2026 BAFTA Awards: A Comprehensive Overview of the 2026 BAFTA Awards
The 2026 BAFTA Awards nominations were announced on Jan. 27, marking the first step toward the prestigious ceremony set for Feb. 22 at London’s Royal Festival Hall. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts released a comprehensive slate that includes feature films, television dramas, and documentary works, reflecting the organization’s commitment to celebrating diverse storytelling.
At a Glance
- 2026 BAFTA Awards announced nominations on Jan. 27.
- Leading contenders: One Battle After Another (14 nominations), Sinners (13), Hamnet and Marty Supreme (11 each).
- Ceremony scheduled for Feb. 22 at Royal Festival Hall, London, hosted by Alan Cumming.
The nominations list showcases a diverse slate of films, television series, and documentaries that have captured the attention of critics and audiences alike. The breadth of the selection underscores the Academy’s focus on both domestic and international achievements.
At the top of the list are One Battle After Another with 14 nominations, Sinners with 13, and both Hamnet and Marty Supreme each receiving 11. These figures highlight the films’ prominence within the industry and their potential to dominate the awards.
These four titles also share a common achievement: all were recently nominated for Best Picture at the 98th Academy Awards, underscoring their international appeal and the growing overlap between BAFTA and Oscar contenders.
Despite the strong field, several high-profile performers were left out of the BAFTA ballot. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who were also omitted from Oscar consideration for the Wicked: For Good sequel, did not receive nominations in the Supporting Actress category, leaving fans surprised.
Additionally, Amy Madigan, the recent Critics’ Choice Award winner for Weapons, was not included in the Supporting Actress race, a decision that has sparked discussion among fans and industry observers who question the Academy’s selection criteria.
The ceremony will take place on Feb. 22 at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, a venue known for its historic architecture and acoustics. The setting promises an atmosphere of elegance and cinematic tradition.
Alan Cumming has been announced as the host, bringing his comedic timing and stage presence to what promises to be an engaging evening of awards and tributes. His involvement is expected to add a lively dynamic to the proceedings.
| Film | Nominations |
|---|---|
| Hamnet | 11 |
| Marty Supreme | 11 |
| One Battle After Another | 14 |
| Sinners | 13 |
Best Actor nominees:
- Robert Aramayo – I Swear
- Timothée Chalamet – Marty Supreme
- Leonardo DiCaprio – One Battle After Another
- Ethan Hawke – Blue Moon
- Michael B. Jordan – Sinners
- Jesse Plemmons – Bugonia
Best Actress nominees:
- Jessie Buckley – Hamnet
- Rose Byrne – If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
- Kate Hudson – Song Sung Blue
- Emma Stone – Bugonia
- Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value
Supporting Actress nominees:
- Odessa A’Zion – Marty Supreme
- Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas – Sentimental Value
- Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners
- Carey Mulligan – The Ballad of Wallis Island
- Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another
- Emily Watson – Hamnet
Supporting Actor nominees:
- Benicio Del Toro – One Battle After Another
- Jacob Elordi – Frankenstein
- Paul Mescal – Hamnet
- Peter Mullan – I Swear
- Sean Penn – One Battle After Another
- Stellan Skarsgård – Sentimental Value
Original Screenplay nominees include I Swear, Marty Supreme, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, and Sinners. Adapted Screenplay nominees feature The Ballad of Wallis Island, Bugonia, Hamnet, One Battle After Another, and Pillion.
Outstanding British Film nominees are 28 Years Later, The Ballad of Wallis Island, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Die My Love, H Is For Hawk, Hamnet, I Swear, Mr. Burton, Pillion, and Steve.
Television nominees span categories such as Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Comedy Series, and Outstanding Mini-Series, featuring shows like The Crown, Fleabag, The Great, and The Queen’s Gambit.
Documentary nominees include F1, Frankenstein, Marty Supreme, Wicked: For Good, and Avatar: Fire and Ash. British Short Animation nominees are Cardboard, Solstice, and Two Black Boys in Paradise, while British Short Film nominees feature Magid/Zafar, Nostalgie, Terence, This Is Endometriosis, and Welcome Home Freckles.
EE Rising Star Award nominees are Robert Aramayo, Miles Caton, Chase Infantry, Archie Madekwe, and Posy Sterling, highlighting emerging talent across the industry.
Key takeaways: The 2026 BAFTA Awards feature a strong lineup of contenders, many of which also compete at the Oscars. While the ceremony promises high-profile performances, notable omissions spark debate among fans. The event will showcase a range of categories from Best Film to Technical achievements, underscoring the breadth of British and international cinema.
Established in 1947, the BAFTA Awards have long been regarded as the pinnacle of British film and television recognition. Over the decades, the Academy has evolved to include a wide range of categories, reflecting changes in technology and storytelling.
Winning a BAFTA can elevate a filmmaker’s profile, often leading to increased funding opportunities and international distribution deals. Past recipients such as David Fincher and Olivia Colman have leveraged the accolade to secure high-profile projects.
Audience engagement has grown with social media buzz surrounding the nominations, amplifying interest and creating a vibrant community of cinephiles. Fans often speculate on outcomes, sharing predictions and analyses online.
The Academy’s voting process is rigorous, with members casting ballots in initial nomination rounds followed by final voting. Transparency is emphasized, and voting data is released post-ceremony to maintain credibility.
Corporate sponsorships, including the EE brand, support the event, helping sustain the awards’ financial viability and cultural relevance. These collaborations also promote emerging talent and technological innovation.
BBC One and Channel 4 will broadcast the ceremony live, ensuring that millions of viewers across the UK and abroad can witness the awards in real time. The partnership with these broadcasters guarantees extensive reach.
Highlights of the ceremony will include a tribute to the late Sir David Attenborough, whose contributions to documentary filmmaking are celebrated by the Academy. Viewers can expect a mix of performances, speeches, and award presentations throughout the evening.
Industry analysts predict that One Battle After Another could secure the Best Film award, given its record nomination count and Oscar buzz. However, the competition remains fierce, with Sinners and Hamnet also poised for major accolades.
The 2026 BAFTA Awards promise to be a landmark event, blending tradition with innovation. Whether you’re a seasoned critic or a casual viewer, the evening will offer insight into the evolving landscape of global cinema.
