The 2026 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) delivered some unexpected shakeups that have the entertainment world buzzing. While favorites like "One Battle After Another" and "Sinners" dominated the nominations, several dark horse contenders emerged victorious, potentially shifting the momentum heading into the Oscars.
Upsets and Newcomers Steal the Show
The night's biggest surprise came when relative newcomer Wunmi Mosaku took home the award for Best Supporting Actress for her work in "Sinners." Mosaku beat out heavy favorite Teyana Taylor, who was widely expected to win for her acclaimed performance in "One Battle After Another." This underdog victory sent shockwaves through the industry and has critics re-evaluating the Oscars race.
Another shocker was the triumph of "Mr. Nobody Against Putin" in the Best Documentary category. This intimate portrait of a Russian dissident beat out high-profile contenders and reinforced the BAFTAs' reputation for spotlighting lesser-known but impactful films.
The Implications for the Oscars
What these BAFTA upsets really mean is that the race to the Oscars is wide open. The conventional wisdom has been upended, and Academy voters will now have to take a closer look at some of the overlooked gems that emerged victorious in London. The BAFTAs have a history of foreshadowing Oscars success, so these surprise wins could signal a major shift in momentum.
For example, Wunmi Mosaku's BAFTA triumph may boost her chances of an Oscar nomination, potentially crowding out expected nominees. And the Best Documentary win for "Mr. Nobody Against Putin" could inspire voters to seek out more international and politically-charged stories. The bigger picture here is that the BAFTAs have injected new life into an Oscars race that was starting to feel predictable.
As BBC News reports, the stage is now set for a dramatic climax to awards season. With the Oscars just weeks away, Hollywood is on the edge of its seat to see if these BAFTA shockers will translate to Academy gold. One thing is certain: the road to the Oscars has taken an unexpected turn.