BAFTA Awards 2026: Jessie Buckley wins Best Actress for 'Hamnet'

Buckley’s Emotional Triumph at the BAFTAs

The 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall and hosted by the charismatic Alan Cumming, delivered a night filled with unexpected turns and heartfelt moments. Among the highlights, Jessie Buckley secured the Leading Actress award for her riveting portrayal of Agnes, the grieving wife of William Shakespeare, in Chloé Zhao’s 'Hamnet'. The film, a strong contender in the awards season, resonated deeply with BAFTA voters, earning praise for its emotional depth and historical resonance. Buckley’s win came in a fiercely competitive category that featured powerhouses like Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Chase Infiniti, Renate Reinsve, and Emma Stone. Her performance, marked by raw vulnerability and quiet intensity, stood out as a testament to her range as an actress.

As Kerry Washington announced the winners in the acting categories earlier, the crowd buzzed with anticipation, but Buckley’s moment was pure joy. Forgetting her prepared remarks back at her seat, she gathered herself onstage and delivered one of the evening’s most memorable speeches, thanking her collaborators and the spirit of the character that moved her. 'Hamnet' also triumphed in the Outstanding British Film category, with a staggering 17 people joining the acceptance onstage, underscoring the film’s collaborative triumph. This dual victory positions 'Hamnet' as a frontrunner heading into the Oscars.

Dominance of 'One Battle After Another' and Other Big Wins

While Buckley shone brightly, Paul Thomas Anderson’s 'One Battle After Another' stole the show overall, clinching six awards including Best Film, Director, and Adapted Screenplay. The film’s sweeping narrative and Anderson’s masterful direction captivated audiences and critics alike, marking a dominant performance at the BAFTAs. Ryan Coogler’s 'Sinners' wasn’t far behind, securing three wins: Wunmi Mosaku for Supporting Actress, Original Screenplay—making Coogler the first Black winner in that category—and additional craft honors like Costume Design, Production Design, and Make-up & Hair. These victories highlight the awards’ recognition of diverse storytelling and technical excellence.

Robert Aramayo emerged as another breakout star, winning Leading Actor for his endearing turn as real-life Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson in 'I Swear', plus the EE Rising Star Award earlier in the night. The audience’s stunned reaction—filled with screams and cheers—mirrored the surprise upset over favorites like Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Michael B. Jordan. Sean Penn took Supporting Actor for 'One Battle After Another' in absentia, adding to the film’s haul. Other notable wins included Yorgos Lanthimos’s nod in directing for 'Bugonia' and 'Zootopia 2' for Best Animated Film.

“I forgot my speech back at my seat, but this role as Agnes taught me that grief isn’t scripted—it just comes, and you meet it with everything you have. Thank you to Chloé Zhao and the entire team for letting me live her story,” Buckley said, her voice steadying amid applause.

Memorable Moments and Industry Milestones

Alan Cumming’s hosting brought levity to the evening, with his witty asides—like joking about wanting to take Paddington home—lightening the high-stakes atmosphere. The ceremony aired live on BBC One in the UK and E! in North America, drawing global viewers to celebrate British and international cinema. 'Hamnet’s' success underscores a resurgence in period dramas with modern sensibilities, while films like 'Sinners' and 'Frankenstein' excelled in technical categories, showcasing innovation in visual storytelling. These BAFTAs reflect an industry embracing fresh voices alongside established talents.

The event also honored industry veterans like Brigitte Bardot and Udo Kier with special accolades, bridging generations in film. Short films and animations, such as 'Two Black Boys in Paradise' and 'Zootopia 2', rounded out a diverse winners’ list, emphasizing BAFTA’s commitment to emerging talents. As the night wrapped, the focus shifted to how these results might influence the Oscar race, with 'One Battle After Another' and 'Hamnet' leading the charge.

In summary, Jessie Buckley’s Best Actress win for 'Hamnet' highlighted a ceremony dominated by 'One Battle After Another’s' six awards, surprises like Robert Aramayo’s double victory, and milestones for diverse filmmakers, setting the stage for an exciting awards season finale.