In brief
This year's Bafta nominations highlight strong contenders in both acting and directing categories, with notable surprises and significant works in the running for prestigious awards.
Conclave, a tantalizing film about a scheming group of cardinals in Rome vying to elect a new Pope, has emerged as a frontrunner at the upcoming Bafta Film Awards, boasting 12 nominations in total. The film's success is mirrored by Netflix's Spanish-language musical Emilia Pérez, which tells the compelling story of a Mexican cartel leader who undergoes a transformative journey to embrace life as a transgender woman. In the acting categories, Cynthia Erivo and Demi Moore lead the charge in the best actress section, while Adrien Brody and Timothee Chalamet are in contention for best actor. Notably absent from the shortlist are Denzel Washington and Daniel Craig, who had anticipated nods for their roles in Gladiator II and Queer, respectively. Among the surprises, Hugh Grant received a nomination for his role in the horror film Heretic, while Saoirse Ronan is also recognized for her performance in The Outrun.The central contenders in the nominations are as follows: - Conclave (12 nods)- Emilia Pérez (11 nods)- The Brutalist (9 nods)- Anora, Dune: Part Two, and Wicked (7 nods each)- A Complete Unknown and Kneecap (6 nods each)- Nosferatu and The Substance (5 nods each)Anora is particularly noted for its narrative of a whirlwind romance between a New York sex worker and a wealthy Russian’s son, earning it seven nominations, including one for lead actress Mikey Madison, who is also competing for the rising star award decided by public vote.Meanwhile, The Brutalist, which portrays the life of a Hungarian architect post-World War II, has garnered significant acclaim with nine nominations and is seen as great competition heading into the Oscars. Brady Corbet, its director, is among several first-time directing nominees, which also include Coralie Fargeat for The Substance.There is much excitement with the potential for double wins at the Oscars, considering the Bafta nominations typically align closely with Oscar selections. Marianne Jean-Baptiste's role in Hard Truths, where she portrays a woman grappling with depression, has also turned heads and may bolster her chances at the Oscars.The Bafta 2023 event will take place on February 16 at London's prestigious Royal Festival Hall, where nominees such as Paddington have also raised questions regarding the omissions from key categories. Intriguingly, for the first time, there is a dedicated category for children's and family films, showcasing an evolution in the awards structure.Host David Tennant will guide viewers through this celebratory night, as this year's slate of films includes innovative entries like Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, The Wild Robot, and Flow, engaging audiences of all ages. As the awards season unfolds, anticipation builds around which talented artists will take home the coveted Bafta victories.
