Nigerian talent took centre stage at the 79th British Academy Film Awards held on Sunday, 22 February 2026, at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Actress Wunmi Mosaku won Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘Sinners’, while the Nigerian-made film ‘My Father’s Shadow’ received the award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer.
‘My Father’s Shadow’, directed by Nigerian brothers Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies, is set in Lagos during the 1993 election crisis and follows a father and his two sons navigating the city amid political tension. The film was the first Nigerian production selected for the official lineup at the Cannes Film Festival, premiering in the Un Certain Regard section to critical acclaim.
Mosaku’s win adds to her BAFTA success, having previously won Best Supporting Actress in 2017 for ‘Damilola, Our Loved Boy’. She is recognised for her performances in both British and international productions. The ceremony also honoured other global talents, including Paul Thomas Anderson, whose film ‘One Battle After Another’ won six awards, including Best Film and Best Director.
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The 2026 BAFTAs, hosted by Alan Cumming, celebrated the best films of 2025. Other major awards included Leading Actress for Jessie Buckley in ‘Hamnet’, Leading Actor and EE Rising Star for Robert Aramayo in ‘I Swear’, and Best Original Screenplay for ‘Sinners’ by Ryan Coogler. The event highlighted the increasing international visibility of Nigerian stories and talent.
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