Robert Aramayo Shines as Paul Thomas Anderson Dominates BAFTA 2026

The 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards turned out to be a night steeped in British charm, perhaps even more so than usual. The evening began with Hollywood stars being introduced to quintessentially British snacks, leaving many hilariously baffled. Emma Stone nibbled on Hula Hoops, Timothée Chalamet sampled Scampi Fries, and Leonardo DiCaprio delighted in a Hobnob flapjack — all adding a playful, very British twist to the start of the night.

One of the evening’s biggest surprises came from the red carpet, where the presence of the Prince and Princess of Wales — with William serving as BAFTA’s president — added regal gravitas. Their attendance highlighted another very British tradition: the art of tactful silence around awkward topics, something reminiscent of a scene from a Mike Leigh film.

The night’s feel-good moment, however, belonged to Robert Aramayo. His win for Best Leading Actor for I Swear was a genuine surprise, triumphing over Hollywood heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. Aramayo’s heartfelt performance as John Davidson, a campaigner living with Tourette syndrome, was both moving and inspiring, earning him the Rising Star BAFTA as well. It was a deeply deserved recognition and a reminder that BAFTA often celebrates British cinema alongside global blockbusters.

Despite Aramayo’s triumph, the night largely belonged to auteur Paul Thomas Anderson and his ambitious counterculture epic, One Battle After Another. The film, exploring resistance against authoritarianism in a semi-fictionalized America, earned widespread acclaim. Sean Penn won Best Supporting Actor for his chilling portrayal of a reactionary military officer, a role echoing contemporary political tensions.

Other notable winners included Jessie Buckley, who claimed a BAFTA for her performance in the period drama Hamnet, and Wunmi Mosaku, awarded for her supporting role in Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller Sinners. Guillermo del Toro’s visually stunning Frankenstein also earned three BAFTAs, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship in design and storytelling.

The International Film category went to Sentimental Value, while the British Debut award celebrated Akinola Davies Jr for his personal and evocative My Father’s Shadow.

In summary, while the night’s personal triumph went to Robert Aramayo, the overall sweep and critical attention highlighted Paul Thomas Anderson’s visionary filmmaking. The 2026 BAFTAs successfully balanced British pride with international cinematic excellence, offering surprises, heartwarming victories, and a glimpse of global storytelling at its finest.