Leonardo DiCaprio’s politically engaged thriller, “One Battle After Another,” stands out at this year’s Bafta Film Awards, securing a leading 14 nominations. Hot on its heels is the vampire-horror film “Sinners,” which garnered 13 nominations, along with the Shakespearean drama “Hamnet” and the table-tennis biopic “Marty Supreme,” both of which received 11 nominations each.
Timothée Chalamet and Jessie Buckley, widely regarded as potential Oscar winners in the lead acting categories, also found repeat nominations at the Baftas. The awards recognized a diverse range of talent, including actors Chase Infiniti and Paul Mescal, who were notably absent from the Oscar nominations. The Baftas’ structure, featuring more nomination slots in many categories, could explain this difference, as they offer six spots compared to the Oscars’ five.
In addition to its main categories, the Baftas include special categories highlighting UK talent, such as outstanding British film and the outstanding debut by a British writer, director, or producer. Among the British films acknowledged in the shortlists are “I Swear,” “Pillion,” “H is for Hawk,” and “The Ballad of Wallis Island.” Bafta chair Sara Putt expressed excitement about the representation of British indie films alongside global blockbusters, hoping audiences enjoy the films just as the 8,300 BAFTA film voters have.
While several films have performed admirably, none have matched the Bafta record of 16 nominations set by the 1982 classic “Gandhi.” This year’s ceremony will be hosted by actor and TV presenter Alan Cumming at London’s Royal Festival Hall on Sunday, February 22.
Notably, four actors nominated for Oscars were overlooked by the Baftas: Amy Madigan for “Weapons,” Delroy Lindo for “Sinners,” Wagner Moura for “The Secret Agent,” and Elle Fanning for “Sentimental Value.” Conversely, actors such as Jesse Plemons (“Bugonia”) and Odessa A’Zion (“Marty Supreme”) are among those who earned Bafta nominations despite missing out on Oscars recognition. The Baftas also feature a richer representation of British talent, with nominees like Robert Aramayo and Peter Mullan from “I Swear,” Carey Mulligan in “The Ballad of Wallis Island,” and Emily Watson for “Hamnet.”
While “Wicked: For Good,” received no nominations for the Oscars, it managed to secure two Bafta nominations for costume design and make-up. Brazilian thriller “The Secret Agent” received two nominations, a stark contrast to its Oscar nods, which included major categories such as best actor and best picture.
Other noteworthy nominees include “Frankenstein,” a fresh interpretation of the iconic narrative, and “Sentimental Value,” a poignant family drama about estrangement and reconnection. The director category at the Baftas mirrors the Oscars’ five nominees, but the additional slot allows Yorgos Lanthimos to compete for “Bugonia.”
Despite its success, Brad Pitt’s racing drama “F1” received only three technical nominations, missing out on best picture at the Oscars, where it had unexpectedly been included. A prominent absence from the nominations is “KPop Demon Hunters,” Netflix’s viral sensation from last year, which was ineligible due to its release format in the UK without prior theatrical screening, although a singalong version later played in cinemas.
The Bafta Film Awards promise to be a celebration of diverse talent and distinctive storytelling, with hopes that viewers will find joy in these cinematic offerings.
Leave a comment