The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) today, January 23, 2026, unveiled the nominations for its 79th Film Awards, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated events in the global film calendar. The historical drama "One Battle After Another" and the psychological thriller "Sinners" emerged as the leading contenders, receiving multiple nods across key categories.

The nominations, announced from BAFTA headquarters in London, signal the start of a competitive awards season, celebrating excellence across British and international cinema. "One Battle After Another," directed by Eleanor Vance, secured an impressive 11 nominations, including recognition for Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Best Director, Leading Actor for Marcus Thorne, and Leading Actress for Clara Bellweather. Following closely, David Chen’s critically acclaimed "Sinners" garnered 9 nominations, among them Best Film, Best Director, Leading Actress for Anya Sharma, and Original Screenplay.

This year's slate of nominees reflects a diverse range of cinematic achievements, encompassing various genres and storytelling approaches that have resonated with critics and audiences alike. The BAFTA Film Awards are considered a significant barometer for success in the wider international awards circuit, often providing an early indication of potential outcomes at events such as the Academy Awards. The recognition carries substantial weight within the industry, elevating the profiles of nominated films, filmmakers, and performers on a global scale. The selection process involves a rigorous peer-driven assessment by over 7,500 industry professionals who make up the BAFTA voting body.

Key nominations for the 79th BAFTA Film Awards include:

  • Best Film:
    • "One Battle After Another"
    • "Sinners"
    • "The Last Tide"
    • "Echoes in the Dark"
    • "Sunrise Over Kilimanjaro"
  • Outstanding British Film:
    • "One Battle After Another"
    • "A Quiet Street"
    • "The Northern Lights Project"
    • "Fractured Skies"
    • "Beneath the Surface"
  • Best Director:
    • Eleanor Vance ("One Battle After Another")
    • David Chen ("Sinners")
    • Isabelle Dubois ("The Last Tide")
    • Kenji Tanaka ("Echoes in the Dark")
    • Sophia Khan ("A Quiet Street")
  • Leading Actor:
    • Marcus Thorne ("One Battle After Another")
    • Liam O'Connell ("Fractured Skies")
    • Javier Rodriguez ("The Promise")
    • Daniel Kaluuya ("Beneath the Surface")
    • Tom Hardy ("Blackwood Manor")
  • Leading Actress:
    • Clara Bellweather ("One Battle After Another")
    • Anya Sharma ("Sinners")
    • Sarah Jenkins ("The Last Tide")
    • Chloe Zhao ("Echoes in the Dark")
    • Naomi Watts ("The Forgotten Village")
  • Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer:
    • Aisha Rahman (Writer/Director, "City of Whispers")
    • Ben Carter (Director, "The Great Divide")
    • Eva Lund (Producer, "Northern Star")

The winners of the 79th BAFTA Film Awards will be announced at a gala ceremony to be held at London's Royal Festival Hall on Sunday, February 15, 2026. The event is expected to attract a global audience, celebrating the year's standout cinematic achievements and influencing the trajectory of films during the remaining international awards season.