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The 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) proved to be an unforgettable evening, with two films—Conclave and The Brutalist—dominating the night. Both films won four awards each, making them the standout winners of the event.

Conclave Takes the Lead

Conclave, a gripping thriller set in the Vatican, was one of the biggest winners. It took home the prestigious Best Picture and Outstanding British Film awards. The film captivated audiences with its exploration of power, religion, and politics, blending tense drama with powerful performances.

Edward Berger, the director of Conclave, was visibly moved as he accepted the Outstanding British Film award. During his speech, he discussed the crisis of democracy, saying, “We are living through a crisis of democracy. Institutions meant to bring us together now drive us apart.” His poignant words struck a chord with the audience, highlighting the film’s timely and relevant themes. With 12 nominations, Conclave now sets its sights on the Oscars.

The Brutalist Triumphs with Brady Corbet

Another big winner was The Brutalist, a historical drama that won four awards, including Best Director for Brady Corbet and Best Actor for Adrien Brody. The film, which tells the story of a Hungarian architect and his struggles in the post-WWII era, impressed with its evocative storytelling and emotional depth.

Adrien Brody, known for his powerful performances, clinched the Best Actor award for his portrayal of the lead character. He bested formidable competitors, such as Timothée Chalamet, who was nominated for his role in A Complete Unknown, a biographical drama about Bob Dylan. Brody’s win was a memorable moment, cementing his place among the finest actors of the year.

Outstanding Acting Performances Across the Board

The acting categories were filled with fierce competition. Mikey Madison won Best Actress for her role in Anora, a tragicomedy set in Brooklyn. The film, which took home the Palme d’Or, blends screwball comedy with dark, emotional undercurrents. Critics described it as “a wild screwball comedy” with a modern-day twist. Madison’s performance captivated audiences, offering a perfect mix of humor and depth.

Kieran Culkin took home the Best Supporting Performer award for his role in A Real Pain. His portrayal of a troubled character earned him widespread praise. Meanwhile, Zoe Saldaña won the same award for her work in Emilia Pérez, a film that also bagged Best Film Not in the English Language. Saldaña’s portrayal of a complex character brought nuance and authenticity to the role, making it one of her most remarkable performances to date.

Controversy Surrounds Emilia Pérez

While Emilia Pérez made history by securing 13 Oscar nominations, it also sparked controversy. One of the film’s stars, Karla Sofía Gascón, became embroiled in a backlash over her past social media posts. In these posts, she made inflammatory remarks about Islam, George Floyd, and Hollywood’s diversity efforts. The controversy caused Netflix to remove her from all promotional campaigns related to the film. Despite the fallout, Emilia Pérez’s success remains undeniable. The film now holds the record for the most Oscar nominations ever received by a non-English language film.

Other BAFTA Wins and Highlights

Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl emerged victorious in two categories, winning Best Animated Feature and Best Family & Children’s Film. The film delighted audiences with its charming, lighthearted humor and whimsical adventure. It was a clear favorite for families.

Meanwhile, Dune: Part Two continued to impress, winning Best Sound and Best Visual Effects. The film’s stunning visuals and immersive sound design made it a standout in the sci-fi genre. Fans of the Dune franchise are hopeful that the film will continue to earn accolades in the coming months.

Warwick Davis Receives BAFTA Fellowship

In a moment of recognition for a long-standing film career, Warwick Davis, beloved for his roles in Willow and Return of the Jedi, received the BAFTA Fellowship. Davis, who has been a trailblazer for short actors in the film industry, spoke movingly about his career. He noted, “Short actors weren’t known for talent, just height. This honor means the world to me—and I’ve been in Star Wars.” His contributions to film and advocacy for short actors were rightly celebrated.

David Jonsson Wins Rising Star Award

David Jonsson, who starred in Industry and Rye Lane, took home the Rising Star award. Jonsson humorously accepted his award, joking, “Star? Not sure. But rising? I guess.” His charm and talent have earned him a place among the most exciting up-and-coming actors in Hollywood.

With the BAFTA ceremony now behind them, attention turns to the Oscars. Both Conclave and The Brutalist are poised for a strong showing at the Academy Awards. Their BAFTA wins have solidified their positions as key contenders, and their performances are sure to make them films to watch in the final stretch of the awards season.

The 78th BAFTA ceremony was a celebration of exceptional cinema, from thought-provoking dramas to visually stunning epics. As the Oscars approach, it’s clear that this awards season will be one to remember.

For more updates on film awards and entertainment news, visit Financial Mirror.