The 2025 BAFTA Film Awards have wrapped up, and this year's ceremony brought with it a mix of expected victories and surprising upsets. As always, the presence and representation of LGBTQ+ narratives and talents were keenly observed, yielding both moments of celebration and disappointment. Here's a closer look at the LGBTQ+ highlights from the night, from the heartwarming to the contentious.
Surprises and Expected Wins
The evening began with some surprising announcements. Mikey Madison, the lead actress from Anora, took home the Best Actress award, a result that caught many off guard. Meanwhile, Conclave was awarded Best Film, and the Rising Star award went to David Jonsson, marking his emergence as a significant new talent in the industry.
Despite these surprises, some outcomes were more predictable. Zoë Saldaña secured the Best Supporting Actress award, mirroring her success at the Golden Globes, while Kieran Culkin's performance in A Real Pain earned him the Best Supporting Actor accolade. Adrien Brody, anticipated by many, won Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist.
LGBTQ+ Representation: Wins and Losses
With several films featuring LGBTQ+ themes and characters, the potential for strong representation at the BAFTAs was high. Notably, the entire principal cast of Wicked identifies as LGBTQ+, and the film Emilia Pérez was among the most-nominated, boasting a storyline centered on a transgender cartel boss.
Loss: Will & Harper
The Netflix documentary Will & Harper, starring Will Ferrell and Harper Steele, was a strong contender in the Best Documentary category. The project, which chronicles the duo's road trip and Steele's journey as a trans woman, was ultimately beaten by Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story. While it was recognized at the BAFTAs, it was notably absent from the Oscar nominations.
Win – Sort Of: Emilia Pérez
Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques Audiard, sparked both intrigue and controversy. The Spanish-language musical crime thriller garnered 11 nominations and took home two awards: Best Supporting Actress for Zoë Saldaña and Best Film not in the English language. However, the film was marred by controversy surrounding its lead actress, Karla Sofía Gascón, whose past tweets were criticized for their offensive content. Despite the drama, Saldaña's heartfelt dedication of her award to her trans nephew was a touching moment that resonated with many.
Loss: Cynthia Erivo
Another significant moment was Cynthia Erivo's nomination for Best Actress for her role in Wicked. Although she was a favorite to win, Erivo lost to Mikey Madison. Erivo, who attended the ceremony with her partner Lena Waithe, was poised to become the first Black woman to win in this category, a milestone that will have to wait for another year.
Loss: Colman Domingo
The talented Colman Domingo, a gay actor, was nominated for his performance in the prison drama Sing Sing, a film highlighting the transformative impact of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program. Despite his moving portrayal, Domingo was edged out by Adrien Brody's performance in The Brutalist.
Loss: Love Lies Bleeding
Love Lies Bleeding, directed by Rose Glass, is another film that captured the attention of LGBTQ+ audiences. The sapphic bodybuilding thriller, starring Kristen Stewart and Katy O'Brian, was considered one of 2024's most overlooked films. Although it received a nomination for Outstanding British Film, it lost to the critically acclaimed Conclave.
Win – Sort Of: Wicked
Wicked, featuring a star-studded LGBTQ+ cast including Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, managed to win Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. However, the film fell short in some of the major categories it was vying for, such as Best Film and Best Actress. Whether Wicked's awards count as a significant victory or a letdown for the LGBTQ+ community is a matter of perspective.
The 2025 BAFTA Film Awards proved to be an eventful night with its fair share of triumphs and setbacks for LGBTQ+ representation in film. As the industry continues to evolve, the desire for more inclusive and diverse storytelling remains stronger than ever.
Share your thoughts on this year's BAFTAs and how they reflected LGBTQ+ stories and talents. Remember to keep the conversation respectful and engaging!
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