FULL LIST: Nigerian films, talent shine at 79th BAFTA Awards

The 79th British Academy Film Awards witnessed a standout performance from Nigerian talent, with actress Wunmi Mosaku and the Nigerian-made film My Father’s Shadow emerging as winners at the prestigious ceremony held at the Royal Festival Hall.

Mosaku took home the Best Supporting Actress award for her compelling performance in the film Sinners.

This win marks a notable milestone in Mosaku's BAFTA journey, following her previous win in the same category in 2017 for Damilola, Our Loved Boy.

My Father’s Shadow, directed by Nigerian brothers Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies, won the Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer award.

The drama, set against the backdrop of Lagos during the tumultuous 1993 election crisis, follows a father and his two sons as they navigate the city amid intense political tension.

Since its release, the film has garnered significant international attention, including a historic selection for the official lineup at the Cannes Film Festival, where it premiered in the Un Certain Regard section to critical acclaim.

Hosted by Alan Cumming, the ceremony celebrated the best films of 2025, with One Battle After Another emerging as the night's biggest winner, securing six awards, including Best Film and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson.

Other notable winners included Jessie Buckley for Leading Actress for Hamnet, Robert Aramayo for Leading Actor, and the EE Rising Star Award for I Swear, and Sean Penn for Supporting Actor.

The wins underscore the continued rise of Nigerian creatives on the global film stage, with both Mosaku’s acting success and the recognition for My Father’s Shadow reflecting the increasing international reach of stories rooted in Nigerian experiences. 

2026 BAFTAs Winners

Best Film

Hamnet

Marty Supreme

WINNER: One Battle After Another

Sentimental Value

Sinners

Best Director

Yorgos Lanthimos, Bugonia

Chloé Zhao, Hamnet

Josh Safdie, Marty Supreme

WINNER: Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another

Joachim Trier, Sentimental Value

Ryan Coogler, Sinners

Best Actor

WINNER: Robert Aramayo, I Swear

Timothée Chalamet, Marty Supreme

Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another

Ethan Hawke, Blue Moon

Michael B. Jordan, Sinners

Jesse Plemons, Bugonia

Best Actress

WINNER: Jessie Buckley, Hamnet

Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You

Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue

Chase Infiniti, One Battle After Another

Renate Reinsve, Sentimental Value

Emma Stone, Bugonia

Best Supporting Actor

Paul Mescal, Hamnet

Peter Mullan, I Swear

WINNER: Sean Penn, One Battle After Another

Stellan Skarsgård, Sentimental Value

Benicio Del Toro, One Battle After Another

Jacob Elordi, Frankenstein

Best Supporting Actress

Odessa A’zion, Marty Supreme

Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Sentimental Value

WINNER: Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners

Carey Mulligan, The Ballad of Wallis Island

Teyana Taylor, One Battle After Another

Emily Watson, Hamnet