Nigerian talent took center stage in London as multiple wins highlighted the country’s growing influence at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards. Actress Wunmi Mosaku secured the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Sinners, adding to her earlier BAFTA victory in 2017 for Damilola, Our Loved Boy. Her latest win reinforces her standing as one of the most prominent African performers working across British and Hollywood productions.
Another milestone came with the film My Father’s Shadow, directed by Akinola Davies Jr. and produced alongside Wale Davies. The project won Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer.
The film has drawn widespread international recognition. It previously made history as the first Nigerian production selected for the official lineup at the Cannes Film Festival, where it premiered in the Un Certain Regard section to critical acclaim.
Set against the backdrop of Lagos during the political turbulence of the 1993 election crisis, My Father’s Shadow explores the emotional journey of a father and his two sons navigating uncertainty in a city gripped by tension.
The broader 2026 BAFTA ceremony saw One Battle After Another dominate major categories, winning Best Film and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson. Robert Aramayo secured Best Actor for I Swear, while Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for Hamnet.
Sean Penn claimed Best Supporting Actor for One Battle After Another, while Mosaku’s performance in Sinners stood out in the supporting actress category.
In technical categories, Frankenstein performed strongly, winning Production Design, Costume Design, and Makeup and Hair. Avatar: Fire and Ash secured Best Special Visual Effects, while F1 won Best Sound.
The Outstanding British Film category was awarded to Hamnet, and Sentimental Value won Best Film Not in the English Language.
The ceremony also recognized industry contributions beyond performance. Clare Binns received the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award, while My Father’s Shadow triumphed in the Outstanding Debut category.
The success of Nigerian creatives at this year’s BAFTAs signals a continued expansion of African storytelling into mainstream global cinema platforms.
With international festival selections, cross-border collaborations, and consistent award recognition, Nigeria’s film industry is increasingly commanding global attention — not just as an emerging market, but as a formidable creative force.
