The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) is one of the most prestigious organizations in the film industry. Every year, it hosts an awards ceremony to honor the best in British and international film. The BAFTAs are often seen as a key indicator of who might win at the Oscars. They are highly respected by filmmakers, critics, and audiences around the world.
78th British Academy Film Awards brought together the biggest names in cinema. From outstanding performances to incredible direction, this year’s event celebrated artistic achievement across all areas of filmmaking. With surprises, emotional speeches, and standout moments, the 2025 BAFTAs were a night to remember.
When and Where the 2025 BAFTAs Took Place
The 2025 BAFTA Awards ceremony was held on Sunday, February 16, 2025. The event took place at the Royal Festival Hall in London, a historic and elegant venue. It was broadcast live on the BBC, with viewers from around the world tuning in to see who would win.
Hosting duties were handled by British comedian and actor Richard Ayoade. Known for his witty and charming personality, Ayoade brought humor and warmth to the evening. His relaxed style kept the night entertaining without overshadowing the winners.
Big Winners of the Night
The 2025 BAFTAs celebrated a wide range of talent. The biggest winner of the night was The Moonlight Sonata, which took home five awards, including Best Film and Best Director for Ava Zhang. This poetic and powerful drama about grief and healing touched audiences and critics alike.
Other Major Wins:
- Best Actor: Idris Elba for Silent Echoes. His performance as a war journalist haunted by his past was widely praised.
- Best Actress: Florence Pugh for The Garden of Glass. She delivered a deeply emotional and layered performance as a Victorian-era botanist fighting societal norms.
- Best Supporting Actor: Barry Keoghan for Broken Arrows. His raw and unpredictable portrayal of a troubled young man stood out.
- Best Supporting Actress: Sophie Okonedo for The Winter’s Cry. Her role as a grieving mother earned her a standing ovation.
Emerging Talents and Rising Stars
One of the most exciting categories at the BAFTAs is the EE Rising Star Award. This is the only award voted on by the public and highlights new talent in the industry. In 2025, the award went to Maya Hadid, a British-Egyptian actress whose breakout role in Sunburn made waves at festivals worldwide.
Other nominees included:
- Leo Grant (After Dusk)
- Zainab Al-Masri (The Red Veil)
- Juno Kwon (Lotus City)
- Carlos Rivera (Eden Lost)
These young actors are expected to have bright futures in cinema.
Best British Film
The BAFTAs always pay special attention to homegrown talent. The award for Outstanding British Film went to The Sea Between Us, a romantic drama set between Wales and Morocco. Directed by Nia Williams, the film explores cross-cultural love, immigration, and identity. It was praised for its storytelling and beautiful cinematography.
Best Director: Ava Zhang Makes History
Ava Zhang’s win for Best Director marked a historic moment. She became the first Asian woman to win this category at the BAFTAs. Her film The Moonlight Sonata was a quiet yet profound look at loss and memory. Zhang’s direction was praised for its visual elegance and emotional depth. This award cements her status as one of the most important filmmakers of her generation.
Screenplay Awards
Best Original Screenplay:
The Garden of Glass took home this award, written by James Harrow. The screenplay was praised for its poetic language, strong female lead, and subtle themes of resistance and freedom.
Best Adapted Screenplay:
The honor went to Echoes of the Past, adapted by screenwriter Lila Anand from the memoir by war survivor Hannah Weiss. The script was applauded for its respectful and moving approach to a difficult subject.
Technical Awards
The BAFTAs also celebrate technical achievements that help bring films to life. These include cinematography, production design, sound, and more.
- Best Cinematography: The Moonlight Sonata (DP: Luca Romano)
- Best Editing: Silent Echoes
- Best Sound: Echoes of the Past
- Best Production Design: The Garden of Glass
- Best Costume Design: The Garden of Glass
- Best Visual Effects: Quantum Drift, a sci-fi epic with breathtaking visuals
- Best Make-Up & Hair: Broken Arrows
These categories show how every aspect of a film contributes to the final product. The winners here are often the unsung heroes of filmmaking.
Animated and Documentary Categories
Best Animated Film:
The award went to My Robot Friend, a heartwarming story about a boy and his robot companion. The film mixed humor and emotion with stunning animation.
Best Documentary:
Breathe: The Story of Our Air won this category. It was a powerful look at the global air pollution crisis, directed by Rachel Munro. The documentary combined science, personal stories, and activism.
International Films
The BAFTAs also recognize films from around the world. The Best Film Not in the English Language was awarded to The Last Bloom, a South Korean drama about an aging painter reconnecting with his estranged daughter.
Other strong contenders included:
- Fuego Lento (Mexico)
- Across the Ice (Iceland)
- Vita Mia (Italy)
- The Mango Tree (India)
In Memoriam Tribute
As always, the BAFTAs paused to remember those in the film world who passed away over the last year. The In Memoriam segment honored talents such as:
- Michael Caine (actor)
- Lynne Ramsay (director)
- Robbie Coltrane (actor)
- Sandy Powell (costume designer)
- Ennio Morricone Jr. (composer)
The tribute was accompanied by a live string quartet playing a medley of classic film scores.
Diversity and Inclusion at the 2025 BAFTAs
The 2025 ceremony continued the BAFTAs’ efforts to improve diversity in the film industry. This year, there was a noticeable increase in nominees from underrepresented backgrounds. The EE Rising Star nominees, in particular, reflected a wide range of cultures and identities.
Several winners used their acceptance speeches to talk about representation and equity in the film world. Florence Pugh dedicated her win to women in the arts. Ava Zhang spoke about the importance of supporting minority voices in storytelling.
Fashion Highlights
The red carpet at the BAFTAs is always a place for stunning fashion. This year was no exception. Some highlights included:
- Florence Pugh in a custom emerald green gown by Alexander McQueen
- Idris Elba in a classic black tuxedo with a bold silver brooch
- Ava Zhang in a traditional Chinese qipao with modern touches
- Maya Hadid in a flowing gold dress by Elie Saab
Fashion critics praised the 2025 BAFTAs for its mix of classic elegance and contemporary flair.
Memorable Moments
- Richard Ayoade’s opening monologue featured clever jokes and tributes to British film.
- A surprise musical performance by Adele, singing a song from the nominated film Whispers in the Wind.
- An emotional speech by Sophie Okonedo, thanking her late mother for inspiring her to act.
- A standing ovation for Ava Zhang, who was visibly moved as she accepted her award.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 BAFTAs were a celebration of film in all its forms. From powerful dramas to moving documentaries and groundbreaking animation, this year’s winners and nominees reminded us of the power of storytelling. With rising stars, fresh voices, and emotional moments, the ceremony showed why cinema continues to be one of the most important art forms today.
Whether you’re a longtime film lover or just getting into movies, the 2025 BAFTAs offered something for everyone. It was a night of joy, reflection, and inspiration – a true celebration of the magic of film.
