The 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) celebrated an unforgettable night of cinematic excellence, with several standout wins highlighting the rising influence of Nigerian-British talent on the global stage.
Nigerian-British filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr made history as his film My Father’s Shadow took home the award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer. The film, co-created with his older brother Wale of the music duo Show Dem Camp, is set during Nigeria’s turbulent 1993 presidential election, which was controversially annulled by the military government. Davies crafted the story as a tribute to their late father, and the film had previously premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to critical acclaim.
“It’s a deeply personal story,” Davies explained. “Making this film with my brother was our way of honoring our father while sharing a piece of Nigerian history with the world.”
The night was also a major triumph for actress Wunmi Mosaku, who won the Best Supporting Actress award for her powerful performance in the 2025 film Sinners. Mosaku’s portrayal was widely praised for its depth and nuance, further cementing her reputation as one of the most versatile talents in British cinema today.
Meanwhile, One Battle After Another dominated the evening, taking home six awards, including Best Film and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson. Other notable winners included Hamnet, which received recognition as Outstanding British Film, and I Swear, Sinners, and Frankenstein, each securing three awards in various categories.
Highlights from the evening include:
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Leading Actress: Jessie Buckley for Hamnet
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Leading Actor: Robert Aramayo for I Swear
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Supporting Actor: Sean Penn for One Battle After Another
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Original Screenplay: Sinners
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Adapted Screenplay: One Battle After Another
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Original Score: Ludwig Göransson for Sinners
Technical categories also showcased the creativity and craft behind the films, with awards given for cinematography, costume design, production design, and visual effects. Standout wins included Frankenstein for Costume and Production Design, and Avatar: Fire and Ash for Special Visual Effects.
In the short film and animation categories, British short animation Solstice was recognized, while Two Black Boys in Paradise took home the award for British Short Film, highlighting the diversity and creativity thriving in the UK’s emerging filmmakers scene.
The BAFTA Rising Star Award, voted on by the public, went to Robert Aramayo, recognizing the next generation of outstanding talent in British film.
The success of My Father’s Shadow and Wunmi Mosaku’s recognition represents a major moment for Nigerian-British artists, proving that stories rooted in African history and experiences can resonate powerfully on the international stage. The achievements highlight not just personal triumphs but a growing presence of diverse voices in global cinema.
As the BAFTAs continue to celebrate talent from all corners of the industry, this year’s ceremony served as a reminder of the evolving nature of storytelling one where cultural heritage, bold storytelling, and creative innovation are increasingly at the forefront of awards recognition.
With Nigerian-British filmmakers and actors making such a strong impression, audiences can look forward to more stories that blend local history with universal themes, capturing hearts around the world.
