The BAFTAs returned for the 78th year, and acting icon, Warwick Davis, had viewers in tears as he was rightfully awarded recognition for his services to the screen.
The 2025 Baftas took place on Sunday evening(16 February) with Hollywood’s stars (both super and rising) gathering in London’s Royal Festival Hall for the ceremony.
Among the hopefuls, Conclave, papal election drama, led with a dozen nominations and took home Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Film.
The latter award was previously picked up by The Brutalist at the Golden Globes and Critic’s Choice Awards. Adrien Brody, however, continued his winning streak for the Best Leading Actor Award for his performance in the aforementioned film. Mikey Madson broke Demi Moore’s streak to scoop her ever first major award for her leading role in Anora.
The Awards saw a variety of British figures in the industry score high. Wallace and Gromit claimed Animated Film for their latest misadventure, Vengeance Most Fowl. Their creator, Nick Park gave models of the icons, and their penguin nemesis Feathers McGraw, the honour of joining him on stage.
Young Brit David Jonsson, who is making his name with show-stopping performances in the miniseries The Road Trip and blockbuster Alien Romulus won EE Rising Star.
However, the true highlight was Davis and his recognition for services to the screen, of which his dedication to his wife, Samantha, who died last year.
Davis, known for Harry Potter and Life’s Too Short, was awarded the Fellowship prize, known as Bafta’s highest honour. Previous recipients include Maggie Smith, Mike Leigh, Samantha Morton, Martin Scorsese, and Sir Sidney Poitier.
Taking centre stage, Davis began the speech with a candid tone, saying: “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me and I’ve been in Star Wars.”
Slowly, he became emotional, admitting how “life has been pretty tough” since Samantha’s passing. He gave thanks to her, describing her as “always supportive”: “Thank you to the support of our wonderful children, I’ve been able to keep engaging in life,” he said, breaking down in tears.
Warwick’s children, Harrison and Annabelle, were seen in the crowd, with the latter crying.
There was not a dry eye at home either. Viewers emotionally wrote praises for Davis’s speech, with one person writing: “I had no plans to cry today and yet here I am.”
Another added: “Love Warwick Davis, good speech.”
“Oh no, Warwick Davis got me crying,” said a third person, with a fourth agreeing: “Warwick Davis and his kids have me BAWLING.”
The award was given to Davis by his Harry Potter co-star, Tom Felton, who played class-bully Draco Malfoy. A montage followed, honouring the actor, with George Lucas, creator of Star Wars, of which Davis starred in early in his career, and Mark Hamil, were among those paying tribute to him.
The 78th BAFTAs was presented by David Tennant for his second appearance as host. The event was broadcasted on BBC One at 7pm, Sunday 16 February. It is available to watch now on BBC Iplayer.
