LONDON: The 78th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) were held on Sunday, during which the papal thriller 'Conclave' secured four awards, including the prestigious Best Picture.

The event highlighted a strong showing for 'The Brutalist,' which also won four trophies, notably Best Director for Brady Corbet and Best Actor for Adrien Brody.

Mikey Madison took home the Best Actress award for her role in the Brooklyn tragicomedy 'Anora.'

'Conclave,' featuring Ralph Fiennes in a key role as a cardinal, beat out notable competitors such as 'The Brutalist,' genre-bending musical 'Emilia Pérez,' and Bob Dylan biopic 'A Complete Unknown.' In addition to Best Picture, 'Conclave' was recognized as the Outstanding British Film and received awards for Editing and Adapted Screenplay.

In the supporting performer categories, Kieran Culkin was awarded for his work in 'A Real Pain,' while Zoe Saldaña received accolades for her performance in 'Emilia Pérez,' which also won Best Film Not in the English Language.

Saldaña's role as a lawyer aiding the titular character's transition was described as the 'creative challenge of a lifetime.'

Controversy surrounded the event as Karla Sofía Gascón, the titular lead in 'Emilia Pérez,' was notably absent due to her previous controversial social media posts, which criticized various matters, including diversity at the Oscars.

Director Jacques Audiard condemned Gascón's remarks, yet he thanked her and co-stars in his acceptance speech.

The ceremony saw numerous stars on the red carpet, including Cynthia Erivo, Hugh Grant, and Ariana Grande, at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

The BAFTAs are often seen as a precursor to success at the Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2, amidst a particularly unpredictable awards season.

The event began with host David Tennant leading a group singalong, featuring The Proclaimers’ song 'I’m Gonna be (500 Miles).'

Culkin received his award for 'A Real Pain,' which follows the journey of cousins exploring their roots.

Jesse Eisenberg, co-star and writer of the film, won Best Original Screenplay and humorously acknowledged his wife's absence with a quip about his win.

'Anora,' recognized as a favorite for Best Picture following wins at the Producers Guild and Directors Guild Awards, features a plot involving an exotic dancer and a Russian oligarch's son.

While 'The Brutalist' led with nine nominations at the BAFTAs, it was closely followed by 'Anora,' the sci-fi epic 'Dune: Part Two,' and the musical 'Wicked,' each with seven nominations.

Brody's win for Best Actor came as he competed against strong contenders including Fiennes and Timothée Chalamet, who portrayed a young Bob Dylan in 'A Complete Unknown.' Other nominees included Hugh Grant, Colman Domingo, and Sebastian Stan.

Meanwhile, the Best Actress category included nominees Mikey Madison, Karla Sofía Gascón, Demi Moore, Saoirse Ronan, Cynthia Erivo, and Marianne Jean-Baptiste.

Winners in the animation category included 'Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl' for Best Animated Feature and Best Family and Children’s Film.

Additionally, 'Dune: Part Two' achieved recognitions for Sound and Visual Effects.

Awards for Cinematography and Musical Score went to 'The Brutalist.' The musical 'Wicked' was lauded for its Costume and Production Design.

The BAFTA Academy has been working to enhance diversity following previous years of criticism regarding representation, notably in 2020 when no women were nominated for Best Director.

Most award winners are selected by the approximately 8,000 members of the UK Academy, while the Rising Star Award is chosen by public vote.

This year, the award went to David Jonsson, recognized for his roles in the series 'Industry' and the film 'Rye Lane.'

Additionally, actor Warwick Davis received the BAFTA Fellowship for his contributions to cinema and for promoting inclusivity in the film industry, which includes establishing a talent agency for actors under 5 feet tall.

BAFTA chairwoman Sara Putt addressed the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, expressing solidarity with those affected.

Jamie Lee Curtis, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for 'The Last Showgirl,' was absent due to filming delays caused by the fires.

Notably absent from the ceremony this year were Prince William and Kate Middleton, even as the awards coincided with school holidays for their children.

Prince William sent a recorded message that was played prior to the Rising Star Award presentation.