Times of Bennett
ArticlePopculture

BAFTA Awards 2026: Big Wins, Historic Moments and a Night of Conversation

The 79th British Academy Film Awards lit up London’s Royal Festival Hall on February 22, 2026, bringing together glamour, historic victories and a few moments that ensured this year’s ceremony would be remembered for more than just the trophies.

Published:February 27, 2026 at 11:01 PM3 min read
BAFTA Awards 2026: Big Wins, Historic Moments and a Night of Conversation
Correspondent: Gurnoor Mann
One of the biggest highlights for Indian cinema came when the Manipuri-language film Boong won Best Children’s and Family Film, marking a significant milestone on the global stage. Another widely appreciated moment occurred when Alia Bhatt began her presentation with a warm “Namaskar” and a short line in Hindi before switching to English—a gesture celebrating
linguistic diversity that quickly drew praise across social media.
While Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another led the tally with multiple wins, it was I Swear that delivered the emotional high point of the evening. Robert Aramayo won both the EE Rising Star Award and Best Leading Actor for his portrayal of a man growing up with Tourette
syndrome in 1980s Scotland. Visibly overwhelmed, Aramayo broke down in tears while accepting his award, humbly acknowledging his fellow nominees, including Leonardo
DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet. The film also secured Best Casting, making it one of the night’s quiet yet powerful triumphs.

Another standout was Ryan Coogler’s vampire epic Sinners, which secured three awards, including Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku. The film’s success marked a milestone, becoming the most decorated film directed by a Black filmmaker in BAFTA history.
Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet, an adaptation of Maggie
O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel about Shakespeare’s family tragedy, won Outstanding British Film and Best Leading Actress for Jessie Buckley. Buckley’s emotionally raw portrayal of grief has firmly positioned her as a strong contender heading
into the Academy Awards.
However, the ceremony was not without controversy. The BBC issued an apology after a racial slur, shouted involuntarily by guest John
Davidson, who lives with Tourette syndrome, was not edited out of the delayed broadcast. The incident occurred while Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting on stage. Both BAFTA and the BBC later apologised, sparking discussions about the challenges of live broadcasting, editorial
responsibility, and awareness surrounding neurological conditions.
Amid these headline-grabbing moments, India had significant reasons to celebrate. The Manipuri-language film Boong, directed by Lakshmipriya
Devi and backed by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, won Best Children’s and
Family Film. Competing against global titles such as Zootopia 2 and Lilo & Stitch, the film’s victory marked a historic first for an Indian film in this category. In her acceptance speech, Devi also called for peace in Manipur, using the global platform to highlight the region’s ongoing unrest.
Alia Bhatt also made a strong impression while presenting the award for Best Film Not in the English Language. Beginning her speech with
“Namaskar” and a line in Hindi before transitioning to English, she described cinema as a universal language, a gesture that resonated widely with audiences both in India and abroad.

From emotional speeches and political undertones to historic wins and broadcast controversies, the 2026 BAFTA Awards delivered a ceremony that balanced celebration with reflection. Beyond the glamour of the red carpet, the evening served as a reminder that cinema is not only about storytelling—it is also about representation, responsibility and meaningful
conversation.
(The author is a second-year BA Mass Communication student who is passionate about storytelling, digital marketing, and enjoys keeping herself busy with various creative projects)
Tags
#bafta#tourette#timothee chalamet#alia bhatt#best film

Related Articles

BTS Rewrites the Comeback Playbook With ‘Arirang’
Article
Popculture

BTS Rewrites the Comeback Playbook With ‘Arirang’

BTS Arirang comeback redefines music promotion by bypassing traditional media and focusing on digital platforms, selective appearances, and direct fan engagement. Despite minimal press, the group achieved record-breaking sales & chart success, highlighting a shift in comeback Playbook

Apr 9, 20264 min
#bts#arirang#zane lowe+3 more
From Desert Echoes to Beyond Borders: The Barmer Boys’ Musical Journey
Article
Popculture

From Desert Echoes to Beyond Borders: The Barmer Boys’ Musical Journey

In a Gen Z era of high-energy music, the Barmer Boys brought Rajasthani folk to global audiences with quiet authenticity. Rooted in the Manganiyar tradition, their music was inherited through generations, shaped by devotion and everyday life. From village gatherings to international stages, they blended bhajans, Sufi kalaams, and modern elements seamlessly. Even after Mangey Khan’s passing in 2024, their music lives on—proving folk isn’t fading, it evolves and continues to connect across cultures.

Mar 27, 20264 min
#barmer#rajasthan#mangey khan+4 more
5 Highlights of Golden Globe Awards 2026
Article
Popculture

5 Highlights of Golden Globe Awards 2026

The 2026 Golden Globe Awards delivered a night full of surprises, historic wins, and viral moments that dominated social media conversations. From breakthrough performances to global cultural milestones, the ceremony reflected the evolving landscape of cinema and entertainment. Here are five standout highlights that captured the world’s attention.

Mar 20, 20263 min
#golden globe#demon hunters#michael b. jordans+2 more
February’s Biggest Pop Culture Moments: Nostalgia, Reinvention and Cultural Buzz
Article
Popculture

February’s Biggest Pop Culture Moments: Nostalgia, Reinvention and Cultural Buzz

Correspondent: Mehak Juneja

Feb 28, 20263 min
#taylor#margot robbie#jfk+2 more
Bismil-Ki-Dastaan: From winning awards to winning hearts
Article
Popculture

Bismil-Ki-Dastaan: From winning awards to winning hearts

'Bismil-ki-Mehfil' stole the show at Uphoria 2026 with Sufi depth amid hip-hop dominance. Bismil, from a musical family, trained under gurus from age five, debuted professionally at 18 during Hindu College days, forming his band and meeting manager Vibhor Hasija—coining the name in 2013, inspired by his mother's pick from 'Gulabi Aaakhen.' Hits like 'Tere Bina' (2019), 'Ki-Kita,' Nusrat cover 'Kali Kali Zulphon Ke Phande' (2022), Etihad Arena performances, Times Square feature, awards, and 2025 'Main Hoon Sufi' tour followed. Overcoming four jobless years, his passion shines: "Music ek samundar hai." Uphoria witnessed pure artistry.

Feb 20, 20264 min
#bismil#bismil-ki-mehfil#Sufi music+2 more
Top 5 highlights from the 2026 Grammys
Article
Popculture

Top 5 highlights from the 2026 Grammys

This year's Grammys were chaotic, iconic, political, and very, very ‘online.’ There were history-making wins, shirtless performances, and a host controversy that spun out of control and beyond that. Let's take a look at the top 5 moments made this year's Grammys iconic.Correspondents: Megha Lahiri and Vanya Chhabra

Feb 6, 20263 min
#grammys#trevor noah#sabrina carpenterowning+5 more