At the British Academy Film Awards nominations announcement on Tuesday, Paul Thomas Anderson’s intense political thriller, “One Battle After Another,” emerged as a frontrunner with 14 nods, including recognition for five of its actors. Following closely behind is Ryan Coogler’s blues-infused vampire saga, “Sinners,” with 13 nominations, while Chloé Zhao’s familial tragedy “Hamnet” and Josh Safdie’s ping-pong journey “Marty Supreme” garnered 11 nominations each.
Guillermo Del Toro’s reimagining of “Frankenstein” and the Norwegian family drama “Sentimental Value” received eight nominations each, completing the list of top contenders for both the BAFTA and Hollywood Academy Awards. The nominees for Best Film include “One Battle After Another,” “Hamnet,” “Marty Supreme,” “Sinners,” and “Sentimental Value.”
BAFTA’s chief executive, Jane Millichip, highlighted the significance of films like “One Battle After Another” and “Sinners,” addressing significant societal themes such as activism and Black identity, alongside movies delving into the complexities of family relationships.
In the Best Actor category, contenders include Robert Aramayo for his role in the biographical drama “I Swear,” Timothée Chalamet for “Marty Supreme,” Leonardo DiCaprio for “One Battle After Another,” Ethan Hawke for the Broadway biopic “Blue Moon,” Michael B. Jordan for “Sinners,” and Jesse Plemons for the dystopian tragicomedy “Bugonia.”
Among the leading actress nominees is Jessie Buckley for her portrayal of Agnes Hathaway in “Hamnet,” alongside Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Chase Infiniti, Renate Reinsve, and Emma Stone. Supporting actors from “One Battle After Another,” including Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro, and Sean Penn, also secured nominations.
The Associated Press received a nomination in the Best Documentary category for Mstyslav Chernov’s impactful film, “2000 Meters to Andriivka,” co-produced with PBS Frontline, offering a poignant portrayal of the Ukraine war.
The winners of the awards will be revealed at a ceremony in London on Feb. 22, hosted by actor Alan Cumming. The BAFTA Film Awards often serve as a precursor to the Academy Awards, providing insights into potential Oscar winners.
This year, the BAFTAs recognized performers overlooked by the Oscars, such as supporting actor nominees Paul Mescal and Odessa A’zion. The ceremony also includes a category for Best British Film, with nominees like “The Ballad of Wallis Island,” “Pillion,” “I Swear,” and “Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.”
The BAFTAs prioritize diversity, with efforts to increase inclusivity in recent years. Notably, Chloé Zhao is the sole female nominee in the Best Director category, reflecting a changing landscape with more female nominees across various categories.
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