The Pak Global Pakistan — The dark comedy One Battle After Another triumphed at the UK’s prestigious EE BAFTA Film Awards, taking home six major prizes including Best Film and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson. The film, which explores the turmoil of revolutionaries clashing with the state, outshone contenders such as the Shakespearean tragedy Hamnet and the vampire thriller Sinners during Sunday’s ceremony.
In addition to directing, Anderson’s film earned accolades for adapted screenplay, cinematography, editing, and a supporting actor award for Sean Penn’s portrayal of a driven military officer. Accepting his award, Anderson cited a line from Nina Simone featured in the film: “I know what freedom is: It’s no fear,” urging creatives to continue making fearless work.
Sinners, boasting a record 16 Oscar nominations, won Best Original Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku, and Best Original Score. The gothic horror Frankenstein captured three awards, while Hamnet secured Best British Film among its two honors.
The documentary The Voice of Hind Rajab, highlighting Israel’s war on Gaza, was a notable contender for Best Director and Best Non-English Language Film but ultimately lost the latter category to Sentimental Value.
These BAFTA results often signal frontrunners for the upcoming Oscars, scheduled for March 15.