BAFTAs Muddy the Oscars: Chalamet Upset, Penn and Mosaku Shifts Race

Variety

by Clayton Davis

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The 79th BAFTA Awards delivered a wave of unpredictability, reshaping the Oscar race with its unexpected results. Paul Thomas Anderson’s *One Battle After Another* emerged as the night’s dominant film, securing six awards, including Best Film, Director, Adapted Screenplay, and Supporting Actor for Sean Penn. Meanwhile, Ryan Coogler’s *Sinners* made history by becoming the first Black screenwriter to win BAFTA’s Original Screenplay category. These wins not only bolstered their Oscar prospects but also highlighted the films’ strengths in both above-the-line (creative) and below-the-line (technical) categories. Timothée Chalamet’s loss to Robert Aramayo for Best Actor marked a significant upset, as Chalamet had been seen as a frontrunner following wins at the CCAs and Globes. The defeat could shift voter perceptions ahead of Oscar voting, which opens Feb. 26. Meanwhile, *Sinners*’ success was further amplified by Wunmi Mosaku’s Supporting Actress win, adding momentum to her campaign for an Oscar nod. The BAFTAs also saw “Marty” leave empty-handed, tying a record for most losses in a single night. With the SAG Awards and PGA Awards still ahead, attention now turns to these events as potential deciding factors. Ethan Hawke’s role in *Blue Moon* remains a strong contender, while Chalamet’s 2023 win would mark a historic back-to-back achievement if he secures the SAG Award again. The BAFTA results have set the stage for a thrilling finish to the awards season, with shifts in momentum and narrative. For fans of *One Battle After Another* and *Sinners*, the coming weeks will determine whether their films can maintain their lead or face unexpected challenges. The unpredictability of this year’s race makes it a must-watch event for entertainment enthusiasts.

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Originally published on Variety on 2/22/2026