Nigerian Talent Shines at 2026 BAFTA as Wunmi Mosaku and Akinola Davies Jr. Claim Major Wins
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Nigerian excellence took centre stage in London as British-Nigerian creatives delivered two of the most talked-about victories at the 79th British Academy Film Awards. Actress Wunmi Mosaku and filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. emerged among the night’s biggest winners, underscoring the growing global influence of Nigerian storytelling.
Mosaku secured the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as Annie in the supernatural thriller Sinners. Her performance stood out in a competitive category that included Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another and Emily Watson for Hamnet. The recognition marks Mosaku’s second BAFTA triumph, further cementing her reputation as one of Britain’s most compelling screen talents.
Accepting the award while pregnant, Mosaku delivered an emotional speech, dedicating the honour to her daughter. She reflected on how portraying Annie reconnected her to her heritage and personal history, describing the role as a journey back to parts of herself shaped by ancestry, migration and identity. She also acknowledged director Ryan Coogler for fostering a creative environment that affirmed that cultural grounding.
On the filmmaking front, Davies Jr. claimed the Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer award for his first feature, My Father’s Shadow. The film has enjoyed a remarkable trajectory, becoming the first Nigerian production selected for the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival, a milestone that elevated its international profile long before awards season.
Set during Nigeria’s tense 1993 election crisis, My Father’s Shadow follows a father navigating a politically charged Lagos with his two young sons. The story stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù in a leading role, supported by real-life brothers Chibuike Marvellous Egbo and Godwin Egbo. Shot entirely on location in Lagos and Ibadan, the production has been praised for its textured realism and emotional restraint.
Davies Jr.’s insistence on authenticity, both in casting and location, has been widely credited for the film’s impact. By grounding the narrative in lived experience and national memory, the debut feature resonated strongly with international audiences and critics, positioning it as one of the year’s standout first films.
Together, the victories signal more than individual success. They reflect a broader shift in global cinema, where Nigerian perspectives are no longer peripheral but central to major cultural conversations. From powerful performances to historically rooted storytelling, the night confirmed that Nigerian creatives are shaping the future of British and international film on their own terms.
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