The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards nominations have officially dropped, and they’ve instantly reshaped the awards season conversation. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another leads the field, while Sinners, Hamnet, and Marty Supreme follow closely behind. With bold choices, notable snubs, and a few history-making moments, this year’s BAFTA nominations reveal where industry momentum is heading-and which films may dominate in the weeks leading up to the Oscars.
A Big Year for BAFTA and Global Cinema
The BAFTA Film Awards have long been seen as one of the most influential stops on the awards-season calendar, often acting as a bridge between critics’ groups and the Oscars. The 2026 nominations reinforce that reputation, blending prestige filmmaking with daring artistic choices and strong international representation.
This year’s lineup feels especially competitive. Instead of one runaway favorite, several films are neck and neck, making the final ceremony far less predictable than in recent years.
‘One Battle After Another’ Takes the Lead
Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another emerged as the biggest winner of nomination morning, leading with the highest total nods across major and technical categories.
The film’s strength lies in its balance. It landed nominations for Best Film and Best Director, while also performing exceptionally well in acting categories and crafts like cinematography, editing, and sound. Leonardo DiCaprio’s lead performance has become one of the season’s most talked-about turns, while supporting players like Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn helped push the film’s nomination count even higher.
For BAFTA voters, this kind of across-the-board support often signals a serious Best Film contender.
‘Sinners’ Confirms Its Awards Dominance
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners wasn’t far behind, proving that its momentum isn’t slowing down. Already a heavy hitter earlier in awards season, the film’s strong BAFTA showing confirms its global appeal.
Michael B. Jordan’s performance once again found favor, while the film’s nominations in directing, screenplay, and technical categories highlight its craft as much as its emotional impact. BAFTA’s recognition suggests that Sinners isn’t just an American awards darling—it’s resonating internationally as well.
‘Hamnet’ and ‘Marty Supreme’ Make It a Four-Way Race
Two films tied closely behind the leaders: Hamnet and Marty Supreme.
Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao, earned widespread recognition for its restrained storytelling and emotionally rich performances. Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, and Emily Watson all received acting nominations, underscoring the ensemble strength of the film. The nomination haul also marked a significant milestone for women directors at BAFTA.
Marty Supreme, helmed by Josh Safdie, balanced artistic ambition with star power. Timothée Chalamet’s performance has become one of the season’s most consistent contenders, while the film’s technical nominations show strong appreciation for its filmmaking precision.
Together, these films ensure that the Best Film race remains wide open.
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Best Film Nominees Reflect BAFTA’s Taste
The Best Film category offers a clear snapshot of BAFTA’s priorities this year. Instead of leaning heavily into box-office success, voters favored films that combined ambition, strong direction, and memorable performances.
Each nominee brings something distinct:
- Intimate literary adaptation
- High-stakes character drama
- Bold auteur filmmaking
- Socially charged storytelling
That diversity keeps predictions difficult—and exciting.
Best Director: A Stacked Lineup
The Best Director category may be the toughest of the year. With filmmakers like Paul Thomas Anderson, Ryan Coogler, Chloé Zhao, Josh Safdie, Joachim Trier, and Yorgos Lanthimos all nominated, the category reads like a masterclass in modern cinema.
What stands out is the range of styles represented. From raw realism to controlled formalism, BAFTA voters embraced directors who took risks rather than playing it safe. Any win here would feel earned—and likely influential heading into Oscar night.
Acting Categories: Familiar Faces and Fresh Breakouts
The acting nominations struck a compelling balance between established stars and emerging talent.
In Leading Actor, names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, and Michael B. Jordan shared space with less predictable choices, reflecting BAFTA’s willingness to look beyond obvious frontrunners.
Leading Actress followed a similar pattern. Performances from Jessie Buckley and Emma Stone felt expected, while newer faces added a sense of discovery. Supporting categories were even more adventurous, spotlighting performances that may have flown under the radar elsewhere.
This mix keeps BAFTA distinct from other awards bodies—and often makes it a trendsetter.
Technical Categories Tell Their Own Story
While acting and directing grab headlines, the technical categories reveal what BAFTA truly admired from a filmmaking standpoint.
Films like One Battle After Another and Sinners dominated areas like cinematography, editing, sound, and production design. These nominations suggest that voters valued immersive craftsmanship just as much as narrative ambition.
Technical wins often hint at overall strength—and can quietly boost a film’s Best Film chances.
Snubs That Sparked Debate
No awards announcement is complete without controversy, and this year’s BAFTA nominations delivered a few eyebrow-raising omissions.
Some widely discussed films failed to break into top categories despite strong box-office performance or earlier awards buzz. Popular titles that thrived with audiences found recognition mostly in technical areas—or missed out entirely.
These snubs sparked immediate debate online, reminding everyone that BAFTA operates with its own priorities and isn’t afraid to diverge from industry consensus.
Surprises That Changed the Conversation
On the flip side, several surprise nominations injected fresh energy into the race.
Unexpected acting nods brought new contenders into the spotlight, while smaller films punching above their weight earned long-overdue attention. These surprises are often where BAFTA has the most influence, redirecting awards momentum at a crucial point in the season.
For some nominees, a BAFTA nod alone may redefine their career trajectory.
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Rising Star Award Highlights the Future
The EE Rising Star Award once again showcased performers on the verge of major breakthroughs. As the only BAFTA award voted on by the public, it often reflects broader audience enthusiasm rather than industry politics.
This year’s nominees represent a mix of indie standouts and mainstream newcomers, signaling a healthy pipeline of future leading talent.
What the BAFTA Nominations Mean for the Oscars
Historically, BAFTA overlaps significantly with Oscar voters—especially since changes to BAFTA’s voting system increased its international influence.
Films performing well here often see their Oscar chances strengthen, particularly in acting and directing categories. While BAFTA doesn’t guarantee Oscar wins, it frequently reshapes narratives, especially for close races.
Right now, One Battle After Another, Sinners, Hamnet, and Marty Supreme all look positioned for strong finishes across multiple awards bodies.
Why the 2026 BAFTAs Feel Different
This year’s nominations feel less predictable and more adventurous. Instead of rallying behind a single consensus favorite, BAFTA voters spread their support across multiple films and voices.
That openness suggests an awards body increasingly confident in its identity—one that values risk, diversity of storytelling, and global cinema over safe choices.
For audiences, that’s a win.
When and Where the Awards Will Take Place
The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards ceremony will be held in London later this awards season, with global broadcast coverage ensuring international attention. With so many close races, the ceremony itself promises genuine suspense rather than foregone conclusions.
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FAQs
Which film received the most nominations at the 2026 BAFTAs?
One Battle After Another led the nominations, topping the list across major and technical categories.
Are BAFTA nominations important for the Oscars?
Yes. BAFTA often acts as a strong indicator of Oscar momentum, particularly in acting and directing races.
Were there any major snubs this year?
Yes. Several high-profile films were overlooked in top categories, sparking debate among fans and critics.
Which performances are considered frontrunners?
Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, and Jessie Buckley are among the most talked-about acting contenders.
What makes BAFTA different from other awards?
BAFTA tends to favor bold filmmaking, international voices, and craft-driven cinema, making its choices less predictable and highly influential.
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I’m Atul Kumar, founder of Cine Storytellers and an entertainment creator with 5+ years of experience. I cover films, celebrities, music, and OTT content with a focus on accurate, ethical, and engaging storytelling. My goal is to bring readers trustworthy entertainment news that informs, inspires, and goes beyond gossip.
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