2026 BAFTAs: Full Winners List as Nigerian Films Make Mark

Nigerian Excellence Recognised at 2026 BAFTAs

THE 2026 EE British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTAs) Film Awards delivered memorable moments for Nigerian cinema, with actress Wunmi Mosaku and the Lagos-set drama My Father’s Shadow earning top honours in London.

Mosaku won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Sinners, reinforcing her reputation as one of the most compelling performers of her generation. The actress previously secured a BAFTA Television Award in 2017, and her latest achievement signals continued international acclaim.

A Lagos Story Wins Big

My Father’s Shadow, helmed by brothers Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies, captured the Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer award.

The film, set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s 1993 election crisis, follows a father guiding his sons through a volatile Lagos landscape. Its win underscores the growing appetite for nuanced African narratives within mainstream global cinema.

The success of the project signals a breakthrough moment for emerging Nigerian filmmakers working across international platforms.

Dominant Films of the Night

The ceremony was largely dominated by One Battle After Another, which secured six awards, including Best Film and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson.

Major category winners included:

• Best Actor: Robert Aramayo (I Swear)

• Best Actress: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)

• Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn

Sinners added two more awards for Original Screenplay and Original Score, strengthening its presence across creative categories.

In the animation category, Zootopia 2 claimed Best Animated Film, while Hamnet won Outstanding British Film.

Technical and Special Awards

Technical excellence was also celebrated, with Frankenstein sweeping Production Design, Costume Design, and Makeup and Hair categories. F1 won Best Sound, while Avatar: Fire and Ash took home Best Special Visual Effects.

The EE Rising Star Award went to Robert Aramayo, adding to his Best Actor triumph.

A Milestone for Nigerian Cinema

For Nigeria, the 2026 BAFTAs represent more than individual victories. They highlight the increasing global visibility of Nigerian actors, writers, and directors whose stories are finding space on international stages.

From Mosaku’s powerful performance to the Davies brothers’ political drama rooted in Lagos history, Nigerian talent stood tall among the world’s best — a clear testament to the country’s growing cultural footprint in global film.