The 2025 Baftas celebrated the year’s finest in film, but the night undoubtedly belonged to breakout star Mikey Madison. The 27-year-old American actress, still relatively unknown before this awards season, won the coveted Best Actress prize for her revelatory turn as a New York stripper in Anora. As she took the stage to a standing ovation, it was clear a new star had emerged in front of our eyes.
Conclave Reigns Supreme
While Madison provided the evening’s emotional peak, it was Conclave that won the battle of the prestigious period dramas over The Brutalist. The slick Vatican thriller, adapted from Robert Harris’ bestseller, converted its all-around acclaim into the ultimate prize – Best Picture. A classy, intelligent drama with visual flair and an all-star cast led by Ralph Fiennes, Conclave proved to be the definition of a Bafta movie.
The Brutalist’s Consolation Prizes
Though it missed the big prize, The Brutalist didn’t go home empty-handed. The bold Ayn Rand-inspired drama earned Brady Corbet the Best Director trophy, while Adrien Brody was a popular Best Actor winner for his intense lead performance. As the searing portrait of an uncompromising architect, Brody’s work was hailed as the pinnacle of his unique talents.
Humor and Heart Shine Through
In a year dominated by heavy dramas, it was refreshing to see the Baftas embrace a comedy. A Real Pain, Jesse Eisenberg’s hilarious and poignant tale of Jewish cousins’ misadventures in Poland, scored two major wins:
- Best Original Screenplay for Eisenberg’s whip-smart script
- Best Supporting Actor for Kieran Culkin’s scene-stealing turn
The wins were a testament to the film’s ability to find laughter and light in the darkest of places. Culkin’s live-wire performance embodied the movie’s edgy, fearless spirit.
Rising Above Controversy
Heading into the night, much of the chatter centered on the shocking old tweets by Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón. While the backlash likely dashed Gascón’s personal chances, the film still notched wins for Best Non-English Language Film and Best Supporting Actress for the acclaimed Zoe Saldaña. Her poise throughout the storm had many applauding.
Kneecap’s Stunning Debut
Perhaps the night’s most inspiring moment came when Irish hip-hop biopic Kneecap pulled off a shocking upset in the Outstanding British Debut category. The film’s infectious energy and underdog spirit clearly won over voters. For a small indie to triumph over far glossier competition, it represented the purest Bafta fairy tale.
As the golden glow of the Baftas fades, the winners will now set their sights on the Oscars. But for Mikey Madison, Conclave, and the Kneecap crew, their unforgettable Bafta breakthroughs will always shine brightly. They reminded us that sometimes, David really can take down Goliath – which is what makes the magic of awards season eternal.
