The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has officially revealed its nominations for the 2025 Film Awards, with Conclave, a papal thriller, and Emilia Pérez, a crime-musical, leading the pack with 12 and 11 nods, respectively. Announced in London this morning, the nominations shine a spotlight on the year’s most impactful films, performances, and creative achievements.
The ceremony is slated for February 16, 2025, at London’s Royal Festival Hall, continuing BAFTA’s tradition of celebrating excellence in filmmaking. Unlike its U.S. counterparts, many of which have faced delays or extensions due to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, BAFTA has adhered to its schedule, adding to the excitement of awards season.
This year’s lineup reflects a broad and diverse array of films, offering something for every audience. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the nominations, key highlights, and notable surprises.
The Contenders: A Year of Strong Competitors
Best Film
The Best Film category features a formidable set of contenders that represent a mix of genres, styles, and thematic depth. The five nominees include:
- Anora: A poignant drama directed by Sean Baker, focusing on family, identity, and resilience.
- The Brutalist: A visually stunning and narratively complex piece by Brady Corbet, which has dominated discussions as an Oscars favorite.
- A Complete Unknown: James Mangold’s biographical drama exploring identity and reinvention.
- Conclave: Directed by Edward Berger, this gripping thriller takes viewers into the secretive world of a papal election.
- Emilia Pérez: Jacques Audiard’s genre-defying crime-musical, blending vibrant storytelling with striking performances.
Each nominee has made waves during awards season, and any of these films could take home the coveted Best Film trophy. The Brutalist has emerged as a favorite among bookmakers for both the BAFTA and Oscar Best Film categories, while the omission of Wicked, considered an Oscar frontrunner, has raised eyebrows.
Directors in the Spotlight
This year’s Best Director category includes an impressive lineup of visionaries:
- Sean Baker (Anora): Celebrated for his intimate storytelling and nuanced direction.
- Brady Corbet (The Brutalist): Lauded for his ambitious cinematic vision.
- Edward Berger (Conclave): Known for his ability to craft tension and drama.
- Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Two): A master of epic storytelling and visual grandeur.
- Jacques Audiard (Emilia Pérez): Renowned for his genre-bending approach.
- Coralie Fargeat (The Substance): Making waves with her unique, bold style.
Technical Excellence
Both Dune: Part Two and Nosferatu stood out in the technical and craft categories. While Dune: Part Two secured seven nominations, including recognition for cinematography, editing, and production design, Nosferatu surprised many with five nods, despite its Golden Globes snub.
Celebrating Performances: Leading and Supporting Roles
Leading Actress
The Leading Actress category showcases a mix of seasoned stars and rising talents, highlighting performances that resonated with audiences and critics alike:
- Cynthia Erivo (Wicked): A powerhouse performance in a magical musical.
- Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez): Her transformative role captivated audiences.
- Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths): A raw, deeply moving performance.
- Mikey Madison (Anora): A breakout role that established her as a major talent.
- Demi Moore (The Substance): Moore’s Golden Globe-winning performance continues to earn accolades.
- Saoirse Ronan (The Outrun): A nuanced portrayal of personal struggle and redemption.
Demi Moore and Mikey Madison are currently considered frontrunners for the Oscars, with Moore’s recent Golden Globe win boosting her momentum.
Leading Actor
The Leading Actor category features a dynamic lineup of performances:
- Adrien Brody (The Brutalist): A career-defining role that cements his legacy.
- Timothée Chalamet (A Complete Unknown): Another mesmerizing performance from this young star.
- Colman Domingo (Sing Sing): An emotionally resonant portrayal that’s earned widespread acclaim.
- Ralph Fiennes (Conclave): A commanding presence in this gripping thriller.
- Hugh Grant (Heretic): Grant’s fourth BAFTA nomination, showcasing his enduring talent.
- Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice): A compelling performance in a challenging role.
Outstanding British Films
British cinema shone brightly this year, with films like Blitz, The Outrun, and Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl making significant impacts. The Outstanding British Film category features ten nominees:
- Bird
- Blitz
- Conclave
- Gladiator II
- Hard Truths
- Kneecap
- Lee
- Love Lies Bleeding
- The Outrun
- Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
New Category: Children’s and Family Film
In an exciting first, BAFTA introduced a Children’s and Family Film category this year. Nominees include:
- Flow
- Kensuke’s Kingdom
- Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
- The Wild Robot
This addition reflects BAFTA’s commitment to recognizing films that inspire and entertain younger audiences.
International and Documentary Films
Film Not in the English Language
The international category highlights global cinematic achievements, with nominees including:
- All We Imagine as Light
- Emilia Pérez
- I’m Still Here
- Kneecap
- The Seed of the Sacred Fig
Documentary
The documentary category features powerful, thought-provoking stories:
- Black Box Diaries
- Daughters
- No Other Land
- Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
- Will & Harper
For an exhaustive list of nominees across all categories, including cinematography, original score, casting, and visual effects, visit the official BAFTA website. The 2025 BAFTA Film Awards promise to celebrate the very best in filmmaking, offering a night filled with anticipation and recognition for the industry’s brightest stars and creators.
This year’s BAFTA Film Awards reflect the vibrancy and diversity of modern cinema. With strong contenders across all categories, the ceremony is poised to be a thrilling celebration of storytelling, creativity, and talent. As the countdown to February 16 continues, audiences and industry insiders alike eagerly await the unveiling of this year’s winners.
