BAFTAs celebrate the composers and creators behind the year’s biggest films
The BAFTAs were a big night for film music. Here are the standout scores and performances that stole the show.
The 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) brought the glamour of cinema and the power of music together on 22 February 2026 at London’s Royal Festival Hall, celebrating the year’s most memorable films and scores.
At the heart of the BAFTAs’ music celebration is the Best Original Music category, which honours composers whose work helped shape the emotional core of their films. In a year packed with exceptional scores, Ludwig Göransson took home the award for his work on Sinners, another accolade for one of the industry’s most respected composers. Göransson’s score stood out amid fierce competition from seasoned talents such as Alexandre Desplat (Frankenstein), Max Richter (Hamnet), Jonny Greenwood (One Battle After Another), and Jerskin Fendrix (Bugonia).
Another essential technical recognition for music at the BAFTAs was the Best Sound award, which went to F1. This category honours the immersive audio work that complements music and effects, helping viewers feel every moment of sound design and score in tandem.
The ceremony had also added musical excitement into the evening with a notable live segment, members of HUNTR/X, the voices behind the global hit “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters, delivered a performance on the BAFTA stage, marking the song’s first appearance outside the United States. While KPop Demon Hunters itself was ineligible for awards due to distribution rules, the performance showed how film music and pop culture increasingly intersect at major industry events.
In addition, British singer Jessie Ware paid homage to cinema’s musical legacy with a moving rendition of Barbra Streisand’s classic “The Way We Were” during the ceremony’s In Memoriam segment, connecting the evening’s present highlights with enduring musical history.
The BAFTAs also drew a variety of musicians and music-adjacent celebrities on the red carpet, bringing extra star power to the event. While coverage of specific attendees varies, the presence of artists whose work has a strong musical following reflects the close ties between film and music communities. From composers and performers to musicians crossing into acting roles, the ceremony’s mix of creative talent made for an engaging cultural moment.
The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards demonstrated that music remains a central pillar of cinematic storytelling. From the composers who craft unforgettable scores to the performers who bring soundtracks to life, the ceremony celebrated the diverse ways music enhances film.
As awards season continues, film music fans will be watching closely to see how these BAFTA winners and performances influence predictions for other ceremonies, including the Oscars and music industry events.