The 2026 BAFTA Awards delivered one of the biggest surprises of the year, as Leonardo DiCaprio walked away without a trophy despite his film One Battle After Another emerging as the biggest winner of the evening.
The star studded ceremony, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, saw the acclaimed film collect six awards from an impressive 14 nominations. Yet, in a twist that stunned audiences and industry insiders alike, DiCaprio himself was not among the winners.
A Legendary Actor Still Waiting for More BAFTA Glory
At 51, DiCaprio remains one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. He holds the record as the most nominated actor in BAFTA history, with seven nominations across his career. However, he has won only once, in 2016, for his iconic performance in The Revenant.
Over the years, he has earned nominations for major films including The Aviator, The Departed, The Wolf of Wall Street, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Don’t Look Up. His latest performance in One Battle After Another was widely praised, making his loss even more surprising.
Observers noted that DiCaprio reacted gracefully to the result, offering a modest and appreciative gesture despite missing out on the award.
Unexpected Winner Shocks the Audience
In one of the most talked about moments of the night, Robert Aramayo claimed the Best Actor award for his role in I Swear, defeating both DiCaprio and Timothee Chalamet, who had been considered a strong contender for his performance in Marty Supreme.
Aramayo appeared visibly emotional during his acceptance speech.
“I absolutely cannot believe this,” he said. “Everyone in this category leaves me speechless.”
His victory marked a major breakthrough moment in his career and signaled a shift toward a new generation of acting talent.
One Battle After Another Still Emerges as the Night’s Biggest Winner
Despite DiCaprio’s personal disappointment, One Battle After Another remained the dominant force of the evening. Director Paul Thomas Anderson expressed gratitude for the recognition and praised DiCaprio’s creative contribution.
“He is not just an actor. He is a brilliant storyteller. His understanding of character and narrative is his superpower,” Anderson said.
Producer Sarah Murphy also paid tribute to their late collaborator Adam Somner, calling the win deeply meaningful for the entire team.
Mixed Emotions and Major Surprises Define the Night
While One Battle After Another celebrated major success, Marty Supreme was considered the night’s biggest disappointment. Despite receiving 11 nominations, the film failed to secure a single award.
Meanwhile, Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for her role in Hamnet, earning praise for her powerful performance.
The BAFTA Awards 2026 will be remembered as a night of dramatic upsets, emotional speeches, and unexpected victories, proving once again that in the world of cinema, nothing is ever guaranteed.
