BAFTA Awards 2024: A Review of Cinema’s Grandest Night

By Ritik | January 31, 2026

The 77th British Academy Awards (BAFTAs) were an unstoppable force, delivering an exceptional award ceremony for the film industry. The event presented its ultimate honour to the cinematic masterpieces which shaped our year and left a lasting effect on everyone.

Held on February 18, 2024, at the historic Royal Festival Hall in London, the ceremony celebrated the greatest Hollywood blockbusters and applauded independent and international film. Hosted by David Tennant, the evening was filled with sincere appreciation for the gruelling work that goes into modern filmmaking.

The Atomic Sweep of Oppenheimer

While 2023 was known as the year of “Barbenheimer,” the 2024 BAFTAs were unmistakably focused on Christopher Nolan’s "Oppenheimer." Entering the ceremony with 13 nominations, the film won seven awards, the most of any film this year. The victory felt incredibly personal for Nolan, a British-American filmmaker who, despite having such a massive influence on the industry, has never won a BAFTA for directing.

Cillian Murphy's win for Leading Actor was the highlight of the evening. His portrayal of J Robert Oppenheimer was praised for the sheer intensity and nuance. His acceptance speech reflected a humble appreciation for the project's collaborative geniuses. Robert Downey Jr also secured the Supporting Actor trophy for his role as Lewis Strauss, continuing his “redemption arc” through 2024’s award seasons.

The Rise of Poor Things

While Oppenheimer dominated the drama, Yorgos Lanthimos’s Poor Things proved to be the night’s second largest victor. The film offered a provocative exploration of a woman's self-discovery and won five awards.

Emma Stone won the highly competitive Leading Actress category, beating strong contenders such as Lily Gladstone.

The success of Poor Things is also seen as a win for technical craftspeople. The film swept the visual categories, including Production Design, Costume Design, and Makeup and Hair, and it was lovely to see its Victorian punk aesthetic have a deep impact on the Academy.

Deepika Padukone: A Global Icon on the London Stage

Beyond the trophies, one of the evening's significant cultural moments was Deepika Padukone's presence. Paduko, dubbed one of the most successful actresses in Bollywood, was invited to present at the 95th Academy Awards; her BAFTA invitation was a major milestone.

Deepika’s outfit was also applauded, stepping away from the traditional Western gowns that often dominate such events. She chose a breathtaking Sabyasachi saree.

She took to the stage to present the Best Film Not in the English Language award, handing the heavyweight trophy to Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone of Interest, a film that explores the banality of evil during the Holocaust.

Powerful Narratives and Snubs

The outstanding British Film category provided one of the night’s most respected wins, with The Zone of Interest taking the prize, a film shot entirely in Poland and spoken in German and Polish. Its win in the category highlighted the growing acceptance and willingness at the BAFTAs.

However, the night did not satisfy all. Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, despite being a billion-dollar cultural phenomenon and earning five nominations, went home empty-handed. The “Barbie snub” became a major talking point on social media, with fans debating the Academy’s tendency to overlook pop culture films with neon hues and satirical comedy.

Looking Toward the Future: The EE Rising Star

The only public-voted award, the EE Rising Star Award, went to Mia McKenna-Bruce. Her performance in How to Have Sex gave a raw look at consent and youth culture, beating out a talented list including Jacob Elorid and Sophie Wilde. The win signalled continued public interest in gritty, socially relevant performances for the next generation of actors.

A Transition to Television

While the film awards took centre stage in February, the BAFTA Television Awards in May 2024 provided a perfect bookend to the year. The gritty crime drama Top Boy was celebrated as the Best Drama series, a fitting farewell to a show that has been a staple of British culture.

Sarah Lancashire was honoured for her legendary role as Catherine Cawood in Happy Valley, and Timothy Spall was recognised for his haunting performance in The Sixth Commandment.

The Legacy of the 2024 BAFTAs

The 2024 BAFTAs will be remembered as a year of the big two, with Oppenheimer and Poor things but also a year where international representation felt much more organic. From the extensive praise for Jonathan Glazer to the effortless grace of Deepika Padukone on the presenter’s podium, the ceremony proved that BAFTAs are looking outward and finally embracing global film excellence.

As the industry moves forward, the 2024 winners leave behind a legacy of bold, uncompromising storytelling that challenges audiences to think. The BAFTAs 2024 success not only brings hope to filmmakers around the world hoping to take the stage in the future, but also gives young actors hope of reaching and being named in BAFTA accolades. The 2024 award season has only heightened the audience's anticipation for the BAFTAs 2025.

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