Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, Jessie Buckley, and Jacob Elordi are among the top contenders for the upcoming BAFTA Film Award nominations, set to be revealed soon. The BAFTA Awards represent the last major organization to release its shortlist in this year’s film awards season, following the recent Oscar nominations. Some films anticipated to dominate the nominations include “Hamnet,” “Sinners,” and “One Battle After Another.” However, “KPop Demon Hunters” is not eligible due to specific rules as it premiered directly on Netflix without a prior theatrical release in the UK.
The BAFTAs traditionally showcase more British talent and have more nominee slots available in many categories, allowing for six nominations compared to the Oscars’ five. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Alan Cumming in London on February 22.
Key frontrunners that have gained traction include “One Battle After Another,” which tells the story of a former revolutionary reuniting with his crew to rescue his kidnapped daughter, and “Hamnet,” inspired by Maggie O’Farrell’s novel that speculates on how a family tragedy influenced Shakespeare’s writing. “Sinners” combines elements of horror and blues music, following twin brothers in 1930s Mississippi facing supernatural challenges.
British representation at the BAFTAs is expected to be significant, with categories dedicated to outstanding British film and debut. Noteworthy British films in contention include “I Swear,” about a young man with Tourette’s in 1980s Scotland, and “The Ballad of Wallis Island,” revolving around an eccentric lottery winner. Other films include “Pillion,” a unique exploration of a BDSM relationship, and “H is for Hawk,” which depicts a woman’s journey of training a goshawk while grieving. Several British actors are among the potential nominees despite a lack of recognition in other awards so far, including Cillian Murphy and Carey Mulligan.
As the BAFTAs unveil their nominations, it is clear that the event is not just a celebration of film but a crucial indicator of trends and performances leading up to the Academy Awards. The anticipation surrounding nominees underlines the excitement of this competitive awards season.