As the 2025 film awards season continues to unfold, we’re travelling deeper into the design categories that celebrate the craft behind the screen. From breathtaking period recreations to bold, imaginative worlds, these films prove that set design, locations, and furniture play a defining role in storytelling. Next up we take a look at the winners of the EE BAFTA Film Awards, celebrating the best in cinema from the past year.

We were thrilled to see Conclave take home not just Outstanding British Film, but also Best Film. It also won Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Editing, cementing its status as one of the most celebrated films of the year.

Set within the Vatican’s hallowed halls and the imposing Sistine Chapel, Conclave is a masterclass in atmospheric design—striking the perfect balance between intricate detail and restraint. The film, directed by Edward Berger and adapted from Robert Harris’s novel, follows the secretive process of electing a new Pope, weaving suspense, political maneuvering, and spiritual conflict into its gripping narrative. The film’s production designer, Suzie Davies, crafted a world that feels both sacred and foreboding, making the Vatican come alive with meticulous authenticity.

In our conversation with Davies, we delve into the creative process, the meticulous design choices, and the subtle visual storytelling that shaped Conclave. Watch our exclusive video podcast and read our in-depth article for more insights.

Other standout nominees for Best Film included:

Anora – A poignant drama with sharp social commentary.

The Brutalist – A striking exploration of modernist architecture and ambition.

A Complete Unknown – A deep dive into the enigmatic early world of Bob Dylan (take a look at our feature here)

Emilia Pérez – A musical crime drama that pushes boundaries in storytelling.

In the Outstanding British Film category, Conclave was up against an impressive lineup:

Bird

Blitz

Gladiator II

Hard Truths

Kneecap

Lee

Love Lies Bleeding

The Outrun

Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

 

Production Design: The Films That Built Worlds

The category we were most eager to see in the BAFTA Film Awards? Production Design. This year’s nominees were nothing short of phenomenal:

The Brutalist – A visual ode to Brutalist architecture and the struggles of a visionary architect.

Conclave – The Vatican, recreated in stunning detail, serving as both setting and character.

Dune: Part Two – Expanding the vast desert landscapes and intricate sci-fi grandeur of the first film.

Nosferatu – A reimagining of the gothic horror classic, dripping in shadowy atmosphere.

Wicked – A visually enchanting adaptation bringing the magical land of Oz to life with breathtaking set pieces and world-building.

The winner, however—unsurprisingly—was Wicked. The world-building for this highly anticipated adaptation was on another level, crafting a visually dazzling universe that set the stage for what’s to come. With Wicked: Part Two on the horizon, we can’t wait to see the magic unfold once again.

Go behind the scenes of Wicked with its production designer Nathan Crowley below.

You can also find exclusive features and video interviews on the design, film sets and furniture of other BAFTA winners and nominees including A Complete Unknown, The Brutalist (and Nosferatu coming soon) over on the Film and Furniture You Tube channel or on The Film and Furniture Podcast on Podbean, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.