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The BAFTA Film Awards have unveiled their longlist, highlighting a diverse range of films competing for accolades this awards season. Leading the nominations is One Battle After Another, a sharp political satire directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, which has received an impressive 16 nominations. This marks a significant achievement in the awards’ history, representing the highest number of nominations since the introduction of the longlist.
Anderson’s film offers incisive commentary on U.S. extremism and societal division. It has secured nominations in key categories such as Best Film and Best Director, and its cast includes notable performances from Chase Infiniti, Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Benicio Del Toro, and Sean Penn, reinforcing its position as a frontrunner.
Competitive landscape of the BAFTA longlist
Following One Battle After Another are two films making significant impacts: Hamnet directed by Chloé Zhao and Sinners by Ryan Coogler, each with 14 nominations. Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie, follows closely with 13 nominations, while Bugonia from Yorgos Lanthimos and Frankenstein by Guillermo del Toro each received 12. This competitive landscape sets the stage for an exciting race leading to the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony.
Emerging British films and notable snubs
In addition to the leading films, several British productions are also gaining recognition. Films such as I Swear and Pillion each appear on six longlists, while The Ballad of Wallis Island has garnered five nominations, including in performance categories. Actors like Robert Aramayo, Peter Mullan, Harry Melling, and Carey Mulligan have advanced to the next round, showcasing the talent within British cinema.
However, the longlist has not been without surprises and notable omissions. Despite winning the prestigious Palme d’Or, Jafar Panahi’s film It Was Just an Accident secured only two nominations. Likewise, The Secret Agent received recognition but did not acknowledge its lead star, Wagner Moura, who remains a potential contender for the Oscars. Other films, such as Sirāt, also fell short of expectations with only two nominations.
Looking ahead: The awards ceremony
The complete list of nominations is set to be announced on January 27, building anticipation for the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony on February 22 at London’s Royal Festival Hall. This event will be hosted by Alan Cumming, marking his debut in this role. The fierce competition and potential for surprises make this year’s awards particularly thrilling.
As the final nominations approach, this awards season is shaping up to be memorable, with One Battle After Another at the forefront alongside a host of talented films and performances. The BAFTA longlist highlights the rich diversity and creativity present in contemporary cinema.