Bafta 2026 Nominations Reveal Thriller Lead and February Ceremony Details
Updated (3 articles)
Bafta ceremony set for February 22 at London’s Royal Festival Hall The British Academy announced on 27 January that the awards will be held on Sunday 22 February in the Royal Festival Hall, honoring films released over the past twelve months [1]. The announcement coincided with news of the Borderlines Film Festival scheduled for March across Herefordshire and Shropshire [1].
“One Battle After Another” tops Bafta list and Oscar forecasts Leonardo DiCaprio’s political thriller leads the Bafta shortlist with the most nominations [1] and is also projected to lead the Oscar nominations according to industry watchers [2]. The film follows a former revolutionary rescuing his daughter from a white supremacist group [2]. Its strong ensemble and momentum through awards season make it a central contender for both British and American honors [2].
“Sinners” and “Hamnet” earn prominent acting recognition Vampire horror “Sinners” secured a Bafta nomination and its star Wunmi Mosaku is highlighted for an Oscar nod for her role as Annie [1][2]. The period drama “Hamnet” also received Bafta nominations, with Irish actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal singled out as likely Oscar nominees [2]. Both films broaden the genre diversity of the shortlist alongside the thriller lead [1].
Additional nominees and industry milestones noted The shortlist includes “Avatar” (a major franchise entry), “Marty Supreme” (a table‑tennis drama), and “Hamnet” (Shakespeare family drama) [1]. A Bournemouth University team marked the centenary of the original receiver by recreating the historic device, mentioned alongside the awards news [1].
Sources
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1.
BBC: Bafta Film Awards 2026 Nominations Unveiled – Details the full Bafta nominee list, ceremony date, leading film “One Battle After Another,” and mentions related events like the Borderlines Film Festival and a university research milestone .
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BBC: Oscar nominations 2026 predicted to be led by One Battle After Another with strong UK and Irish contenders – Forecasts Oscar nominees, emphasizing “One Battle After Another” as the frontrunner, highlights “Sinners” and “Hamnet” acting prospects, and notes new Academy categories and streaming plans .
Timeline
Sep 20, 2025 – Oscars race expands with twelve frontrunners, including “Hamnet,” “One Battle After Another,” “Sinners,” an Emma Stone‑led corporate thriller, and the “Christy” biopic; studios push titles from Venice, Telluride, Toronto, Sundance and Cannes as the March 15 ceremony approaches[3].
Sep 20, 2025 – “Hamnet,” directed by Chloé Zhao and starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, wins the Toronto People’s Choice Award, a strong Oscar predictor, and schedules its UK release for 9 January 2026[3].
Sep 20, 2025 – Paul Thomas Anderson’s political thriller “One Battle After Another,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, secures a UK release on 26 September 2025 and garners early best‑picture buzz[3].
Sep 20, 2025 – Ryan Coogler’s vampire horror “Sinners” launches digitally, positioning itself as a box‑office‑friendly Oscar contender despite a non‑theatrical rollout[3].
Sep 20, 2025 – Emma Stone’s corporate thriller (directed by Yorgos Lanthimos) and the “Christy” boxing biopic starring Sydney Sweeney set UK release dates (7 Nov and 28 Nov 2025 respectively), expanding genre diversity in the race[3].
Jan 22, 2026 – Industry analysts predict “One Battle After Another” will lead the Oscar nominations, citing its ensemble cast and awards‑season momentum as key factors[2].
Jan 22, 2026 – “Sinners” boosts the UK’s Oscar prospects, with Wunmi Mosaku expected to earn an acting nomination for her role as Annie, while Irish stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal are highlighted for “Hamnet”[2].
Jan 22, 2026 – Paul Thomas Anderson, long‑time nominee, stands poised for his first Oscar win as writer, director and producer of “One Battle After Another”[2].
Jan 22, 2026 – The Academy introduces a new Best Casting category for 2026 and announces a future Best Stunt Design category slated for 2028, expanding recognition of behind‑the‑scenes crafts[2].
Jan 22, 2026 – The Oscar nominations will be announced in a 20‑minute broadcast hosted by Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman at around 13:30 GMT, streamed on the Academy’s site and major social platforms, with BBC News providing live coverage[2].
Jan 27, 2026 – BAFTA releases its full list of nominees for the 22 February ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall, honoring the best films of the past twelve months[1].
Jan 27, 2026 – “One Battle After Another” tops the BAFTA nomination tally, followed closely by “Sinners” and “Hamnet,” underscoring its cross‑award appeal[1].
Jan 27, 2026 – Wunmi Mosaku receives an Oscar nomination for her performance in “Sinners,” highlighting the film’s crossover success between BAFTA and the Academy[1].
Jan 27, 2026 – “Hamnet,” “Avatar,” and “Marty Supreme” also secure BAFTA nominations, broadening the shortlist’s genre mix[1].
Jan 27, 2026 – Bournemouth University commemorates the centenary of the original radio receiver by recreating the historic device, linking contemporary film celebrations to a century‑old technological milestone[1].
Feb 22, 2026 – BAFTA holds its awards ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall, where winners are announced and industry momentum shifts ahead of the Oscars[1].
Mar 2026 – The Borderlines Film Festival launches across twenty venues in Herefordshire and Shropshire, providing a regional showcase that runs alongside the national awards season[1].
2028 – The Academy plans to add a Best Stunt Design category, recognizing stunt professionals for the first time in Oscar history[2].