In a historic and deeply moving victory, British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku won the BAFTA for Best Supporting Actress at the 79th British Academy Film Awards

Her win for her role as Annie in Ryan Coogler’s supernatural thriller Sinners marks a major milestone: she is the first Black British performer to win in this specific category at the Film BAFTAs

The Winning Performance: “Annie”

In Sinners, Mosaku plays a Hoodoo priestess in a narrative that blends horror, ancestral spirituality, and history.

• The Character: Annie serves as the “beating heart” of the film, acting as a spiritual anchor for the main characters (played by Michael B. Jordan).
• Cultural Connection: During her acceptance speech, Mosaku revealed that the role helped her reconnect with her heritage, stating she found parts of herself she had “tried to dim as an immigrant trying to fit in.”
• The Competition: She triumphed over a formidable group of nominees, including Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another) and Emily Watson (Hamnet).

While this is Mosaku’s second BAFTA overall—having won a TV BAFTA in 2017 for Damilola, Our Loved Boy—it is her first win at the Film Awards.

The night was especially emotional for her as she accepted the award while heavily pregnant. She delivered a tearful tribute to her daughter, her “greatest teacher,” and thanked director Ryan Coogler for writing a role that allowed her to tap into “ancestral power.”+1

What’s Next: Oscar Buzz

This BAFTA win has significantly boosted her momentum as the 2026 awards season reaches its peak.

• The Academy Awards: Following her Gotham Award win and this BAFTA victory, Mosaku is now considered a frontrunner for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar.
• Coogler’s Success: Her win was part of a strong night for Sinners, with Ryan Coogler also taking home the BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay.