Key Highlights to Anticipate in the 2026 BAFTA Nominations
As the film industry pivots from the Oscars, all eyes are on the upcoming 2026 BAFTA nominations. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) will announce its nominees on January 27, at 7 a.m. ET (4 a.m. PT). These prestigious awards have increasingly become a reliable indicator of Oscar outcomes, especially with the Academy’s focus on global representation.
Key Highlights to Anticipate in the 2026 BAFTA Nominations
The BAFTA nominations offer a chance to spotlight deserving films, creating exciting narratives and reflecting the changing landscape of cinema. Here are the anticipated storylines leading up to this year’s nominations:
Best Supporting Actor Contender Duo
A notable highlight is the possibility of both Stellan Skarsgård and Alexander Skarsgård competing in the Best Supporting Actor category. Stellan has gained acclaim for his role in Sentimental Value, having already secured a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. Meanwhile, Alexander’s performance in Pillion is generating buzz, positioning him as a potential nominee.
Returning Contenders
Although performers like Paul Mescal (Hamnet) and Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Another) were overlooked by the Oscars, their BAFTA journeys may see them recognized. Both actors are included in the BAFTA longlists and are predicted to clinch nominations in the supporting categories.
Predictions for One Battle After Another
- Best Picture
- Best Director – Paul Thomas Anderson
- Best Actress – Chase Infiniti
- Best Actor – Leonardo DiCaprio
- Best Supporting Actress – Teyana Taylor
- Best Supporting Actor – Benicio Del Toro
- Best Supporting Actor – Sean Penn
- Best Adapted Screenplay
This film is expected to outshine its Oscar performance, where it garnered seven nominations, including a total of thirteen bids overall, but missed a Best Actress nod.
Nominations Structure and Categories
The BAFTA process includes early longlists that narrow down contenders before the final nominations. Each major category typically sees:
- Best Director and acting categories: Six nominees
- Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Adapted Screenplay, and various crafts: Five nominees
- Best Animated Feature: Four nominees
Additional Predictions
Gold Derby’s predictions for the major categories include:
- 6 Predicted Nominations: Hamnet (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay)
- 6 Predicted Nominations: Sentimental Value (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay)
- 5 Predicted Nominations: Sinners (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay)
- 4 Predicted Nominations: Bugonia (Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay)
- 2 Predicted Nominations: Frankenstein (Best Supporting Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay)
With the 2026 BAFTA nominations rapidly approaching, excitement is building. The nominations will undoubtedly pave the way for further analysis and anticipation as award season unfolds.
