The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards nominations announced several expected frontrunners alongside notable snubs and surprises. 'Wicked: For Good' was largely overlooked in major categories, while Paul Mescal secured a supporting actor nod for 'Hamnet' after missing an Oscar. Other highlights featured breakthroughs for emerging talents and limited recognition for foreign-language films.
The British Academy Film Awards nominations for 2026, revealed on January 27, highlighted a mix of anticipated dominance and unexpected turns. Films such as 'One Battle After Another,' 'Sinners,' 'Hamnet,' and 'Marty Supreme' secured multiple nods across key categories, aligning with predictions from awards observers.
A prominent snub came for 'Wicked: For Good,' the sequel that also failed to earn Oscar nominations the previous week. Despite inclusions in costume design and hair and makeup, it received no recognition in best film, director, screenplay, or acting categories for stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. This double disappointment underscored challenges for the musical adaptation in awards circuits.
In contrast, Paul Mescal earned a supporting actor nomination for his portrayal of William Shakespeare in 'Hamnet,' marking his third BAFTA nod in four years following 'Aftersun' and 'All of Us Strangers.' Mescal, who missed a second Oscar bid, is currently on break to film Beatles biopics, including a role as Paul McCartney.
Guillermo del Toro faced a directing snub for 'Frankenstein,' though Jacob Elordi gained a supporting actor nod and the film succeeded in craft categories. Unlike its Oscar placements in best film and adapted screenplay, it missed those at BAFTA.
Surprises abounded in acting races. Chase Infiniti, a breakout from 'One Battle After Another,' landed a leading actress nomination and the Rising Star Award after an Oscar oversight. Odessa A’zion received her first BAFTA nod in supporting actress for 'Marty Supreme,' playing Timothée Chalamet's partner in the sports drama.
Foreign-language entries beyond 'Sentimental Value' struggled, with Palme d'Or winners 'It Was Just an Accident' and 'Sirat' limited to the non-English language category. 'The Secret Agent' earned an original screenplay nod, but Wagner Moura was overlooked. British indie 'I Swear' impressed with five nominations, including leading actor for Robert Aramayo—alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Chalamet—and supporting actor for Peter Mullan with Sean Penn and Elordi. Aramayo also contended for Rising Star.
During the announcement, hosted by David Jonsson and Aimee Lou Wood, Jonsson maintained composure upon learning 'Wasteman'—which he starred in and produced—earned an outstanding debut nod for British writer, director, or producer.
