Nigerian Excellence Prevails at 2026 BAFTA Film Awards in London
The 79th British Academy Film Awards unfolded with spectacular grandeur at London's Royal Festival Hall, hosted by the charismatic Alan Cumming. This year's ceremony showcased an intensely competitive field, with Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another leading nominations at fourteen, closely pursued by Ryan Coogler's Sinners with thirteen nods. Chloé Zhao's Hamnet and Josh Safdie's Marty Supreme each garnered eleven nominations, setting the stage for a memorable night of cinematic celebration.
Wunmi Mosaku's Emotional Victory in Supporting Actress Category
One of the evening's most poignant moments arrived when Wunmi Mosaku clinched the Best Supporting Actress award for her powerful performance in Sinners. Born in Zaria, Nigeria, to academic parents, Mosaku became the first British winner of the night. Visibly moved and expecting her second child, she delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech, expressing gratitude to her husband, family, and daughter.
Mosaku reflected on director Ryan Coogler's collaborative leadership, emphasizing how he validated every cast and crew member's contribution. She described discovering her ancestral power through the role of Annie, grounding her portrayal in personal history and the immigrant experience. This deeply personal triumph resonated profoundly, highlighting the global impact of Nigerian storytelling.
Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies Secure Outstanding Debut Award
Another landmark achievement occurred in the Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer category, where My Father's Shadow emerged victorious. Director Akinola Davies Jr. and writer Wale Davies, brothers collaborating on this project, accepted the honor. This win marks a significant milestone for the Davies brothers, whose film has steadily gained international acclaim since its premiere.
For British-Nigerian cinema, this accolade solidifies their position as influential voices crafting narratives that seamlessly traverse between Lagos and London with authenticity and artistic clarity. Their success underscores the growing recognition of Nigerian diaspora contributions to global filmmaking.
Major Category Winners and Technical Achievements
The ceremony revealed several key winners across major and technical categories. Sean Penn secured the Supporting Actor award for One Battle After Another, while Mr. Nobody Against Putin by David Borenstein won Best Documentary. My Father's Shadow claimed the Outstanding Debut prize, and Boong triumphed in the Children's & Family Film category.
Technical and craft awards celebrated excellence behind the scenes. Andy Jurgensen won Editing for One Battle After Another, Lauren Evans earned Casting for I Swear, and Jordan Samuel, Cliona Furey, Mike Hill, and Megan Many received Make Up & Hair honors for Frankenstein. Tamara Deverell and Shane Vieau won Production Design for the same film, while Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Daniel Barrett, and Eric Saindon secured Special Visual Effects for Avatar: Fire And Ash.
As the evening progressed, additional winners were announced, reinforcing the competitive spirit and artistic diversity of the 2026 BAFTA awards. The event not only honored cinematic achievements but also highlighted the rising influence of Nigerian talent on the international stage, promising an exciting future for cross-cultural storytelling in film.
