The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced the nominees for the 2026 Film Awards, setting the tone for a keenly contested ceremony scheduled to hold on February 22 at the Royal Festival Hall, London. The nomination list reflects a strong and diverse year in global cinema, with acclaimed filmmakers and performances dominating key categories.
Leading the field is Paul Thomas Anderson’s dark comedy One Battle After Another, which secured 14 nominations, including Best Film, Best Director, and multiple acting nods. The film features standout performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Chase Infiniti, and has drawn praise for its bold narrative style and layered satire.
Closely trailing is Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller Sinners, which picked up 13 nominations, also featuring prominently in the Best Film and Best Director categories. Michael B. Jordan earned a nomination for Best Actor for his role in the film. The achievement marks a notable milestone for Coogler, who becomes one of the most recognised Black directors in BAFTA history.
Critics have commended Sinners for its inventive storytelling and genre-blending approach. Other major contenders include Hamnet and Marty Supreme, which received 11 nominations each. Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao, has been applauded for its sensitive adaptation of Shakespearean themes and historical depth, while Marty Supreme has gained attention for its strong performances and striking cinematography.
British productions also featured prominently on the list. Films such as I Swear and The Ballad of Wallis Island earned multiple nominations, reinforcing the continued strength and relevance of homegrown cinema within the awards landscape.
The acting categories showcase a mix of established stars and rising talents. Nominees for Leading Actress include Jessie Buckley (Hamnet), Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You), Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue), and Emma Stone (Bugonia). In the Leading Actor category, contenders include Robert Aramayo (I Swear), Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), and Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another). The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards are expected to celebrate excellence in storytelling, performance and technical achievement across British and international cinema.
