Nigerians celebrated significant achievements at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards in London on Sunday, February 22nd, with awards presented to standout winners in acting and filmmaking from around the world, and Nigeria included.
Actress Wunmi Mosaku was awarded the Best Supporting Actress for her role in Sinners, adding another major career milestone to her earlier BAFTA win in 2017 for Our Loved Boy, the true story of the murder of Damilola Taylor, directed by Euros Lyn. Her current win reinforces her standing as one of the African actors working across British and Hollywood productions.
Another Talent recognized at the 2026 BAFTA Awards was My Father’s Shadow, directed by Akinola Davies Jr. and produced by Wale Davies, the Nigerian filmmaking brothers. This film won Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer.
The film explores the themes of fatherhood, memory, and the impact of political turmoil on family relationships, set against the backdrop of Lagos during the political turbulence of the 1993 election crisis. My Father’s Shadow follows the emotional journey of a father and his two sons as they navigate uncertainty in a city filled with tension.
My father’s shadow has gained widespread international recognition. Before the BAFTA award, the film 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.
Aside from the Nigerian wins, One Battle After Another dominated major categories, winning six awards, including Best Film and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson.
The ceremony recognized talents beyond performance, extending its focus to Industry Contribution. Clare Binns received the award for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema, while My Father’s Shadow was honoured in the Outstanding Debut category.
The Nigerian Film Industry is commanding significantly across international film festival selections, cross-border collaboration, and consistent award recognition.
With the success of Nigerian creatives at this year’s BAFTAs awards, the expansion of African storytelling into mainstream global cinema and digital platforms is greatly undeniable.
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