Highlights from the BAFTA Film Awards 2026: Jessie Buckley and Robert Aramayo Shine
BAFTA Film Awards 2026: A Night of Celebration
The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards recognized outstanding achievements in cinema, with two remarkable performances clinching the top acting awards. The 79th edition took place at the Royal Festival Hall in London, honoring the best in film from the past year. With no clear favorite leading the awards season and various winners emerging across different ceremonies, this year's BAFTA was highly anticipated. The winners have now been revealed.
Jessie Buckley Takes Home Best Actress
In the Best Actress category, nominees included Emma Stone for Bugonia, Jessie Buckley for Hamnet, and Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. Other contenders were Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue), Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Another), and Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value). Ultimately, Jessie Buckley won for her role in Hamnet, marking a significant moment in her Oscars 2026 campaign.
Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao, is a historical drama based on Maggie O'Farrell's acclaimed novel. The film delves into the personal life of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes Hathaway as they cope with the tragic loss of their son, Hamnet. Buckley stars alongside Paul Mescal, with notable performances from Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, and Noah Jupe.
Surprising Best Actor Win for Robert Aramayo
The Best Actor category featured several strong contenders, including Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, Robert Aramayo for I Swear, and Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme. Other nominees included Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), Michael B. Jordan (Sinners), and Jesse Plemons (Bugonia).
Robert Aramayo emerged victorious as Best Leading Man, surpassing Timothée Chalamet, who was a favorite throughout the awards season.
I Swear is a Scottish biographical drama directed by Kirk Jones, telling the true story of John Davidson, a man with severe Tourette’s syndrome. The film focuses on his life following the 1989 documentary John’s Not Mad, which highlighted the challenges faced by those with the condition. Aramayo stars as Davidson, supported by Maxine Peake, Shirley Henderson, and Peter Mullan, with Scott Ellis Watson making his acting debut as the young Davidson.
The 2026 BAFTA ceremony was a memorable night filled with exceptional performances and well-deserved accolades.