The nominations for the 2026 Bafta Film Awards have been announced, revealing a strong field led by major international productions while also highlighting several standout British features.
Leading the tally is Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic drama One Battle After Another, which secured 14 nominations. The film, an ambitious adaptation of a renowned novel, features a prominent actor as a former activist confronting a menacing military figure. Its thematic focus on resistance and authority arrives at a moment of heightened global political tension, lending the project a sharp contemporary relevance.
Close behind with 13 nominations is Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, a genre-defying exploration of the American experience that has become a major awards season force.
Other notable contenders across categories include a high-energy sports comedy, a lavish period fantasy reimagining literary history, and a visually striking reinterpretation of a classic horror myth. An acclaimed Scandinavian family drama and a surreal environmental thriller also feature prominently.
The nominations for films not in the English language present a powerful selection, with works addressing political oppression in Iran, the conflict in Gaza, and historical dissent in South America.
The British film industry is well-represented. Among the most celebrated domestic titles is I Swear, a moving drama about a man with Tourette syndrome campaigning for understanding, which earned five nominations including one for its lead actor.
A particular highlight is the recognition for The Ballad of Wallis Island, which appears in three categories including Outstanding British Film. The feature tells the gentle, heartfelt story of an isolated widower, portrayed with great charm by comedian Tim Key, who attempts to organise a unique musical tribute to his late wife. Its spirit has drawn comparisons to beloved British comedies of decades past.
The category for outstanding debut showcases promising new voices, featuring a striking Nigerian drama and an audacious comedy adapted from contemporary literature.
The full list of nominees sets the stage for a competitive ceremony next month, where grand cinematic statements will vie for attention alongside more intimate, locally-rooted stories.