The race for the prestigious BAFTA Film Awards in 2026 has begun with a stunning frontrunner. The longlist for the awards has been unveiled, and it is Leonardo DiCaprio's gripping political thriller, 'One Battle After Another', that has stormed ahead with a staggering 16 nominations.
The Frontrunner and Its Fierce Competition
Directed by an acclaimed creative team, 'One Battle After Another' features DiCaprio as a desperate father navigating a politically divided America to save his kidnapped daughter. The film has been praised for its intense action, sharp social satire, and deep emotional core, captivating audiences and critics globally.
However, the competition is fierce. Hot on its heels is Chloe Zhao's poignant adaptation 'Hamnet', based on Maggie O'Farrell's bestselling novel. It explores the tragic loss of Shakespeare's son and has secured 14 longlist spots, tying for second place.
Sharing that second-place tally is Ryan Coogler's atmospheric horror saga 'Sinners'. Set in the Jim Crow era, it blends supernatural elements with historical drama, also earning 14 mentions.
Another strong contender is Timothée Chalamet's 'Marty Supreme', a stylish biopic about table tennis legend Marty Reisman. Fresh off Chalamet's Critics' Choice Award win, the film grabbed 13 longlist nominations, making it a dark horse in several categories.
Star-Studded Acting Lineup and Notable Snubs
The acting categories are brimming with talent. While Leonardo DiCaprio is the obvious standout for Leading Actor, his co-stars have also received significant recognition. Chase Infiniti earned a Leading Actress nod for her role as his daughter, and Teyana Taylor is recognised in Supporting Actress.
Veteran actors Benicio Del Toro and Sean Penn have both landed Supporting Actor nominations, adding considerable weight to the film's tense narrative. In other categories, Timothée Chalamet is in the running for Leading Actor, and Jacob Elordi has gained buzzworthy recognition for his role in Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein' remake.
The longlist announcements also came with some shocking omissions. Major stars like Dwayne Johnson and George Clooney were completely sidelined. Big-budget productions such as the musical 'Wicked: For Good' and Sydney Sweeney's biopic 'Christy' were largely overlooked.
Despite immense hype, Daniel Day-Lewis's comeback film 'Anemone' faltered. However, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo managed to secure Supporting Actress mentions for 'Wicked'. Other films like Yorgos Lanthimos's 'Bugonia' and del Toro's 'Frankenstein' each garnered 12 nods, keeping them in the race but highlighting the voters' preference for bold, substantive storytelling.
The Road to the BAFTA Ceremony
This longlist is the result of votes from over 6,500 BAFTA members worldwide. The journey to the awards night is set with key dates: the final nominations will be announced on January 27, leading up to the grand ceremony on February 22. The event will be held at the iconic Royal Festival Hall in London.
The unprecedented lead of 'One Battle After Another' not only highlights Leonardo DiCaprio's powerful performance and his synergy with the directors but also sets the stage for a highly competitive awards season. The final outcome may well be decided by a combination of technical mastery, narrative innovation, and sheer cinematic brilliance.
