BAFTA 2025: Conclave and The Brutalist Reign Supreme
The 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), held on February 16, 2025, at London's Royal Festival Hall, saw a thrilling showdown between several cinematic giants. While many anticipated a clear victor, the night ultimately belonged to two powerful contenders: Conclave and The Brutalist. Both films dominated the ceremony, each taking home four prestigious awards.
Conclave's Triumphant Night
Conclave, a film depicting the intense process of papal selection, entered the night with a leading 12 nominations. It lived up to the hype, securing wins for Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Best Adapted Screenplay (Peter Straughan), and Best Editing. This sweeping victory solidifies Conclave's position as a critical and commercial success, marking a significant achievement for the film's creators and cast.
The Brutalist's Powerful Performance
The Brutalist, a period drama, proved to be a formidable opponent. The film, starring Adrien Brody who won Best Actor, captured the attention of the Academy, claiming awards for Best Director (Brady Corbet), Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score. Brody's portrayal of a Hungarian-Jewish architect clearly resonated with the judges, adding to the film's overall impact.
Other Notable Winners
While Conclave and The Brutalist stole the show, other films also received well-deserved recognition. Mikey Madison's unexpected win for Best Actress (Anora) surprised many, surpassing the heavily favored Demi Moore. Zoe Saldana won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, which also took home the award for Best Film Not in the English Language. Kieran Culkin continued his winning streak, securing Best Supporting Actor for his work in A Real Pain. David Jonsson won the EE Rising Star Award, voted for by the public.
A Memorable Ceremony
The ceremony itself was a spectacle, hosted for the second year in a row by the charismatic David Tennant. His opening monologue, filled with witty humor and playful jabs at popular culture figures (including Donald Trump), set a lighthearted tone for the evening. The event, broadcast on Lionsgate Play in India, highlighted the best in cinema from 2024, showcasing both established talent and rising stars.
Complete List of BAFTA 2025 Winners:
- Best Film: Conclave
- Outstanding British Film: Conclave
- Leading Actress: Mikey Madison (Anora)
- Leading Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
- Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldana (Emilia Pérez)
- Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
- Director: Brady Corbet (The Brutalist)
Conclusion
The 2025 BAFTAs delivered a night of surprises and well-deserved victories. The shared triumph of Conclave and The Brutalist highlights the diverse range of exceptional filmmaking in 2024. This year's awards ceremony certainly left a lasting impression, solidifying the BAFTA's position as a leading event in the global film industry. To see the complete list of winners and relive the excitement, check out the full article on Trending Desk!