BAFTA Nominations Spotlight a Year of Diverse Storytelling
The 2026 BAFTA nominations have been announced, with the politically charged dark comedy thriller One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, leading the pack with 14 nominations. Following closely are other notable films such as Sinners with 13 nods, and both Marty Supreme and Hamnet, which garnered 11 each. This year’s nominations highlight a diverse array of narratives, showcasing the evolving landscape of cinema.
Why It Matters
These nominations not only recognize artistic achievements but also reflect broader societal themes explored in contemporary cinema. As filmmakers address pressing issues such as identity, activism, and personal connections, the BAFTAs serve as a platform to spotlight these narratives, offering public insights into the stories shaping cultural discourse.
Key Developments
- One Battle After Another leads with 14 nominations, including best film and best director for Paul Thomas Anderson.
- Sinners secures 13 nominations, featuring Michael B Jordan in the best actor category.
- Hamnet, directed by Chloe Zhao, sets a record with 11 nominations, marking the most nominations ever for a film directed by a woman.
- Jessie Buckley and Timothee Chalamet are among the leading actor and actress nominees, respectively.
- The ceremony will take place on February 22 at the Royal Festival Hall and will be hosted by Alan Cumming.
Full Report
Leading Nominations
The film One Battle After Another stands out with its 14 nominations, including recognition in major categories like best film and best director. DiCaprio plays Bob Ferguson, a former radical on a desperate quest to find his daughter. The film is loosely adapted from Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland.
In the race for best film, it faces competition from Sinners, a period vampire horror film, which features prominent performances and includes nominations for its director, Ryan Coogler, and actor Michael B Jordan.
Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet has made history as the most nominated film by a female director, with its leading actress, Jessie Buckley, a favorite after her recent wins at other award shows.
Noteworthy Performances
Other prominent names in the nominations include Timothee Chalamet, recognized for his role in Marty Supreme, and supporting performance mentions like Teyana Taylor and Sean Penn in One Battle After Another. Buckley’s co-star, Paul Mescal, also received a nomination, emphasizing the strong ensemble cast present in this year’s films.
The BAFTA nominations also highlight emerging talents, with several first-time nominees including Robert Aramayo for I Swear and Chase Infiniti for One Battle After Another.
Categories of Recognition
The British films nominated this year, such as The Ballad Of Wallis Island and I Swear, reflect the strength of UK cinema. Notably, Robert Aramayo is recognized as the sole nominee from the UK in the best actor category, also being a contender for the rising star award.
Contrastingly, the absence of some expected names, like Cynthia Erivo for Wicked: For Good, stands out, though the film still received recognition in other categories including costume and makeup.
Context & Previous Events
This year’s BAFTA nominations follow a trend highlighted by BAFTA chief executive Jane Millichip, who noted the vast array of storytelling represented. Emily Stillman, chairwoman of the BAFTA film committee, emphasized the importance of films that promote kindness and examine human connections during challenging times.
With the ceremony approaching, anticipation builds not only for the awards but for the conversations they will ignite around the themes and performances of the nominees.
