The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) has unveiled its nominations for the 2026 ceremony, with Chloe Zhao's historical drama Hamnet making a significant mark in the awards' history books. The film has garnered an impressive 11 nominations, setting a new record as the most nominations ever received by a film directed by a woman at the Baftas.
Irish Actress Jessie Buckley Continues Awards Season Success
Among the notable nominations is Irish actress Jessie Buckley, who has been recognised for her compelling role in Hamnet. This nomination adds to her already successful awards season run, highlighting her standout performance in the critically acclaimed film. Buckley's inclusion underscores the strong acting talent featured in Zhao's directorial effort.
Leading the Pack: One Battle After Another
While Hamnet has made history, it is not the most nominated film of the year. That honour goes to One Battle After Another, which leads the nominations with a total of 14 nods. The film has secured nominations in key categories, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio, showcasing its widespread acclaim across multiple aspects of filmmaking.
Strong Competition from Sinners and Marty Supreme
The competition remains fierce, with other films also receiving high nomination counts. Sinners, starring Michael B. Jordan, has secured 13 nominations, indicating its strong presence in this year's awards race. Meanwhile, Marty Supreme has tied with Hamnet by also receiving 11 nominations, creating a close contest in several categories.
In addition to Buckley, Hamnet features nominations for actors Paul Mescal and Emily Watson, further emphasising the film's ensemble strength. The diverse range of nominations across acting, directing, and technical categories reflects the film's comprehensive artistic achievement.
Ceremony Details and Anticipation
The Bafta film awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall on 22 February 2026. This event will bring together the industry's finest to celebrate outstanding contributions to cinema over the past year. With such a competitive field, the ceremony promises to be a highlight of the awards season, offering recognition to both established and emerging talents in the film world.
As the film community and audiences alike await the results, the nominations have already sparked discussions about diversity, representation, and artistic excellence in contemporary cinema. The historic achievement of Hamnet serves as a testament to the growing impact of female directors in the industry, while the overall nomination list highlights a vibrant and dynamic year for film.
