The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has officially unveiled its nominations for the 2026 Bafta Film Awards, setting the stage for a highly anticipated ceremony in London next month. The announcement, delivered by presenters Aimee Lou Wood and David Jonsson, reveals a competitive field with historical drama Hamnet and thriller Sinners positioned as leading contenders for the coveted awards.
Frontrunners and Major Categories
Awards season is now in full swing, and the Bafta nominations have taken centre stage, highlighting the year's most acclaimed cinematic achievements. The main ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, in London, where the industry's finest will gather to celebrate excellence in film.
Among the films expected to dominate the proceedings are Hamnet, Sinners, and One Battle After Another, each generating significant buzz and critical praise. The actor categories promise fierce competition, with notable talents including Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, Jessie Buckley, and Jacob Elordi all in contention for the prestigious Leading Actor and Actress awards.
Key Accolades Up for Grabs
The nominations span a wide range of categories, reflecting the diversity and quality of this year's submissions. Major awards include:
- Best Film
- Best Director
- Original Screenplay
- Leading Actor
- Leading Actress
Most Nominated Films Revealed
In a significant development, One Battle After Another has emerged as the most nominated film of the year, securing an impressive total of 14 nominations. This places it just ahead of Sinners, which garnered 13 nominations, demonstrating its strong standing among voters.
Hamnet and Marty Supreme follow closely, each receiving 11 nominations, indicating their widespread appeal and artistic merit. Further down the list, Frankenstein and Sentimental Value have both earned eight nominations apiece, rounding out a highly competitive field.
Leading Actor Category Announcement
The nominees for the Leading Actor category have been formally announced, showcasing a mix of established stars and rising talents. The list includes:
- Robert Aramayo for I Swear
- Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme
- Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another
- Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon
- Michael B. Jordan for Sinners
- Jesse Plemons for Bugonia
Rising Star Award Nominees
The BAFTA EE Rising Star Award nominees were announced earlier this month at The Savoy hotel in London. This category is particularly noteworthy, as many past recipients have gone on to achieve remarkable success in the acting industry.
Previous winners include high-profile names such as Tom Holland, Kristen Stewart, Tom Hardy, Letitia Wright, James McAvoy, Juno Temple, and Daniel Kaluuya, underscoring the award's reputation for identifying future stars.
Longlist and Submission Process
The longlist for the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards was revealed earlier this month, following a rigorous selection process. Initially, 221 films were submitted for consideration, with the list subsequently being refined to the final nominations announced today.
This extensive submission pool highlights the vibrant state of the film industry and the high level of interest in Bafta recognition. As the ceremony approaches, all eyes will be on London to see which films and performers will ultimately triumph on one of the most prestigious nights in British cinema.
