Soulful sensation Jessie Ware delivered a profoundly moving performance of Barbra Streisand’s ‘The Way We Were’ during the 'In Memoriam' segment of the BAFTAs. The powerful rendition paid tribute to the significant film industry figures lost over the past year.
The prestigious British cinema awards ceremony took place on Sunday, February 22, at London’s Royal Festival Hall. While Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another’ swept the night with six awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, it was Ware’s poignant tribute that truly captured hearts.
The 'In Memoriam' segment, a cherished BAFTA tradition, offers a solemn moment to honour those who have passed since the previous year's awards. A video montage accompanies a live musical performance, providing a heartfelt farewell.
Ware’s choice of ‘The Way We Were’ was particularly resonant. The iconic song was originally written for the 1973 romantic drama film of the same name, famously starring Robert Redford, who was the final name celebrated in this year's montage after his passing in September.
The tribute package highlighted a staggering number of cinematic legends the industry has mourned since early 2025. Among those commemorated were stars like Diane Keaton, Gene Hackman, Catherine O’Hara, Terence Stamp, Robert Duvall, Rob Reiner, Tom Stoppard, Brigitte Bardot, Lalo Schifrin, Michael Madsen, and Val Kilmer.
Jessie Ware's BAFTA Moment: A Poignant Performance and Artistic Evolution
While Jessie Ware is widely celebrated for her contemporary dance-pop anthems and distinctive soulful vocals, her performance of 'The Way We Were' at the BAFTAs showcased a profound depth to her artistry. This moving rendition demonstrated her remarkable ability to convey raw emotion within a highly visible, sombre setting, resonating deeply with both the live audience and viewers worldwide.
Such a critically acclaimed and high-profile performance can significantly broaden Ware's appeal, potentially opening doors to diverse projects and collaborations beyond her established sonic landscape. It positions her among a select group of revered artists who have lent their voices to similar commemorative segments at major awards shows, further solidifying her status as a versatile and respected vocalist across the broader entertainment spectrum.
Beyond Ware’s performance, the BAFTAs also featured a dynamic musical interlude from the singing voices of KPop Demon Hunters, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, who performed their track ‘Golden’ for its first international showcase outside the United States.
The night also delivered significant upsets, notably the British indie drama ‘I Swear’ which shocked many by securing both Best Actor for its lead, Robert Aramayo, and the BAFTA Rising Star Award. Aramayo triumphed over industry heavyweights such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet in one of BAFTA history’s biggest surprises.
‘I Swear’, which also garnered Best Casting, tells the compelling story of John Davidson, a Scottish man bravely navigating severe Tourette’s syndrome, who ultimately becomes a leading advocate and educator on the condition.
Other notable winners included Jessie Buckley, who clinched Best Actress for her role in ‘Hamnet’, also named Best British Film. In a surprise win, Wunmi Mosaku took home Best Supporting Actress for her work in ‘Sinners’, a film that additionally secured awards for Best Screenplay and Best Score.
