Leonardo DiCaprio in a scene from "One Battle After Another." (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)
Paul Thomas Anderson’s politically charged thriller One Battle After Another has emerged as the top contender at the U.K.’s BAFTA Film Awards, earning 14 nominations and strong acting recognition across its ensemble cast. Close behind is Ryan Coogler’s Sinners with 13 nominations, followed by Hamnet and Marty Supreme with 11 each, signaling a tightly contested awards season.
Top Contenders Dominate the Field
Guillermo del Toro’s reimagined Frankenstein and the Norwegian drama Sentimental Value secured eight nominations each, rounding out a powerful slate of frontrunners. The best film category features One Battle After Another, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, Sinners, and Sentimental Value, highlighting a mix of political thrillers, historical drama, and genre-driven storytelling.
BAFTA Chief Executive Jane Millichip said the nominees reflect bold storytelling that tackles both societal tensions and intimate family narratives, showcasing the breadth and ambition of contemporary cinema.
Star-Studded Acting Lineup
The best leading actor category features Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, Jesse Plemons, and British actor Robert Aramayo, who received praise for his portrayal of a man with Tourette’s syndrome. Aramayo described his nomination alongside major Hollywood names as surreal and deeply rewarding.
In the leading actress race, Jessie Buckley stands out for her portrayal of Agnes Hathaway in Hamnet. She is joined by Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Chase Infiniti, Renate Reinsve, and Emma Stone, making for a diverse and competitive lineup.
Supporting acting nods went to Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro, and Sean Penn for One Battle After Another, further strengthening the film’s awards momentum.
Documentary and British Film Spotlight
The Associated Press received a documentary nomination for 2000 Meters to Andriivka, a harrowing portrait of the Ukraine war co-produced with PBS Frontline.
The BAFTAs also highlighted British cinema through a dedicated best British film category, featuring titles such as The Ballad of Wallis Island, Pillion, I Swear, and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. The Ballad of Wallis Island drew attention as an underdog success, filmed on a small budget and earning multiple nominations, including one for Carey Mulligan.
Awards Timeline and Oscar Context
Winners will be announced on February 22 at a London ceremony hosted by Alan Cumming. The BAFTAs often act as a bellwether for the Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15. This year’s race is unusual, with Oscar nominations announced first, where Sinners set a record with 16 nods and One Battle After Another followed with 13.
The British Academy also recognized several performances overlooked by the Oscars, underscoring BAFTA’s reputation for spotlighting a broader range of talent.
Diversity Efforts and Ongoing Gaps
BAFTA continues efforts to improve diversity in its nominations, including introducing a longlist selection stage. Progress has been made since 2020, when no women were nominated for best director. However, this year Chloe Zhao is the only female nominee in the directing category, and women represent 25 percent of directing nominees across all categories.
The Rising Star Award shortlist includes Chase Infiniti, Robert Aramayo, Miles Caton, Archie Madekwe, and Posy Sterling, with the winner determined by public vote.
