In brief
Conclave leads the Bafta race with 12 nominations, while Netflix’s Emilia Pérez garners acclaim. Significant surprises and notable omissions set the stage for the upcoming ceremony scheduled for February 16.
This year’s Bafta film award nominations have set the stage for an exciting awards season, with the drama Conclave leading the pack with a whopping 12 nominations. The film offers a thrilling glimpse into the political machinations of cardinals in Rome as they gather to elect a new pope, captivating critics and audiences alike. Following closely is Netflix’s Spanish-language musical, Emilia Pérez, which narrates the life transformation of a Mexican cartel leader into a transgender woman, showcasing a powerful story of identity and resilience.The acting nominations come with heavyweights like Cynthia Erivo and Demi Moore competing for lead actress, while Adrien Brody and Timothée Chalamet vie for the male lead. However, notable exclusions include Denzel Washington and Daniel Craig, missing out on nominations for their roles in Gladiator II and Queer, respectively. Surprising nominations include Hugh Grant for his performance in the horror film Heretic and Saoirse Ronan for The Outrun.Among the standout films, Anora emerges with seven nominations, highlighting a tumultuous romance between a New York sex worker and the son of a Russian oligarch. Mikey Madison’s nomination for leading actress, alongside her rising star award nod, signals her growing prominence, while her co-star Yura Borisov and director Sean Baker also receive well-deserved recognition.Another contender, The Brutalist, has nine nominations, spotlighting the story of a Hungarian architect post-World War Two and marking the debut nominations for several directors, including Coralie Fargeat for The Substance. Notably, Demi Moore returns to the spotlight, having recently won at the Golden Globes, positioning her well for an Oscar nod.Marianne Jean-Baptiste's nomination for her role in Hard Truths boosts her Oscar hopes, with the Bafta awards frequently seen as a significant predictor of Academy Award nominees. The Oscars may also see competition from A Complete Unknown, a cinematic exploration of Bob Dylan's rise to fame in the ‘60s, which has secured six nominations.This year sees a shift toward inclusivity, with children’s and family films receiving their own dedicated category. Nominees include Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and The Wild Robot, alongside adaptations like Kensuke's Kingdom. The Bafta Film Awards will be hosted by David Tennant on February 16 at London’s Royal Festival Hall, as the film community eagerly anticipates this year's ceremony with standout performances and transformative stories taking center stage.
