The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards nominations have been unveiled, setting the stage for what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive awards seasons in recent memory. Leading the pack with 14 nominations is One Battle After Another, followed closely by Sinners, with 13 nominations. Both Hamnet and Marty Supreme received 11 nominations each, showcasing the diversity and range of films vying for recognition this year. The BAFTA Film Awards ceremony will be held on February 22, 2026, at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
For many, the list of nominees serves as an important barometer for which films might take home the coveted awards. While there are clear frontrunners, the field remains highly competitive, with films spanning various genres, countries, and storytelling approaches.
Spotlight on Hamnet
Hamnet, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel, has emerged as one of the leading contenders this year. The film, which received 11 nominations, including Best Film and Outstanding British Film, explores the emotional journey of William Shakespeare’s family, particularly focusing on the grief surrounding the death of his son. This heartfelt adaptation has gained significant traction in the British film category, and its success at the BAFTA Film Awards underscores the ongoing interest in literary adaptations.
The nominations for Hamnet suggest that there is a growing appreciation for films that balance historical narratives with emotional depth. As a British production, it represents a strong contender in the race for top awards, while also appealing to a broader international audience. Its recognition highlights the continued significance of homegrown talent in the competitive landscape of global cinema.
Sinners Gains Momentum
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, a genre-defying vampire drama, has certainly caught the attention of both critics and audiences. The film has earned 13 nominations, with notable nods in Best Film, Best Director, and Best Leading Actor categories. Sinners combines elements of horror and fantasy with sharp social commentary, which has resonated with viewers and critics alike.
The film’s strong showing in the nominations indicates that genre films, particularly those that push boundaries, continue to gain recognition at prestigious awards. While Sinners is a supernatural thriller, it integrates profound themes that add depth to its genre, positioning it as a strong contender across multiple categories. Its recognition at the BAFTA Film Awards is a testament to the Academy’s growing openness to films that defy traditional expectations of what qualifies as an awards-season favorite.
Marty Supreme Continues Scorsese’s Legacy
Martin Scorsese’s Marty Supreme has earned 11 nominations, further solidifying the director’s continued impact on global cinema. The film, which explores themes of power, legacy, and societal dynamics, has been praised for its performances and overall craftsmanship. Its nominations include Best Film, Best Director, and several acting categories, all of which underscore the film’s critical success.
Scorsese’s presence in the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards race adds significant weight to the competition. As a veteran filmmaker, his work continues to resonate with both long-time fans and newer generations of moviegoers. Marty Supreme builds on Scorsese’s legacy, offering audiences a fresh perspective on familiar themes through an exceptional cinematic lens.
Other Notable Contenders
While Hamnet, Sinners, and Marty Supreme have garnered significant attention, several other films have made their mark in the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards nominations:
- One Battle After Another, which received 14 nominations, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay, is another standout contender. The film’s multiple nominations highlight its broad appeal and the caliber of its production.
- Blue Moon earned a Best Film nomination, adding variety to the top category and further reflecting the diversity of films nominated this year.
- Boong, an Indian children’s film, made an impressive debut by earning a nomination in the Children’s and Family Film category. This marks a milestone for Manipuri cinema and underscores the growing global reach of the BAFTA Film Awards.
In total, 46 films received nominations across all categories, illustrating BAFTA’s commitment to spotlighting both established voices in cinema and emerging talents from around the world.
Expanding the Horizons of the BAFTA Film Awards
This year’s BAFTA Film Awards nominations reflect a broad spectrum of storytelling, with strong representation from British cinema, as well as Hollywood and international films. Hamnet anchors the British film identity in the awards race, while Sinners pushes the boundaries of genre filmmaking, and Marty Supreme continues Scorsese’s celebrated legacy. Together, these films form a compelling narrative of diversity and competition that is sure to shape the conversation leading up to the ceremony.
The inclusion of films like Boong highlights the BAFTA Film Awards’ growing global reach. The recognition of international and non-English language films emphasizes how the awards are becoming more inclusive of cinema from diverse cultures and backgrounds. This global representation ensures that the BAFTA Film Awards resonate far beyond the UK and U.S. markets.
Anticipation for the 2026 Ceremony
With the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony just around the corner on February 22, 2026, there is palpable excitement as audiences await which films will convert their nominations into wins. Hosted by Alan Cumming, the ceremony will undoubtedly be a key indicator of momentum heading into the Oscars on March 15, 2026.
The nominations show that no single film is guaranteed to dominate the awards this year. Instead, the competition appears to be wide open, with films from a variety of genres and backgrounds competing for top honors. This diversity in nominations suggests that the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards will be a celebration of cinematic excellence across a range of styles and approaches, from literary adaptations to genre innovations and auteur-driven projects.
