Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, Jessie Buckley, and Jacob Elordi are expected to secure nominations for the BAFTA Film Awards, with the nominations being announced soon.

This year, the BAFTAs stand as the final major organization to unveil its shortlists after the Oscars’ nominations last week.

Films like Hamnet, Sinners, and One Battle After Another are predicted to dominate, while the popular animated feature K-Pop Demon Hunters will be excluded due to specific eligibility rules.

Frontrunners for the BAFTAs

The BAFTAs often recognize a broader array of talent compared to the Oscars, as their categories allow for six nominees instead of five. Much like the Oscars, this year’s awards are expected to highlight several similar films, yet with a stronger representation of UK talent.

Alan Cumming will host the BAFTA Film Awards on February 22, 2026, providing an exciting platform for many talented actors and filmmakers.

Anticipated Films in Competition

• One Battle After Another: Focuses on a former revolutionary’s quest to save his daughter from a white supremacist group.
• Hamnet: Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, this film imagines how a personal tragedy influenced Shakespeare’s works.
• Sinners: A mix of vampire horror and blues, detailing twin brothers aiming to establish a live music venue in 1930s Mississippi.
• Marty Supreme: Chronicles the journey of a young table-tennis player in 1950s New York struggling for recognition.
• Bugonia: Two cousins kidnap the CEO of a pharmaceutical company they hold responsible for a relative’s death.
• Frankenstein: A fresh take on Mary Shelley’s classic novel about a mad scientist and his creature.
• Sentimental Value: Two sisters reconnect with their estranged father after their mother’s passing.
• Wicked: For Good: Explores the backstory of Elphaba and Glinda from “The Wizard of Oz.”

Why K-Pop Demon Hunters Was Excluded

The BAFTAs’ shortlist means we already know some films and individuals that will not be nominated. Among them, the sensational K-Pop Demon Hunters, a notable success during its release, was deemed ineligible. This was due to its initial release straight onto Netflix in the UK without a theatrical run prior, thus disqualifying it from the BAFTA nominations.

Other notable exclusions include big names like Julia Roberts and George Clooney, who also did not make the BAFTA list despite being recognized in other awards.

Implications for the Oscar Race

The BAFTA Awards are often seen as a predictor for the Academy Awards. In recent years, many BAFTA winners have mirrored successes at the Oscars. Historically, a significant portion of BAFTA’s acting winners transition to victories at the Oscars, suggesting that the BAFTAs can often provide insight into Oscar voters’ preferences.

With many potential nominees and some surprises this year, the anticipation surrounding the BAFTAs is palpable as the world of film prepares to celebrate achievements in cinematic storytelling.