BAFTA 2026 Nominations Unveiled: One Battle After Another Tops the List
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has revealed its nominations for the 2026 awards, with the politically charged dark comedy thriller One Battle After Another emerging as the frontrunner. The film, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as a washed-up revolutionary, has secured an impressive 14 nominations, setting the stage for a highly competitive ceremony.
Record-Breaking Nominations and Top Contenders
Close behind is the period vampire horror Sinners with 13 nods, while the frenetic ping-pong flick Marty Supreme and Shakespeare drama Hamnet each boast 11 nominations. All four films are in contention for the coveted Best Film award, alongside the Norwegian entry Sentimental Value, which completes the category with its poignant tale of family reconciliation.
The nominations for Hamnet have made history, as director Chloe Zhao now holds the record for the most BAFTA nominations ever received by a female director for a single film. This British-made production has garnered widespread acclaim, further solidifying Zhao's reputation as a visionary filmmaker.
Star-Studded Acting Categories
In the acting categories, several high-profile names are vying for recognition. Jessie Buckley, fresh from Golden Globe and Critics Choice wins for her portrayal of Agnes in Hamnet, is shortlisted for Leading Actress. Meanwhile, Timothee Chalamet, star of Marty Supreme, continues his awards season success with a nod in the Leading Actor category.
Leonardo DiCaprio is also nominated for Best Actor for his role in One Battle After Another, which is additionally shortlisted for Best Film and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson. The film's supporting cast, including Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro, have also received nominations, highlighting the ensemble's strength.
British Talent Shines in Home Categories
The BAFTAs include special categories to celebrate British films and talent, with I Swear and The Ballad Of Wallis Island among the shortlisted entries. Robert Aramayo, who portrays Tourette's campaigner John Davidson in I Swear, is the sole UK hopeful in the Best Actor category, and he is also in the running for the Rising Star award.
In the Best Supporting Actress category, British talent is particularly prominent, with three of the six nominees hailing from the UK: Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners), Carey Mulligan (The Ballad Of Wallis Island), and Emily Watson (Hamnet). This underscores the depth of homegrown acting prowess.
Notable Omissions and First-Time Nominees
While many celebrated performances have been recognised, there were some surprises, such as the omission of Cynthia Erivo for Wicked: For Good, though the film did receive nods in technical categories like costume and make-up. The list of first-time acting nominees adds fresh faces to the mix, including Chase Infiniti for One Battle After Another and Michael B Jordan for Sinners.
Reflections from BAFTA Leadership
BAFTA chief executive Jane Millichip praised the nominations, noting they reflect an incredible breadth of storytelling. She highlighted how films this year tackle significant themes, from activism to black identity, in diverse and compelling ways. Emily Stillman, chairwoman of the BAFTA film committee, emphasised the focus on human connectivity and kindness in these stories, which she believes is particularly relevant in today's world.
Ceremony Details
The BAFTAs ceremony is scheduled for Sunday 22 February at the Royal Festival Hall, with actor and US Traitors host Alan Cumming set to preside over the event. As the film community gathers, these nominations promise an evening of celebration and recognition for outstanding cinematic achievements.
