BAFTA Awards 2025: Conclave Triumphs as The Brutalist Matches Four Wins; Mikey Madison Stuns in Leading Actress

The 2025 BAFTA Awards delivered an evening filled with unexpected victories and shared accolades, as British Academy voters spread the honors among multiple films. While no clear frontrunner emerged before the ceremony, it was Conclave that clinched the top prize, securing Best Film. Edward Berger’s gripping Vatican-set thriller, which had led the nominations with 11 nods, ended the night with four awards—tying with Brady Corbet’s ambitious historical drama, The Brutalist.

Amid intense competition, Adrien Brody took home Best Leading Actor for his performance in The Brutalist, while Corbet secured Best Director. However, the biggest shock of the evening came in the Leading Actress category, where Mikey Madison’s performance in Anora outshined expectations, beating the heavily favored Demi Moore from The Substance.

Conclave Takes Top Honor in a Competitive Field

Securing Best Film, Conclave emerged victorious in a stacked category that included Anora, The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, and Emilia Pérez. Berger’s political thriller, centered on the intrigue surrounding a papal election, also triumphed in Adapted Screenplay, Outstanding British Film, and Editing. The film’s gripping storytelling and sharp execution proved to be its strongest assets.

Peter Straughan’s screenplay adaptation of Robert Harris’ novel earned Conclave its second award, while Nick Emerson’s masterful editing contributed to its suspenseful pacing, further solidifying its dominance.

The Brutalist Matches Conclave With Four Wins

Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist, a sprawling 3.5-hour American epic, also made a major impact at the ceremony. The film’s visual brilliance was recognized with awards for Cinematography (Lol Crawley) and Production Design, while Corbet’s directorial vision earned him the Best Director trophy. The standout moment, however, was Adrien Brody’s victory in Leading Actor for his portrayal of a Hungarian-Jewish architect navigating post-war America.

Brody’s performance, hailed as one of his finest since The Pianist, added to the film’s prestige, making it one of the evening’s biggest winners.

Mikey Madison’s Unexpected Triumph in Leading Actress

Perhaps the most surprising result of the night was Mikey Madison’s victory in the Leading Actress category for her role in Sean Baker’s Anora. The win defied predictions, as many had anticipated Demi Moore to secure the honor for her chilling performance in The Substance.

Madison’s portrayal of a sex worker caught in a whirlwind of unexpected circumstances resonated deeply with voters, marking one of the most talked-about moments of the event. The film also secured a second award for Casting, making it a notable success.

Other Notable Winners and Snubs

Several films managed to secure multiple wins, including Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez, Jon M. Chu’s Wicked, Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain, Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Two, and Aardman’s stop-motion adventure Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl—each taking home two awards.

However, the biggest snub of the evening was James Mangold’s A Complete Unknown, the Bob Dylan biopic that entered with six nominations but left empty-handed. Edward Norton’s supporting role and Timothée Chalamet’s lead performance were expected to make an impact, yet the film failed to secure any wins.

Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña Shine in Supporting Categories

The Supporting Actor and Actress awards went to Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) and Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Pérez), respectively. Culkin’s comedic brilliance in Eisenberg’s travel comedy was recognized, while Saldaña’s compelling performance in Audiard’s crime musical solidified her status as a standout talent.

Meanwhile, The Substance, despite missing out on the major acting awards, managed to claim Best Makeup and Hair, a testament to its striking visual aesthetic.

Political Remarks and Controversies

Unlike previous years, the ceremony was relatively light on political statements, though host David Tennant did not shy away from referencing former U.S. President Donald Trump multiple times during his monologue. However, much of this section was edited out of the BBC broadcast.

A minor controversy arose when Jacques Audiard thanked Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón in his acceptance speech for Best Film Not in the English Language. Gascón, who was nominated for Leading Actress, was absent from the event following backlash over resurfaced racist tweets.

What This Means for the Oscars

With the Academy Awards on the horizon, the BAFTAs have historically been a strong predictor of Oscar success. Conclave and The Brutalist are now firmly in the awards conversation, while Mikey Madison’s surprise win has propelled her into serious contention for the Best Actress race in Hollywood.

As the awards season reaches its climax, all eyes will be on whether these BAFTA winners can replicate their success at the Oscars.

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