British-Nigerian director Akinola Davies Jr. and screenwriter Wale Davies pose with the award for Best Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, director or producer for the film "My Father's Shadow" during the BAFTA British Academy Film Awards ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, in London, on February 22, 2026. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)
Nigerian talent took centre stage at the 79th British Academy Film Awards, with actress Wunmi Mosaku and the Nigerian-made film My Father’s Shadow securing major wins at the ceremony held at the Royal Festival Hall.
Mosaku claimed the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Sinners, adding another BAFTA trophy to her career achievements. She previously won in the same category in 2017 for Damilola, Our Loved Boy, making this latest recognition a significant return to the winners’ circle.
In another highlight for Nigerian storytelling, My Father’s Shadow won the Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer award. The film was directed by Nigerian brothers Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies.
Set in Lagos during the turbulent 1993 election crisis, the drama follows a father and his two sons as they move through a city gripped by political unrest. Since its release, the film has drawn international acclaim. It earned a historic selection at the Cannes Film Festival, where it premiered in the Un Certain Regard section to strong reviews.
The BAFTA ceremony, hosted by Alan Cumming, celebrated the best films of 2025. The night’s biggest winner was One Battle After Another, which secured six awards, including Best Film and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson.
Other major acting honours went to Jessie Buckley, who won Leading Actress for Hamnet, and Robert Aramayo, who claimed Leading Actor for I Swear and also received the EE Rising Star Award. Sean Penn won Supporting Actor for One Battle After Another.
The wins by Mosaku and the team behind My Father’s Shadow underscore the growing global visibility of Nigerian creatives. Both achievements highlight the expanding reach of stories rooted in Nigerian history and culture, as they continue to earn recognition on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.
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