brian Cox with a feline filter, and two surprise appearances by Paddington Bear — once in the opening sequence and again to present the Children’s and Family Film prize.
A small onstage gag left Paul Mescal momentarily embarrassed when he was caught looking at his phone, though he quickly recovered.
Those lighter moments helped move the show along and produced several viral clips, but they also shifted the tone away from pure ceremony at times. Critics noted the stunt-like interludes traded some solemnity for spectacle; producers defended the choice as a way to keep energy up and reduce downtime between awards.
Tributes and honours
Dame Donna Langley received the BAFTA Fellowship in recognition of her leadership in film and television, with warm testimonials celebrating her influence on major productions and industry talent. Emma Thompson contributed a pre-recorded message to the Fellowship segment, adding a touch of personal warmth and self-deprecating humour.
Controversy and response
The broadcast was not without incident. An audience member with Tourette’s syndrome shouted a racial slur that was audible on air. The broadcaster apologised and organisers opened a review into how the remark reached the live transmission, along with broader checks on audience protocols and production controls. Police confirmed there were no major security incidents requiring intervention.
The emotional moments
Among the evening’s most photographed scenes: Aramayo embracing his father on stage after his surprise win — a spontaneous, emotional moment that captured a lot of attention and sympathy online.
Aftermath and what comes next
The ceremony reshuffled some awards-season expectations. Publicists and distributors are already expected to capitalise on BAFTA momentum in upcoming campaigns and festivals. Meanwhile, organisers say they will publish any findings and measures that arise from their review of the broadcast. Coverage and industry reaction are likely to keep developing in the days ahead.
