The BAFTA Film Awards 2026 nominations are officially out, and this year the competition is intense. Two films have clearly taken the lead — Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another and Ryan Coogler’s Sinners. Both movies have received a massive number of nominations, setting the stage for one of the most exciting BAFTA races in recent years.
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) honours the best films from the UK and around the world every year. The 2026 list shows a strong mix of political dramas, emotional stories, and powerful performances.
One Battle After Another Emerges as the Biggest Contender
Paul Thomas Anderson’s film One Battle After Another has become the most talked-about movie of this awards season. The film secured 14 nominations, including Best Film, Best Director, and several acting and technical categories.
The movie is praised for its bold political theme, sharp storytelling, and strong performances. Critics believe Anderson has delivered one of his most mature and impactful works till date. The film’s presence across major categories shows how well it connected with both critics and BAFTA voters.
Sinners Creates History with Record Nominations
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners closely follows with 13 nominations, making it the most nominated film by a Black director in BAFTA history. This itself is a major milestone for global cinema.
The film had already made headlines earlier by earning 16 Oscar nominations, and its BAFTA performance confirms its strong global impact. With nominations in Best Film, acting, direction, and technical areas, Sinners is being seen as a serious awards-season heavyweight.
Hamnet and Marty Supreme Shine Strongly
Chloé Zhao’s period drama Hamnet received 11 nominations, becoming BAFTA’s most-nominated film ever by a female director. The film blends Shakespearean emotion with modern filmmaking, which has impressed audiences and critics alike.
Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme also earned 11 nominations, including a Best Actor nomination for Timothée Chalamet. The film is known for its intense storytelling and strong character-driven narrative.
Strong Presence of British Films
British cinema also got a solid push this year. Films like I Swear, Pillion, and The Ballad of Wallis Island earned nominations in the Outstanding British Film category.
This reflects BAFTA’s continued support for homegrown talent and stories that highlight British culture, history, and modern issues.
Top Nominees in Major Categories
Best Film
- Hamnet
- Marty Supreme
- One Battle After Another
- Sentimental Value
- Sinners
Best Director
- Paul Thomas Anderson – One Battle After Another
- Ryan Coogler – Sinners
- Chloé Zhao – Hamnet
- Josh Safdie – Marty Supreme
- Joachim Trier – Sentimental Value
- Yorgos Lanthimos – Bugonia
Best Leading Actor
- Leonardo DiCaprio – One Battle After Another
- Timothée Chalamet – Marty Supreme
- Michael B Jordan – Sinners
- Ethan Hawke – Blue Moon
- Jesse Plemons – Bugonia
- Robert Aramayo – I Swear
Best Leading Actress
- Jessie Buckley – Hamnet
- Emma Stone – Bugonia
- Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value
- Chase Infiniti – One Battle After Another
- Kate Hudson – Song Sung Blue
- Rose Byrne – If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Technical Categories See Tough Competition
From cinematography and editing to costume design and sound, films like Frankenstein, Sinners, One Battle After Another, and Marty Supreme dominated the technical sections.
This shows that these films are not just strong in storytelling but also excel in visual quality, music, and production value.
EE Rising Star Award Highlights Fresh Talent
The EE Rising Star Award, voted by the public, includes names like Chase Infiniti, Archie Madekwe, and Posy Sterling. This category often predicts future stars, making it one of the most watched segments of the ceremony.
When and Where Will BAFTA 2026 Take Place?
The BAFTA Film Awards 2026 ceremony will be held on
Sunday, 22 February, at Royal Festival Hall, London.
Fans across the world will be closely watching which film finally takes home the top honours.
Why These Nominations Matter
This year’s BAFTA list clearly shows a shift towards bold storytelling, diverse voices, and global cinema. Films tackling political issues, identity, and emotional depth have been widely recognised.
The strong overlap with Oscar and Golden Globe nominations also proves that BAFTA continues to be a key indicator of global award trends.
Conclusion
The BAFTA Awards 2026 nominations confirm that the battle is mainly between One Battle After Another and Sinners. However, films like Hamnet and Marty Supreme are equally strong challengers.
With history-making nominations, powerful performances, and global recognition, this year’s BAFTAs promise drama, surprises, and memorable wins. All eyes are now on February 22.
FAQs
What are the BAFTA Awards?
The BAFTA Awards are annual film honours given by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts to recognise the best films from the UK and around the world.
Which film got the most BAFTA nominations in 2026?
One Battle After Another received the highest number with 14 nominations.
Why is Sinners important in BAFTA history?
Sinners became the most nominated film by a Black director in BAFTA history, marking a major milestone.
Who are the top directors nominated this year?
Paul Thomas Anderson, Ryan Coogler, Chloé Zhao, Josh Safdie, Joachim Trier, and Yorgos Lanthimos.
When will BAFTA 2026 winners be announced?
The winners will be announced on 22 February 2026.