Nigeria Shines at 2026 BAFTA Film Awards: Wunmi Mosaku Makes History, Davies Brothers Claim Outstanding Debu

Nigerian talent illuminated the global stage at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Royal Festival Hall in London, as British-Nigerian actress **Wunmi Mosaku** and brothers **Akinola Davies Jr.** and **Wale Davies** secured historic wins, showcasing the depth and power of Nigerian-rooted storytelling in international cinema.

Wunmi Mosaku, the acclaimed British-Nigerian actress, won **Best Supporting Actress** for her powerful portrayal of Annie, a hoodoo healer, in Ryan Coogler's vampire horror film *Sinners*. In an emotional acceptance speech, the pregnant actress became the first Black British winner in the film's supporting actress category at the BAFTAs. She reflected on rediscovering her "ancestral power" through the role, stating she found "parts of myself... a part of my hopes, my ancestral power and connection, parts I thought I had lost or tried to dim as an immigrant trying to fit in." Mosaku, who previously won a TV BAFTA in 2017 for *Damilola, Our Loved Boy*, delivered a heartfelt tribute to her family, her daughter, and her mother, breaking down in tears during the winners' press conference when *Sinners* also claimed Best Original Screenplay.

The evening also marked a milestone for Nigerian filmmaking as British-Nigerian brothers **Akinola Davies Jr.** (director and co-writer) and **Wale Davies** (co-writer) won the **Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer** for their semi-autobiographical feature *My Father's Shadow*. Set in Lagos during the 1993 Nigerian presidential election crisis, the film follows two young brothers navigating family tensions amid political upheaval. In their acceptance speech, the siblings dedicated the win to immigrant parents who sacrificed for their children's futures, saluting economic and conflict migrants, and emphasizing the importance of archiving personal and cultural stories. Akinola Davies Jr. concluded with a call for solidarity: "For Nigeria, for London, the Congo, Sudan, free Palestine." The win underscores the growing global recognition of Nigerian narratives and co-productions.

These victories highlight a banner night for Nigerian heritage in British cinema, with *Sinners* earning three BAFTAs overall (including Original Screenplay and Original Score) and *My Father's Shadow* continuing its awards momentum after earlier acclaim, including BIFA honors.

**Wunmi Mosaku (acceptance speech excerpt):** "To my daughter, you are my greatest teacher... I am most proud that everything begins and ends with you."

**Akinola Davies Jr. (acceptance speech excerpt):** "Your dreams are an act of resistance... For Nigeria, for London, Congo, Sudan, free Palestine. Thank you."

The 2026 BAFTAs celebrated outstanding achievements in film, with *One Battle After Another* taking Best Film and other major categories. Nigeria's strong showing has sparked widespread pride across social media, with fans and industry figures hailing the wins as a testament to the richness of African diaspora creativity and the universal appeal of authentic storytelling.

As Nigerian talent continues to break barriers on the world stage, these historic BAFTA triumphs signal an exciting era for representation and excellence in global cinema.