The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards nominations have been announced, and two films have broken significant barriers. Ryan Coogler’s vampire horror “Sinners” has earned 13 nominations, making it the most-nominated film by a Black director in BAFTA history. Alongside it, Chloé Zhao’s Shakespearean drama “Hamnet” has received 11 nominations, setting a new record for the most nominations for a female-directed film. These milestones highlight a notable moment for diversity in one of the industry’s top award ceremonies.
The 2026 BAFTA Nominations Overview
The British Academy of Film and Television Arts revealed its shortlist on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. The political thriller “One Battle After Another” leads the field with 14 nominations. “Sinners” follows closely with 13, while “Hamnet” and the table-tennis biopic “Marty Supreme” each have 11 nominations. This year’s list is notable for its recognition of both major studio projects and independent British films.
Sinners’ Milestone Achievement
“Sinners” has achieved a historic first at the BAFTAs. Its 13 nominations represent the highest total ever for a film directed by a Black filmmaker in the awards’ history. This comes just days after the film set an all-time record at the Oscars, receiving 16 nominations. The film is nominated in major categories including Best Film, Best Director for Ryan Coogler, Best Leading Actor for Michael B. Jordan, and Best Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku.
“Ryan Coogler’s horror hit Sinners was very close with 13 nominations, the highest for any film by a Black director in BAFTA history,” reported AwardsWatch.
The film is a Southern gothic vampire thriller set in 1930s Mississippi, blending horror with blues music. Its success at both the Oscars and BAFTAs marks a significant moment for the horror genre, which has historically been overlooked by major awards.
Hamnet’s Historic Moment
“Hamnet” has also made history. Its 11 nominations break the record for the most BAFTA nominations for a film directed by a woman. The previous record was held by several films. Directed by Chloé Zhao, the film is an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel about William Shakespeare’s family life.
“The film, helmed by Chloe Zhao, has broken the record for the most nominations for a female-directed film in Bafta history, with 11,” stated ITV News.
The film’s nominations include Best Film, Outstanding British Film, Best Director for Zhao, and acting nods for Jessie Buckley (Leading Actress) and Paul Mescal (Supporting Actor).
Key Nominations for Both Films
The nominations for both films span a wide range of categories, highlighting their overall strength.
For “Sinners”:
- Best Film
- Best Director – Ryan Coogler
- Best Leading Actor – Michael B. Jordan
- Best Supporting Actress – Wunmi Mosaku
- Best Original Screenplay – Ryan Coogler
- Best Casting, Cinematography, Editing, Costume Design, Make Up & Hair, Production Design, Sound, and Special Visual Effects.
For “Hamnet”:
- Best Film
- Outstanding British Film
- Best Director – Chloé Zhao
- Best Leading Actress – Jessie Buckley
- Best Supporting Actor – Paul Mescal
- Best Supporting Actress – Emily Watson
- Best Adapted Screenplay – Chloé Zhao and Maggie O’Farrell
- Best Original Score, Costume Design, Make Up & Hair, and Production Design.
Diversity in the 2026 BAFTA Nominations
This year’s nominations show progress in representation. Across all categories, 25 percent of the nominated films are directed by women. The achievements of “Sinners” and “Hamnet” are central to this shift. BAFTA’s chair of the film committee, Emily Stillman, commented on the broader theme of the nominations.
“That boldness of filmmaking and the importance of human connectivity — that feels like it’s a thread running through almost all of the nominations,” Stillman told The Hollywood Reporter.
Industry and Fan Reactions
The news has been met with positive reactions online and from industry figures. Fans have celebrated the recognition for Ryan Coogler and Chloé Zhao, with many noting the importance of these records for future filmmakers. BAFTA chair Sara Putt also welcomed the mix of films recognized.
“It is thrilling to see British indie films and debuts in the company of blockbusters that have taken the world by storm,” said Putt.
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How to Watch the BAFTA Awards
The 79th BAFTA Film Awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The event will be hosted by actor and presenter Alan Cumming. Viewers in the UK can watch live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. International audiences can stream the ceremony via the BAFTA YouTube channel and other global broadcasting partners.
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