Bafta 2025 Snubs and Surprises: From Mikey Madison’s Win to Ralph Fiennes’ Loss

The 2025 Bafta Awards delivered its fair share of shocks and surprises, leaving audiences and critics buzzing. From unexpected wins to notable snubs, the ceremony was packed with moments that defied predictions. Here’s a roundup of the key highlights from British film’s biggest evening.

Surprise! Conclave Wins Best Film

Edward Berger’s Conclave emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home the coveted Best Film award. While it was expected to win Outstanding British Film, few anticipated it would triumph over heavyweights like The Brutalist and A Complete Unknown. The Vatican-set thriller, which faced controversy for its polarizing ending, seemed to benefit from its mix of critical acclaim and headline-grabbing drama. Could this give it an edge at the Oscars? Only time will tell.

Snub! Ralph Fiennes Loses Best Actor

Despite Conclave’s success, Ralph Fiennes, who delivered a nuanced performance as Cardinal Lawrence, missed out on the Best Actor award. Fiennes, who has only won one Bafta in his career (for Schindler’s List), was considered a strong contender. However, his understated performance may have lacked the “big acting” moments that often sway voters. Instead, the award went to Adrien Brody for The Brutalist, leaving Fiennes empty-handed.

Surprise! Mikey Madison Wins Best Actress

In one of the night’s most unexpected victories, 25-year-old Mikey Madison took home the Best Actress award for her role in Anora. Many had predicted a win for Demi Moore (The Substance) or Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths), but Madison’s portrayal of a sex worker in Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or-winning film resonated with voters. Her win marks a star-is-born moment and could signal a shift in Bafta’s traditionally conservative voting patterns.

Surprise! Christopher Reeve Documentary Triumphs

The Best Documentary award went to Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story, beating out the critically acclaimed No Other Land. While Reeve’s story is undeniably powerful, the win was seen as a missed opportunity to honor a film addressing urgent global issues. The decision left many questioning whether Bafta is moving away from its recent trend of celebrating politically charged documentaries.

Surprise! Emilia Pérez Wins Two Awards

Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez, which has struggled throughout awards season, managed to secure two Baftas: Best Film Not in the English Language and Best Supporting Actress for Zoe Saldaña. The wins came as a surprise, given the film’s controversial reception and lack of momentum heading into the ceremony. Saldaña’s victory, in particular, suggests that her performance remains untarnished by the film’s broader challenges.

Snub! A Complete Unknown Goes Home Empty-Handed

Timothée Chalamet’s A Complete Unknown, a crowd-pleasing biopic about Bob Dylan, failed to convert any of its six nominations into wins. Despite Chalamet’s star power and the film’s widespread appeal, it was overshadowed by stronger contenders. The snub raises questions about its chances at the Oscars, where it was once considered a potential dark horse.

Surprise! Wallace & Gromit Beats Inside Out 2

Aardman’s Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl scored a double win, taking home Best Animation and the inaugural Family Film award. The beloved duo triumphed over Pixar’s Inside Out 2 and other critical favorites, proving that stop-motion animation still holds a special place in voters’ hearts. Nick Park’s charming acceptance speeches added to the film’s feel-good victory.

Snub! BBC Trims Controversial Speeches

The BBC’s decision to edit out potentially controversial moments from the ceremony drew criticism. David Tennant’s jokes about Donald Trump were heavily trimmed, and Jacques Audiard’s peacemaking gesture toward his Emilia Pérez star Karla Sofía Gascón was cut entirely. The edits left some viewers feeling that the broadcast prioritized blandness over authenticity.

Highlight! Jesse Eisenberg’s Triple Win

Jesse Eisenberg was a standout of the evening, delivering three memorable speeches as he accepted awards for A Real Pain. His witty, heartfelt remarks—whether accepting Best Original Screenplay or presenting an award—showcased his charm and quick wit. Eisenberg’s success has undoubtedly boosted the film’s profile ahead of the Oscars.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Bafta Awards were a mix of predictable wins and jaw-dropping surprises. While Conclave and Wallace & Gromit celebrated major victories, snubs for Ralph Fiennes and A Complete Unknown left many scratching their heads. As the awards season heads toward the Oscars, one thing is clear: anything can happen.