‘One Battle After Another’ Wins Best Film at 2026 BAFTAs

Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another won best film at the EE British Academy Film Awards on Sunday at London’s Royal Festival Hall, taking six prizes in total, including best director, best adapted screenplay and best supporting actor for Sean Penn. The Leonardo DiCaprio– and Teyana Taylor–starring caper beat Sinners, Hamnet, Marty Supreme and Sentimental Value for the top honor; Anderson told the crowd that anyone who says movies aren’t good anymore was wrong and invited the audience to join him “at the bar.” The film entered the night with strong awards-season momentum after claiming best picture, musical or comedy at the Golden Globes and major prizes from the Critics’ Choice and Directors Guild of America.

Anderson’s movie had 14 BAFTA nominations, one more than Ryan Coogler’s Sinners; Coogler’s film, however, holds a record 16 Oscar nominations, three more than One Battle After Another. The BAFTA haul is likely to increase the film’s momentum ahead of the Academy Awards on March 15.

United Kingdom, London

baftas, best film, sean penn, leonardo dicaprio, teyana taylor, golden globes, critics' choice, ryan coogler, oscars, london