The Brutalist and Conclave Dominate BAFTA 2025: Winners, Trends, and Key Highlights
The Brutalist and Conclave Shine at BAFTA 2025: A Comprehensive Breakdown
The 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), held at the iconic Royal Festival Hall in London, celebrated the best in global cinema. This year, two films—"The Brutalist" and "Conclave"—dominated the evening, each winning four awards. From standout performances to groundbreaking storytelling, the event highlighted the evolving landscape of cinema in 2025.
The Brutalist: A Cinematic Triumph
Directed by Brady Corbet, The Brutalist is a post-World War II epic that follows a Hungarian immigrant architect rebuilding his life in the United States. The film’s exploration of resilience and legacy resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning it four BAFTAs, including:
- Best Director: Brady Corbet
- Best Leading Actor: Adrien Brody
- Best Cinematography
- Best Original Score
Adrien Brody’s portrayal of the architect was hailed as one of his career-best performances. In his acceptance speech, Brody reflected on the universal pursuit of leaving a meaningful legacy, a theme central to the film.
Conclave: A Papal Thriller
Edward Berger’s Conclave also took home four awards, including the coveted Best Film and Outstanding British Film. The gripping drama, set against the backdrop of a papal election, captivated audiences with its intense narrative and stellar performances. Berger, in his acceptance speech, highlighted the film’s relevance in today’s fractured political climate, quoting Leonard Cohen: “There’s a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”
Key Performances: Mikey Madison and Adrien Brody
The acting categories saw fierce competition, but two performances stood out:
- Mikey Madison won Best Leading Actress for her role in Anora, a poignant drama about a sex worker navigating a tumultuous relationship. Madison’s heartfelt acceptance speech included a call for greater respect and understanding for the sex worker community.
- Adrien Brody, as mentioned earlier, won Best Leading Actor for The Brutalist, cementing his status as one of the finest actors of his generation.
Other Notable Winners
- Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña (Emilia Perez)
- Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain)
- Best Original Screenplay: Jesse Eisenberg (A Real Pain)
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Peter Straughan (Conclave)
The Brutalist vs. Conclave: A Friendly Rivalry
The BAFTA 2025 Awards were marked by the friendly rivalry between The Brutalist and Conclave. Both films tied with four wins each, showcasing the diversity of storytelling in modern cinema. While The Brutalist excelled in technical categories like cinematography and score, Conclave shone in narrative-driven awards such as Best Film and Adapted Screenplay.
Rising Stars and Breakthroughs
The EE Rising Star Award, voted for by the public, went to David Jonsson, a testament to his growing influence in the industry. Meanwhile, Kneecap, a biopic about an Irish hip-hop trio, won Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer, further highlighting the BAFTA’s commitment to recognising emerging talent.
The Role of the Royal Festival Hall
This year’s ceremony was hosted at the Royal Festival Hall, a venue that has become synonymous with the BAFTAs. The grandeur of the location added to the evening’s prestige, with stars like Ralph Fiennes, Felicity Jones, and Tessa Ross gracing the red carpet.
Streaming and Accessibility: The Future of the BAFTAs
For those wondering, Are the BAFTAs live?—the answer is yes. The ceremony was broadcast live, making it accessible to a global audience. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime also played a significant role, with films like Emilia Perez and Conclave gaining traction through their digital releases.
Actionable Takeaways
- For Film Enthusiasts: Watch The Brutalist and Conclave to experience the best of 2025 cinema. Both films are expected to perform well at the Oscars, making them must-sees for awards season followers.
- For Aspiring Filmmakers: Study the storytelling techniques in The Brutalist and Conclave. From Corbet’s visual mastery to Berger’s narrative depth, these films offer valuable lessons.
- For Industry Professionals: Keep an eye on rising stars like Mikey Madison and David Jonsson. Their performances signal a new wave of talent shaping the future of cinema.
In-Depth Analysis: The Significance of the BAFTAs
The BAFTAs are more than just an awards ceremony; they are a reflection of the industry’s evolving priorities. This year’s focus on diverse storytelling, from the architectural drama of The Brutalist to the political intrigue of Conclave, underscores the importance of narratives that resonate on a global scale.
External Links for Further Reading
Conclusion
The BAFTA 2025 Awards showcased the best of cinema, with The Brutalist and Conclave leading the charge. As the industry continues to evolve, these films set a high bar for storytelling, performance, and technical excellence. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or an industry insider, the BAFTAs offer valuable insights into the future of cinema.
