Delicate yet purposeful elements defined the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards stage, a design crafted to reflect the essence of cinematic achievement. Winners were announced in a star-studded ceremony hosted by Scottish actor David Tennant at The Royal Festival Hall in London, celebrating the best in film including Conclave, The Brutalist, Adrien Brody and Zoe Saldana. Created by New York-based practice Yellow Studio under the leadership of founder Julio Himede, the stage offered a visual narrative that celebrated both individual artistry and the collective spirit of filmmaking.

At the centre of this production design was a sculptural installation of cascading threads, each one flowing from above to meet the stage floor in precise, dynamic angles. These threads symbolised the moment when artists stepped into the light of recognition, capturing the intangible quality of achievement. Suspended in space, they appear to move with the interplay of light, embodying the evolving and fluid nature of storytelling.

The BAFTA mask, a globally recognised emblem of the awards, was prominently positioned at the core of the stage, framed by the cascading lines. Light refracted through the installation to create a glow that enveloped the space, enhancing the sense of ceremony. This thoughtful combination of material and light reflected the essence of cinema itself, where beams of light are transformed into moving images.

“The goal is always to convey a message, whether through simplicity or symbolic elements,” Himede shared in an earlier interview with STIR. For him, the threads not only represented individual accomplishments but also underscored the collective celebration of the art of cinema. This year’s BAFTA stage demonstrated this philosophy, focusing on clarity and connection rather than excess.

Programmed illumination added a layer of meaning to the design. Throughout the ceremony, changes in lighting design accentuated pivotal moments, such as the announcement of winners and created a sense of motion across the threads. This choreography of light and material mirrored the emotional cadence of the evening, drawing the audience into the event’s narrative.

The set design placed a central emphasis on the experience of the audience, both in the Royal Festival Hall and those watching from home. Himede’s team crafted an environment that extended beyond the performers, inviting viewers to feel immersed in the cinematic journey being celebrated. The use of threads, seemingly in motion, conveyed a sense of participation and connection, making the event’s narrative accessible to all.

Yellow Studio’s approach to stage design prioritises storytelling and purpose, as evident in its extensive portfolio of musical, live and televised events. Known for their work on major productions, The studio balances technical precision with emotional resonance. They won a BAFTA for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest and have been nominated twice for the GRAMMY Awards in production design. Himede’s background in set and costume design, honed at Australia’s National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), informs his methodical approach to creating environments that resonate with performers and audiences alike.

“Every show is about telling a story,” Himede explained during the same interview. “Whether it’s a music competition, an award show, or another event, the aim is to capture the essence of its purpose and use that as the foundation for design.” This philosophy guided the conceptualisation of the 2025 BAFTA stage, where symbolic elements worked in harmony to create a coherent and evocative visual language.

This marked the second consecutive year that the studio designed the BAFTA stage, an opportunity that highlights the studio’s understanding of legacy events. The BAFTA Awards demand a design that balances tradition with modernity, offering a space that celebrates achievement while reflecting the values of the industry.

Lighting was a key element in achieving this balance. Its interaction with the threads created layered visuals that adapted to the evolving pace of the ceremony. Each light adjustment emphasised the interplay between structure and narrative, reinforcing the emotional impact of the stage. Speaking earlier about his approach to legacy-driven events like this, the designer noted to STIR, “I believe in the power of a minimal brushstroke approach. I focus on telling a story through simplicity, allowing the elegance of the event without overwhelming it.”

Beyond its aesthetic and functional qualities, the design explored the broader role of stagecraft in live events. A stage is not merely a backdrop; it is an active participant in the storytelling process, bridging the gap between the audience and the narrative. For events like the BAFTAs, the stage serves as a unifying element, where individual achievements are highlighted while the collective spirit of the occasion is upheld.

The power of stage design lies in its ability to connect disparate elements; performers, audiences, narratives and spaces into a cohesive experience. Himede and his team embrace this challenge, working across disciplines to ensure that every design serves its intended purpose. For the show, this meant creating a visual metaphor for achievement and creativity, realised through deliberate choices in material, form and light.

As the threads shimmered under the ceremony’s shifting lights, they encapsulated the purpose of the night: to honour the artistry of filmmaking and the people who bring stories to life. The design captured the fluidity of storytelling, allowing audiences to see how individual efforts contribute to a larger creative tapestry.

The 2025 BAFTA stage wasn’t just an environment—it was an integral part of the event’s narrative. By embracing ideas like recognition, fluidity and connection, Yellow Studio transformed the stage into more than a physical space. It became a symbol of cinema’s enduring impact, resonating with those in the hall and beyond.