2025 BAFTAs: Winners, Highlights and What You Need to Know

The 2025 British Academy Film Awards took place in London on a rainy night, but the excitement inside the Royal Albert Hall was far from dull. Fans packed the venue, and millions watched the broadcast from home. If you missed it, here’s a quick rundown of the biggest moments.

Top Winners and Surprises

First‑place went to the breakout drama Midnight Horizon, which snagged Best Film and Best Director for Maya Patel. Patel’s win marked the first time a woman of South Asian descent took the top directing prize at the BAFTAs. The best actor award went to James McCoy for his gritty turn in Cold Steel, while the best actress trophy went to Naomi Liu for the heartfelt Silent Bloom.

One surprise was the comedy Laughing at the Edge beating a heavily‑favoured period piece for Best Original Screenplay. The film’s writer, Tom Harris, delivered jokes that landed with both the audience and the judges, showing that humor still has a strong place at the awards.

Memorable Speeches and Controversial Moments

Speeches are always a big part of the night, and this year they didn’t disappoint. Patel’s acceptance speech focused on diversity in film, calling for more stories from under‑represented voices. Naomi Liu’s short thank‑you note highlighted the crew behind the camera, reminding everyone that film is a team sport.

Controversy sparked when the BAFTA committee announced that the new “Best Streaming Release” category would be judged alongside traditional cinema releases. Some critics argued that streaming movies have a different budget and marketing model, but the winners’ list showed a mix of both platforms, keeping the debate alive.

For those who want to watch the ceremony again, the full broadcast is available on the BAFTA website and most major streaming services. Highlights can be found on YouTube in short clips, making it easy to catch the best speeches in under five minutes.

If you’re planning to attend next year’s event, start buying tickets early. The BAFTAs sell out fast, especially for the standing‑room‑only sections that give you a close‑up view of the stage. Dress code is formal, but many attendees add a personal touch with a splash of colour or a quirky tie.

Overall, the 2025 BAFTAs celebrated fresh talent, bold storytelling, and a growing blend of cinema and streaming. Whether you’re a film buff or just enjoy a good awards night, the ceremony gave plenty to talk about and set the tone for the movies we’ll see in the next year.

Keep an eye on the BAFTA social channels for behind‑the‑scenes photos, nominee interviews and future event updates. That way you’ll never miss another moment of the UK’s biggest film celebration.