The 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA 2025) proved to be a night full of surprises, shaking up the awards season with unexpected victories that could have major repercussions for the Oscars. While “The Brutalist” was expected to dominate, it was “Conclave” that stole the show, and Mikey Madison’s surprise win for Best Actress has now thrown the Oscars 2025 race wide open.
Mikey Madison’s Surprise Win in Best Actress
One of the most unexpected moments of the night was Mikey Madison’s victory for “Anora,” a performance that had been somewhat under the radar compared to the widely acclaimed turns by Demi Moore (“The Substance”) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (“Hard Truths”). This win changes the Oscars landscape significantly—Madison wasn’t previously considered a front-runner, but her BAFTA win could boost her visibility among Academy voters. Could she maintain this momentum and outpace other contenders like Cynthia Erivo (“Wicked”), Karla Sofía Gascón (“Emilia Pérez”), and Demi Moore (“The Substance”) at the Oscars? Historically, the BAFTA winner for Best Actress has aligned with the Oscars in several instances, but there have also been notable divergences. Madison’s victory makes her a late-breaking contender that industry watchers can no longer ignore.
What Went Wrong with “The Brutalist”?
Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist” was considered the favorite for Best Film, but “Conclave” swooped in and took the prize. While “The Brutalist” still secured Best Director (Brady Corbet), Best Actor (Adrien Brody), and awards for cinematography and score, losing the top prize raises questions. Did the film fail to connect with BAFTA 2025 voters as expected? “The Brutalist” is a visually and thematically ambitious film, but its stark aesthetic and experimental storytelling may have split voters. On the other hand, “Conclave,” directed by Edward Berger, boasts a gripping political narrative that may have resonated more strongly with BAFTA members. With the Academy Awards just weeks away, the question remains whether “The Brutalist” will regain momentum or if “Conclave” has established itself as the new frontrunner.
David Tennant as an Award Show Host – Did He Nail It?
Hosting an award show is always a risky job, but David Tennant brought energy and humor to the BAFTAs, opening the ceremony with a lively performance of “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers. While some of his jokes were met with mixed reactions, he kept the show engaging. Tennant’s performance was a reminder that a host’s role isn’t just about delivering monologues but setting the tone for the night. In a year where the Academy has struggled to find the right balance between entertainment and prestige, could the Oscars learn from BAFTA’s lighthearted yet stylish approach? Tennant’s ability to mix humor with heartfelt moments may provide a useful blueprint for Hollywood’s biggest night.
Warwick Davis’ Emotional Speech Stole the Night
While the awards were the main focus, one of the most heartfelt moments of the evening came when Warwick Davis received the BAFTA Fellowship. His moving speech, in which he paid tribute to his late wife, resonated deeply with the audience. Davis, a veteran of both British and Hollywood cinema, spoke about perseverance and passion in the industry. “To anyone out there dreaming of telling their story or creating something meaningful, go for it, the world needs your vision,” he said, bringing many in the audience to tears. It was a reminder of the personal journeys behind the industry’s biggest names and why awards nights are about more than just trophies. Moments like this can elevate awards shows beyond simple celebrations of achievement, turning them into powerful reflections on the industry itself.
What This Means for the Oscars
The BAFTA 2025 have thrown several curveballs that could have major implications for the Academy Awards. Mikey Madison’s Best Actress win, “Conclave” overtaking “The Brutalist,” and Kieran Culkin’s rise in Best Supporting Actor all hint at a potentially unpredictable Oscars night. With just a few weeks left until Hollywood’s biggest night, all eyes will be on whether these upsets translate into similar surprises at the Oscars 2025. The BAFTAs have historically been a strong indicator of Oscar success, but they’ve also had key divergences. If anything, this year’s BAFTAs suggest that no contender is entirely safe, making for one of the most exciting award seasons in recent memory.
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