The race for the 2026 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) has officially begun with the announcement of the longlists, and a single film has emerged as the undisputed frontrunner. Leonardo DiCaprio's gripping political thriller, 'One Battle After Another,' has secured a staggering 16 longlist mentions, setting a high bar for this year's competition.
The Top Contenders and Their Stories
Directed by an acclaimed filmmaker, 'One Battle After Another' presents a stark vision of a divided America. DiCaprio stars as a determined father in a relentless mission to save his abducted daughter from old adversaries, blending high-octane action with sharp social commentary. The film's powerful mix of emotion and adrenaline has resonated globally with both critics and audiences.
Hot on its heels are two major contenders with 14 longlist spots each. Chloe Zhao's 'Hamnet,' an adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's celebrated novel, delves into the tragic personal life of William Shakespeare, exploring the profound grief over the loss of his young son. Meanwhile, Ryan Coogler's atmospheric horror 'Sinners' transports viewers to the Jim Crow era, weaving supernatural vampire elements with a brutal historical narrative.
Not far behind is Timothée Chalamet's 'Marty Supreme,' a stylish biopic of table tennis legend Marty Reisman, which grabbed 13 mentions. Fresh off Chalamet's Critics' Choice Award win, the film is positioned as a strong dark horse in several technical and acting categories.
Star-Studded Acting Recognitions and Notable Snubs
The acting longlists reflect a blend of Hollywood royalty and exciting new talent. While Leonardo DiCaprio predictably dominates the Leading Actor field, his co-stars have also earned recognition. Chase Infiniti is longlisted for Leading Actress as his resilient on-screen daughter, with Teyana Taylor receiving a nod for Supporting Actress. Veterans Benicio Del Toro and Sean Penn both feature in the Supporting Actor list, adding depth to the thriller.
In other categories, Timothée Chalamet vies for Leading Actor, and Jacob Elordi gains buzzworthy recognition for his role in Guillermo del Toro's lavish 'Frankenstein' remake.
However, the longlist announcements also came with significant omissions. Several A-list stars and anticipated blockbusters were left out. Dwayne Johnson and George Clooney were entirely sidelined, while big productions like the musical 'Wicked: For Good' and Sydney Sweeney's biopic 'Christy' found little favour. Daniel Day-Lewis's much-hyped comeback film 'Anemone' also faltered, though Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo managed Supporting Actress mentions for 'Wicked.'
The Road to the BAFTA Ceremony
The longlists were decided by votes from over 6,500 BAFTA members across the globe. The process now moves to the next crucial stage: the final nomination announcements on January 27, 2026. The winners will be unveiled at the glittering awards ceremony scheduled for February 22, 2026, at London's Royal Festival Hall.
The unprecedented lead for 'One Battle After Another' not only highlights Leonardo DiCaprio's commanding performance and the film's creative excellence but also sets the stage for a fiercely competitive awards season. With technical mastery and innovative storytelling at the forefront, the battle for the BAFTA trophies is truly heating up.
