The nominations for the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards have been unveiled, and Paul Thomas Anderson’s film *One Battle After Another* has emerged as the frontrunner with 14 nominations. This announcement comes just one week after Ryan Coogler’s *Sinners* made headlines by breaking the record for the most Oscar nominations, securing 16. However, despite its accolades, *Sinners* fell short of matching the all-time BAFTA record of 16 nominations set by *Gandhi*, earning 13 nominations in total.
A Competitive Field of Nominees
Leading the charge, *One Battle After Another* has garnered significant attention across various categories, including Best Film and Best Director. Notable performances from actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Chase Infiniti, Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro, and Sean Penn have all received nods. Following closely is Josh Safdie’s *Marty Supreme*, a table tennis drama featuring BAFTA nominee Timothée Chalamet, and Chloé Zhao’s emotionally charged *Hamnet*, which has earned acting nominations for Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, and Emily Watson.
In the Best Film category, viewers can expect a showdown among *One Battle After Another*, *Marty Supreme*, *Hamnet*, and Yorgos Lanthimos’s *Bugonia*, the latter of which also celebrates nominations for Best Actor and Best Actress for Jesse Plemons and Emma Stone, respectively.
Rising Stars and Established Talent
The Best Actor category is particularly noteworthy this year, featuring heavyweights like DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan (*Sinners*), Timothée Chalamet, and Ethan Hawke (*Blue Moon*). Notably, Robert Aramayo has made a name for himself with a nomination for his portrayal of John Davidson, a man grappling with severe Tourette’s syndrome in the biographical drama *I Swear*. Peter Mullan has also received recognition for his supporting role in the same film, which boasts a total of five nominations, including Best Original Screenplay.
Guillermo del Toro’s *Frankenstein* and the Norwegian film *Sentimental Value* are both strong contenders with eight nominations each. While Elle Fanning, who was nominated for an Academy Award last week for her role in *Sentimental Value*, did not receive a BAFTA nod, director Joachim Trier joins the ranks of other nominees including Anderson, Coogler, Safdie, Zhao, and Lanthimos for Best Director.
Surprise Nominees and British Talent
The Best Actress category has its share of surprises, with Chase Infiniti, Jessie Buckley, Emma Stone, and Renate Reinsve nominated, alongside Kate Hudson for *Song Sung Blue* and Rose Byrne for *If I Had Legs I’d Kick You*. British representation is strong this year, with Carey Mulligan nominated for her role in the comedy-drama *The Ballad of Wallis Island*, as well as Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo for their performances in *Sinners*.
Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, expressed her commendation for the teams behind the nominated films, highlighting their ability to engage audiences and stimulate discussion. Sara Putt, Chair of BAFTA, echoed this sentiment, celebrating the inclusion of British indie films alongside global blockbusters.
The BAFTA Film Awards are set to take place at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday, 22 February, with Alan Cumming hosting the ceremony, which will be broadcast on BBC One.
Why it Matters
The 2026 BAFTA nominations reflect not only the artistic achievements of filmmakers and actors but also the evolving landscape of cinema, where both blockbuster hits and independent films are celebrated. As the industry grapples with issues of representation and innovation, the recognition of a diverse array of voices and stories is crucial in shaping the future of film. The upcoming awards ceremony promises to be a significant moment for the film community, highlighting the power of storytelling in today’s world.
