The 2025 BAFTA Film Awards nominations have unveiled a diverse and unpredictable field of contenders, defying easy predictions for the ultimate winners. Leading the pack are Edward Berger’s “Conclave” and Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez,” each garnering an impressive twelve and eleven nominations respectively. Both films are vying for the coveted Best Film award, as well as Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress, solidifying their positions as major contenders in this year’s awards race. This dual dominance sets the stage for a compelling competition, showcasing the strength and breadth of cinematic storytelling across genres and styles.
Trailing closely behind are Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist” with nine nominations, fresh off its Best Film (Drama) win at the Golden Globes, and a trio of films each receiving seven nominations: the Palme d’Or winner “Anora,” the sci-fi epic “Dune: Part Two,” and the much-lauded musical “Wicked.” Further demonstrating the wide range of nominated films, the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown,” starring Timothée Chalamet, and the Irish-language hip-hop biopic “Kneecap” both earned six nominations. This diverse spread of recognition across genres and budget sizes underscores the dynamism of the current cinematic landscape and promises a captivating awards ceremony.
The nominations also delivered a few surprises. “Wicked,” despite its popularity and critical acclaim, missed out on a Best Film nomination. Veteran actor Denzel Washington, notably absent from the Best Supporting Actor category for “Gladiator II,” remains without a BAFTA nomination throughout his distinguished career. Furthermore, “Babygirl,” “Challengers,” and “Queer,” along with their respective stars Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, were shut out of the nominations, defying expectations and sparking discussion about the selection process. These omissions highlight the inherent subjectivity of award nominations and the inevitable debate that follows.
On a more positive note, Ali Abassi’s Donald Trump biopic, “The Apprentice,” secured two significant acting nominations for Jeremy Strong and Sebastian Stan in the Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor categories, respectively. This recognition underscores the film’s impact and the compelling performances at its core. The continued success of the independent film “Kneecap,” standing shoulder-to-shoulder with major Hollywood productions, exemplifies its impressive journey. Adding to the diversity of voices, Coralie Fargeat, director of “The Substance,” stands as the sole female director nominated this year, a fact that prompts ongoing conversations about representation within the film industry.
The range of nominated films reflects a broad spectrum of cinematic artistry. From intimate character studies to sprawling epics, the nominated films traverse diverse genres, including musicals, biopics, thrillers, and science fiction. This diverse representation speaks to the vibrancy of contemporary cinema and the ability of filmmakers to capture compelling narratives across a multitude of forms. The nominations also highlight international contributions, further underscoring the global nature of filmmaking and the BAFTA’s recognition of excellence beyond national borders.
The full list of nominations spans a multitude of categories, recognizing achievements in acting, directing, writing, cinematography, editing, and more. The Outstanding British Film category spotlights homegrown talent, while the Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer category celebrates emerging voices in the industry. The inclusion of categories for Documentary, Animated Film, and Children’s & Family Film demonstrates the BAFTA’s commitment to recognizing excellence across the full spectrum of cinematic storytelling. The EE Rising Star Award, voted for by the public, provides a platform for up-and-coming talent and offers a glimpse into the future of cinema. With David Tennant returning as host, the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards ceremony, taking place on February 16th at London’s Royal Festival Hall, promises a night of celebration and recognition for the year’s most compelling cinematic achievements.
