In a world where doom-scrolling and 'cinema is dead' discourse has become the internet's favorite pastime, filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson is officially done playing nice. The veteran filmmaker, fresh off a dominant sweep at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards for his latest epic One Battle After Another, decided to give a reality check to those who feel that movies "aren't good anymore."
While accepting the Best Film trophy, Anderson didn’t just thank his cast and crew; he took a swing at a section of critics and armchair experts who claim that modern cinema is not as good as it once was. His message was short, sweet, and punctuated with a colorful verb: anyone who thinks modern cinema has lost its spark should "p--s right off."
"Thank you so much. You have given us so much to celebrate tonight. Thank you for rewarding our film in the way that you have," he said onstage. "And, anybody that says movies aren't good anymore just can p--s right off because this is a great f-----g year."
One Battle After Another takes home the Best Film BAFTA ? #EEBAFTAs pic.twitter.com/ahNXNBdtA8
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) February 22, 2026Later in his speech, the Boogie Nights director also paid a homage to the legendary musician Nina Simone, revealing that her artistry helped shape the film's creative vision. Moreover, he urged filmmakers to create bold stories and never hesitate to say what they want to. Anderson said, "We have a line from Nina Simone that we stole in our film. She says, 'I know what freedom is, it's no fear'. So, let's keep making things without fear."
Based on Thomas Pynchon's book titled Vineland, One Battle After Another chronicles the journey of a paranoid former revolutionary named Bob (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), who must save his daughter, Willa (played by Chase Infiniti), from Colonel Lockjaw (played by Sean Penn), a corrupt military officer hunting them. On Sunday, the film was nominated for 14 BAFTAs and took home six trophies, including Best Director, Best Supporting Actor for Penn, Best Cinematography, and Adapted Screenplay for Anderson.
View this post on InstagramThis marked the first time Anderson lifted the prestigious Best Picture award at the BAFTAs. Two of his earlier films, There Will Be Blood and Licorice Pizza, were nominated for the same prize, but couldn't win.
One Battle After Another's victory at the BAFTAs makes it clear that it is going as the favorite to win the top prize at this year's Oscars, and it would be interesting to see if the film can secure some victories in the technical categories as well. Nevertheless, Anderson is always rooting for modern cinema and filmmakers. As long as there are people like him in the industry, movie lovers will surely continue to believe in the power of cinema to evolve and inspire new generations.
Related: Robert Aramayo Makes BAFTA History and Thanks Ethan Hawke
Hence then, the article about paul thomas anderson shares strong words on the state of modern cinema at baftas was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Paul Thomas Anderson Shares Strong Words on the State of Modern Cinema at BAFTAs )
Also on site :
- Masonite International Corporation Sued for Securities Law Violations - Contact the DJS Law Group to Discuss Your Rights - DOOR
- For Iran’s Rulers, Refusing U.S. Demands Is a Risk Worth Taking
- Baftas 2026: Best moments at ceremony, from Timothee Chalamet’s very British snack to running Paul Mescal joke