Sean Penn and Wunmi Mosaku crowned BAFTA winners as star-studded ceremony gets underway: Live updates

The 79th British Academy Film Awards are underway in London, with Sean Penn and Wunmi Mosaku already honored with BAFTA wins. Penn took home the award for best supporting actor, while Mosaku was recognized as best supporting actress. The ceremony, hosted by Alan Cumming at the Royal Festival Hall, is being broadcast on BBC One.

Early Wins and Key Nominees

Sean Penn won for his role in One Battle After Another, though he was not present to accept the award. Wunmi Mosaku was recognized for her performance in Sinners, delivering remarks on finding a part of herself in the role and the importance of artistry. Avatar: Fire and Ash secured the first BAFTA of the evening for best special visual effects. Frankenstein also saw early success, winning awards for both best make up and hair and best production design.

Did You Know? Hamnet, directed by Chloe Zhao, received a record-breaking 11 nominations for a female-directed film in BAFTA history.

Star-Studded Attendance and Award Significance

Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothee Chalamet, Emma Stone, and Kate Hudson are among those attending the event. The BAFTAs are considered a significant precursor to next month’s Academy Awards. One Battle After Another leads the nominations with 14, followed by Sinners with 13, and Hamnet and Marty Supreme with 11 each.

Alan Cumming’s Opening Remarks

Host Alan Cumming opened the ceremony with a humorous observation, noting that watching the nominated films felt like a “collective nervous breakdown,” referencing the intense themes explored in films like Hamnet, One Battle After Another, and Frankenstein.

Expert Insight: The BAFTA awards often signal momentum for films heading into the Oscars, and the strong showing of titles like One Battle After Another and Hamnet suggests they are likely contenders for major awards next month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won best supporting actor?

Sean Penn won the BAFTA for best supporting actor for his role in One Battle After Another, though he was not present to accept the award.

Which film won best special visual effects?

Avatar: Fire and Ash won the BAFTA award for best special visual effects.

Who hosted the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards?

Alan Cumming hosted the 79th BAFTA Film Awards at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

As the ceremony continues, what impact will these early wins have on the overall trajectory of the awards season?