“One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” are leading contenders as nominations for the 2026 British Academy Film Awards, or BAFTA Awards, were announced Tuesday in London. The two films are also heavily favored in the upcoming Academy Awards race, setting the stage for a competitive awards season. The BAFTA Awards will be presented on February 22nd, three weeks before the Oscars ceremony.
BAFTA Awards 2026: “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners” Dominate Nominations
The nominations reflect a year of “bold storytelling and unique takes” according to BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip, encompassing both large-scale geopolitical themes and deeply personal narratives. “One Battle After Another,” a thriller exploring radicalization and immigration, received an impressive 14 nominations, including one for Best Film. “Sinners,” a vampire horror film with a musical element, closely followed with 13 nominations and will also compete for the top prize.
Oscar Buzz and Precursor Wins
While “Sinners” garnered a record-breaking 16 nominations for the Oscars, “One Battle After Another” is currently considered the frontrunner in the awards season, having already secured numerous precursor awards. At the recent Golden Globes, “One Battle After Another” took home awards for Best Comedy, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress. However, “Hamnet” surprised many by winning Best Drama Film at the Globes, edging out “Sinners”.
The BAFTA nominations are often seen as an indicator of potential Oscar success, though the voting bodies differ. Both ceremonies recognize excellence in cinematic achievement, but their preferences don’t always align. This year, the overlap in nominations between the two awards bodies is particularly strong, suggesting a consensus on the quality of the leading films.
Key Nominees and Categories
Beyond the Best Film category, the Best Director shortlist includes Yorgos Lanthimos (“Bugonia”), Chloe Zhao (“Hamnet”), Josh Safdie (“Marty Supreme”), Paul Thomas Anderson (“One Battle After Another”), Joachim Trier (“Sentimental Value”), and Ryan Coogler (“Sinners”). The competition for leading actor is fierce, with nominations going to Leonardo DiCaprio (“One Battle After Another”), Michael B. Jordan (“Sinners”), Timothée Chalamet (“Marty Supreme”), Ethan Hawke (“Blue Moon”), Jesse Plemons (“Bugonia”), and Robert Aramayo (“I Swear”).
Notably, Paul Mescal missed out on a nomination for his performance in “Hamnet,” a point of discussion among industry observers. The leading actress category features Jessie Buckley (“Hamnet”), Emma Stone (“Bugonia”), Chase Infiniti (“One Battle After Another”), Kate Hudson (“Song Sung Blue”), Renate Reinsve (“Sentimental Value”), and Rose Byrne (“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”).
“I Swear,” a British film based on a true story about a man living with Tourette’s syndrome, received five nominations and is the most recognized film from the United Kingdom this year. Millichip highlighted the strength of British talent in this year’s selection, calling it a “really rich year.” The film’s inclusion underscores a growing trend of awards recognition for smaller, character-driven dramas.
Looking Ahead to the Awards Ceremonies
The next step is the voting process for BAFTA members, which will conclude in early February. The winners will then be revealed at the ceremony in London on February 22nd. Following the BAFTA Awards, all eyes will turn to Hollywood for the 98th Academy Awards on March 15th. The outcome of the BAFTA Awards will undoubtedly influence the final Oscar results, but surprises are always possible. Industry analysts will be closely watching to see if “One Battle After Another” can maintain its momentum or if “Sinners” will capitalize on its record Oscar nominations.
The success of these films, alongside others nominated, also points to a potential shift in tastes among awards voters, with a preference for challenging and thought-provoking cinema. The continued recognition of independent and international films, like “Sentimental Value”, suggests a broadening of perspectives within the industry. BAFTA’s official website provides a complete list of nominees and further details about the awards.