The 79th BAFTA Awards delivered surprising results that have thrown the Oscars race into uncertainty, casting doubt on Timothée Chalamet’s standing as a frontrunner. Despite entering the night as the favorite for Best Actor due to his wins at the Critics Choice Awards and Golden Globes, Chalamet lost to Robert Aramayo, shaking up expectations just weeks before final Oscar voting.
Unexpected Outcomes Shake Up the Leading Actor Race
Timothée Chalamet was widely seen as the top contender for the Academy Award for his role in Josh Safdie’s sports dramedy “Marty Supreme,” which tells the story of Marty Reisman’s rise in 1950s New York’s underground table tennis world. His momentum, built on major earlier wins, was suddenly challenged when Robert Aramayo claimed the BAFTA for Leading Actor for his performance in Kirk Jones’ drama “I Swear.” Aramayo also secured the EE Rising Star Award, the only BAFTA voted on by the public, further elevating his profile.
While “I Swear” will not be eligible for the upcoming Oscars due to its U.S. release timing, the defeat alters the awards narrative, influencing the mindset of Oscar voters as the race tightens. This upset exemplifies the unpredictable nature of the current awards season, which has been marked by shifting favorites and surprising victories.
Dominance by “One Battle After Another” Highlights Different Strengths
In contrast to the best actor race, Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” emerged as a dominant force at the BAFTAs, winning six awards including Best Film and Best Director. The film also triumphed in key technical categories like cinematography and editing, which often signal strong Oscar prospects. With support from leading actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, the film’s success creates a compelling case for its consideration in upcoming ceremonies.
The Rising Impact of Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” at BAFTA
Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” made a notable impact by winning three BAFTAs, including Original Screenplay—marking Coogler as the first Black winner in that category’s BAFTA history—and Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku. This surge introduces fresh energy into the awards conversation and broadens the scope of competition in major categories.
Summary of BAFTA Winners in Key Categories
Best Film: “One Battle After Another” claimed the top honor, surpassing nominees like “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme,” “Sentimental Value,” and “Sinners.”
Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson was recognized for “One Battle After Another,” edging out contenders including Yorgos Lanthimos for “Bugonia,” Chloé Zhao for “Hamnet,” Josh Safdie for “Marty Supreme,” Joachim Trier for “Sentimental Value,” and Ryan Coogler for “Sinners.”
Leading Actress: Jessie Buckley won for her role in “Hamnet,” ahead of Rose Byrne in
“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,”
Kate Hudson in “Song Sung Blue,” Chase Infiniti in “One Battle After Another,” Renate Reinsve in “Sentimental Value,” and Emma Stone in “Bugonia.”
Leading Actor: Robert Aramayo secured the award for “I Swear,” with Timothée Chalamet nominated for “Marty Supreme,” alongside Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, and Jesse Plemons.
Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku won for “Sinners,” competing against Odessa A’zion in “Marty Supreme,” Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas in “Sentimental Value,” Carey Mulligan in “The Ballad of Wallis Island,” Teyana Taylor in “One Battle After Another,” and Emily Watson in “Hamnet.”
Supporting Actor: Sean Penn took home the award for his work in “One Battle After Another,” with nominees including Benicio del Toro, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, Peter Mullan, and Stellan Skarsgård.
EE Rising Star Award: Robert Aramayo was the winner, reflecting public support and recognition.
What the BAFTA Results Mean for the Oscars Race
The BAFTA outcomes have shifted the outlook as final Oscar voting approaches, complicating predictions for award winners. Timothée Chalamet’s loss illustrates how quickly tides can turn late in awards season, especially when public opinion and critical sentiment diverge. Meanwhile, the sweep by “One Battle After Another” and the historic wins for “Sinners” indicate a more competitive landscape, elevating the importance of different categories beyond just acting.
With voting set to close in early March, these results are likely to influence voters’ perceptions, adding tension and uncertainty to what had appeared a more straightforward path for some contenders. As the film industry awaits the Oscars ceremony, the upset serves as a reminder that momentum can shift dramatically in a few weeks.
“The Oscar race heading into final voting feels less like a coronation and more like a coin toss.” ?Author, Source
“Robert Aramayo also took home the EE Rising Star Award — the only prize voted on by the public.” ?Author, Source
“Ryan Coogler, making him the first Black winner in that category’s BAFTA history.” ?Author, Source
