Hamnet Makes BAFTA History with Record Nominations for Female-Directed Film
In a landmark moment for British cinema, Chloe Zhao's Hamnet has shattered records by securing the most BAFTA nominations ever for a film directed by a woman. Announced on Tuesday, the Chinese filmmaker's adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's acclaimed novel received an impressive eleven nods, propelling it into the spotlight ahead of the prestigious awards ceremony.
A Stellar Lineup of Nominations
The film's nominations span a wide range of categories, highlighting its exceptional craftsmanship and storytelling. Hamnet is in contention for the coveted Best Film award, alongside Outstanding British Film and Best Director for Zhao herself. The recognition extends to the cast, with Jessie Buckley earning a nomination for Best Leading Actress, Emily Watson for Best Supporting Actress, and Paul Mescal for Best Supporting Actor.
Further accolades include nods for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Production Design, Costume Design, and Editing. This comprehensive recognition underscores the film's artistic and technical excellence, making it a formidable contender in this year's awards season.
Competitive Landscape and Notable Contenders
Hamnet finds itself in a highly competitive field, particularly in the Best Film category, where it faces off against Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sinners, and Sentimental Value. The latter two films have also garnered significant attention, with One Battle After Another leading the pack with fourteen nominations, including one for lead star Leonardo DiCaprio.
Sinners follows closely with thirteen nods, while Marty Supreme matches Hamnet with eleven. Other notable films include Frankenstein and Sentimental Value, each with eight nominations, showcasing a diverse and vibrant selection of cinematic works.
Breakthroughs and Veteran Recognition
This year's nominations highlight a mix of emerging talent and established veterans. First-time BAFTA nominees in performance categories include Robert Aramayo, Odessa A'zion, Rose Byrne, Chase Infiniti, Michael B. Jordan, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Stellan Skarsgård, and Teyana Taylor, reflecting the academy's commitment to celebrating new voices.
In the Best Director category, two of the six nominees are first-timers: Ryan Coogler for Sinners and Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme. Coogler's film has already made waves by earning the most Academy Award nominations ever, with sixteen nods, breaking a long-standing record shared by classics like Titanic and La La Land.
Contrasts with Oscar Nominations
The BAFTA nominations reveal some intriguing differences from their Oscar counterparts. For instance, Wicked: For Good, which was shut out at the Oscars, managed to secure two BAFTA nominations for costume design and make-up and hair. Conversely, the Brazilian thriller The Secret Agent received only half the number of BAFTA nods compared to its Oscar recognition.
Notably, K-pop Demon Hunters was entirely excluded from BAFTA consideration due to Netflix's decision to stream the film in the UK before a cinematic release, violating BAFTA's eligibility rules.
Rising Star Award and Ceremony Details
The EE BAFTA Rising Star Award, the only category voted for by the British public, has announced its nominees: Archie Madekwe, Chase Infiniti, Miles Caton, Posy Sterling, and Robert Aramayo. This award continues to spotlight promising new talent in the industry.
The winners will be unveiled at the EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 22. The event will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with Alan Cumming hosting from London. Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, praised the nominated films, stating, 'This year's nominated films are full of bold storytelling and exquisite craft. And the breadth of narrative, genres and styles is spellbinding.'
With Hamnet leading the charge for female-directed films and a diverse array of contenders across categories, the 2026 BAFTA Awards promise to be a celebration of cinematic excellence and innovation.
