Tears, laughter, and a bit of Take That enthusiasm from a best actress nominee made this year’s BAFTA Film Awards a memorable event. Conclave and The Brutalist emerged as the night’s top winners, each taking home four awards, including best picture and outstanding British film for Conclave, as well as best actor for Adrien Brody in The Brutalist and a directing award for Brady Corbet.
As is customary with major entertainment award ceremonies, there were numerous memorable moments beyond the main accolades. Here are the key highlights from BAFTA 2025.
**The Return of Tennant**
Hosts can significantly influence the success of an awards ceremony, and after a successful performance in 2024, David Tennant returned to lead the event once more. The Scottish actor, initially donning a kilt and sporran, began the evening by invoking the “BAFTA gods”—acting legends Dame Helen Mirren, Jim Broadbent, and Brian Cox—before performing a sketch of The Proclaimers’ hit “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).” Audience participation was encouraged, with US stars Camila Cabello, Colman Domingo, and Anna Kendrick joining in, likely unaware of the context but participating enthusiastically.
Tennant humorously commented on actors “freshening up” as they age, referencing Ncuti Gatwa taking over his role in Doctor Who and the lengthy runtime of The Brutalist (three-and-a-half hours). “Who doesn’t like a chance to have a wee halfway through?” he quipped, discussing the film’s much-needed intermission.
**Emilia Perez Awards Amid Controversy**
Despite facing controversy leading up to the awards, Emilia Perez was a favorite going into the season. While stars Zoe Saldana and Selena Gomez attended the ceremony, leading actress Karla Sofia Gascon was notably absent due to resurfaced offensive tweets, and the film faced criticism for its portrayal of Mexico and trans individuals. Nevertheless, it won BAFTAs for best film not in the English language and best supporting actress for Saldana.
Director Jacques Audiard expressed disappointment over the controversy surrounding Gascon, calling her tweets “inexcusable.” However, while accepting the BAFTA for best film not in the English language, he acknowledged all his stars, including Gascon, and blew her a kiss through his translator. “I’m deeply proud of what we have all achieved together—long live Emilia Perez,” he stated.
In her emotional acceptance speech, Saldana highlighted the film’s unique nature and paid tribute to her co-stars, realizing she was taking too long as she was given a countdown.
