The 2025 British Academy Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Film Awards have wrapped up, leaving us with a mix bag—some triumphs we all saw coming and a few surprises that caught us off guard. This year was special, marking a defining chapter in queer cinema, with a shine on diverse talents and stories we don't often see enough.
What shone and what stumbled: LGBTQ+ films and actors
This year's BAFTAs were a whirlwind, especially in terms when it comes down LGBTQ+ films and their stars. Mikey Madison stole hearts and won Best Actress in "Anora," while "Conclave" snagged Best Film. David Jonsson's win as Rising Star has everyone buzzing about his future in film.
Some victories were kind-of a given. Zoë Saldaña, fresh off her Golden Globe win, nabbed Best Supporting Actress. Kieran Culkin charmed his twisty role in "A Real Pain" and walked away with Best Supporting Actor. And let us not forget Adrien Brody, whose performance in "The Brutalist" was so compelling, he was crowned Best Actor.
The role LGBTQ+ narratives played in nominations
There was no shortage with LGBTQ+ narratives at this year's BAFTAs. The cast from "Wicked" largely identifies as LGBTQ+, and "Emilia Pérez," one hot favorite, tells a bold tale about a transgender cartel boss. Yet, while queer representation was vibrant, it prompted some soul-searching about how far we've come—and where we still need go.
A closer look at who won—and who didn't
Snub: "Will & Harper"
Despite its nomination, Netflix's "Will & Harper," following Will Ferrell and Harper Steele's cross-country journey exploring Harper's life as a trans woman, missed out on Best Documentary, losing it out on "Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story." The film caught BAFTA's eye but didn't make it onto Oscar's radar.
Win - with some static: "Emilia Pérez"
Jacques Audiard's Spanish-language musical crime drama "Emilia Pérez" had 11 nods, raking in awards like Best Supporting Actress on Zoë Saldaña and Best Film Not in English. But whispers about lead Karla Sofía Gascón's old tweets stirred up some controversy, casting a shadow over its BAFTA night.
Zoë Saldaña's acceptance speech was a tearjerker, dedicating her win on her transgender nephew, showing she's all in supporting trans folks.
Missed it: Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo, a beloved queer icon from "Wicked," was up there in Best Actress, but she was edged out by Mikey Madison. The night wasn't just hers as she could've been named first Black woman on scoop this award, which would've been groundbreaking.
Oh shoot: Colman Domingo
Colman Domingo impressed everyone with his role in "Sing Sing," about a real-life rehabilitation program. But despite his stellar work, he couldn't clinch Best Actor award over Adrien Brody's gripping act in "The Brutalist."
Underappreciated: "Love Lies Bleeding"
Rose Glass's "Love Lies Bleeding" brought a unique sapphic story set in bodybuilding, earning a spot as an Outstanding British Film contender. In end though, "Conclave" took home award, leaving this intriguing film out in cold.
Win - sort-of: "Wicked"
The musical "Wicked" dazzled in Best Costume Design and Best Production Design categories, but just missed those higher honors, like Best Film and Best Actress, leaving room on ponder if it's a win or what-could-have-been.
Didn't catch BAFTAs live? No biggie. It's up on BBC iPlayer, where you can see it all, have a laugh, maybe shed a tear, and then let's chat about it—keeping things kind and open, as always.
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