As the Baftas 2026 approach, anticipation builds for which films and talents will secure the coveted awards. Critic Peter Bradshaw has unveiled his predictions, offering a detailed forecast of potential winners and notable omissions across major categories.
Top Film Contenders
In the Best Film category, Bradshaw expects One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, to clinch the award. However, he believes Hamnet deserves the win, with The Secret Agent highlighted as a strong contender that missed out on a nomination.
Director and Screenplay Insights
For Best Director, Paul Thomas Anderson is predicted to win for One Battle After Another, a choice Bradshaw supports. In screenplay categories, I Swear is favored for Best Original Screenplay, while One Battle After Another leads in Best Adapted Screenplay, though The Secret Agent and Don't Let's Go to The Dogs Tonight are noted as worthy competitors.
Acting Awards Forecast
In acting categories, Timothée Chalamet is tipped to win Best Leading Actor for Marty Supreme, but Ethan Hawke in Blue Moon is deemed more deserving. For Best Leading Actress, Jessie Buckley in Hamnet is expected to triumph, with Emma Thompson in Dead of Winter as a notable snub.
Supporting Roles and Technical Categories
Stellan Skarsgård in Sentimental Value is predicted for Best Supporting Actor, while Teyana Taylor in One Battle After Another leads for Best Supporting Actress. In technical awards, Sinners is favored for Best Original Score, and Autumn Durald Arkapaw's cinematography in Sinners is expected to win, though Adolpho Veloso for Train Dreams is considered more worthy.
Other Key Categories
For Best Animated Film, Little Amélie is the frontrunner, with Savages as a missed contender. In documentary, 2000 Meters to Adriivka is predicted to win, and Miles Caton is favored for the Rising Star award, though Tut Nyuot is highlighted as a deserving alternative.
Overall, Bradshaw's predictions suggest a strong showing for One Battle After Another and Hamnet, with several categories featuring tight races and overlooked talents. The full list of nominations underscores a competitive year for British and international cinema.
