The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards: What to Expect from a Night of Glitz and Glamour

Lights, Camera, BAFTAs!

The excitement is palpable as Hollywood stars prepare to grace the Royal Festival Hall for the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards. This year promises to be a thrilling showdown among some of the most critically acclaimed films and performances in recent memory.

Who's Nominated?

Leading the pack is Paul Thomas Anderson's darkly comedic political thriller, One Battle After Another, which has received an impressive 14 nominations, pitting it against Ryan Coogler's chilling vampire-horror film, Sinners, which has 13. Rounding out the list of heavyweights are the Shakespearean drama Hamnet, starring Jessie Buckley, and the quirky table tennis biopic, Marty Supreme.

“This year's nominees reflect a daring shift in storytelling within the scope of contemporary cinema,” says industry veteran Emma Saunders.

Best of British

For those wondering about local contenders, Jessie Buckley is a favorite for Best Actress for her poignant role in Hamnet, while the ever-dynamic Timothée Chalamet is the bookies' pick for Best Actor in Marty Supreme. However, both face tough competition from seasoned actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, who is also in the running for his performance in One Battle After Another.

What's New This Year?

Hosted by the charismatic Alan Cumming, this year's ceremony will be broadcast live on BBC One and available for streaming on iPlayer starting at 19:00 GMT, with the ceremony kicking off at 17:00. As always, winners will be leaked before the live broadcast begins, making social media a frenzy of excitement.

Notable Performances

This year is not just about the awards; significant performances are set to enchant audiences, featuring K-Pop sensations Jae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami performing their hit from KPop Demon Hunters. Jessie Ware will also grace the stage during the In Memoriam section, honoring the creatives we've lost in the past year.

What Does This Mean for the Oscars?

The BAFTAs often serve as a prelude to the Oscars, offering keen insights into who might walk away with accolades at the Academy Awards next month. With a notable track record revealing that 13 out of the last 15 Best Actor winners at the BAFTAs have triumphed at the Oscars, it is wise to keep an eye on this year's winners.

The Final Tally

As the drama unfolds on the red carpet, it's crucial to remember the power of storytelling behind these nominations and performances. The rise of films like Hamnet and One Battle After Another underscores the shifting narratives shaping our understanding of culture.

For Further Insights

• Read about Jessie Buckley's journey in Hamnet.
• Timothée Chalamet shares insights on Marty Supreme.
• A deep dive into Leo's commitments in One Battle After Another.

The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards are set to be a dazzling night celebrating the best in film and a reflection of the cultural narratives that shape our screens.