The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) surprised everyone with its 2025 film nominations by giving more attention to smaller independent films instead of big Hollywood movies.
“Kneecap,” a low-budget Irish-language film about a rap group from Belfast, received six nominations, making it a strong candidate. The film earned spots in key categories, including original screenplay, outstanding British film, and films not in the English language.
The Hollywood musical “Wicked” received mixed results in the nominations. Although the film earned five technical nominations and stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande received acting nominations, it missed the best film award. The French musical “Emilia Pérez” was chosen, highlighting that BAFTA viewers prefer European works.
Hugh Grant’s turn to darker parts paid off with a nomination for best actor in the horror film Heretic. In it, he portrays a menacing loner who stalks missionaries. From his usual romantic comedy parts, the nomination is a sharp turn.
The nominations also showed some surprising omissions. Denzel Washington has been praised for his supporting part in “Gladiator II,” but he has never received a BAFTA nomination in his entire career.
Recent Golden Globe winners had some difficulties. Fernanda Torres, who won a Golden Globe for “I’m Still Here,” was not nominated for best actress. While Sebastian Stan unexpectedly earned a nomination for “The Apprentice,” Daniel Craig’s well-received performance in “Queer” missed out.
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The documentary category provided a second chance for “Super/Man,” the story of Christopher Reeve, which did not make it onto the Oscar shortlist. It joins four other nominees: “Black Box Diaries,” “Daughters,” “No Other Land,” and “Will & Harper.”
The prison thriller “Sing Sing” performed surprisingly well, earning three nominations. Colman Domingo received recognition for his lead role, and the adapted script also received an award nomination. Additionally, previously in prison, Clarence Maclin was nominated for supporting actor.
The nominations demonstrate BAFTA’s increasing independence from other award organizations and its dedication to highlighting known stars and new talent. The winners will be revealed at the next ceremony, continuing this year’s surprising awards season.
