BAFTA unveiled its eagerly anticipated film nominations list today, and it left both critics and fans buzzing with excitement and disappointment. One major surprise was the absence of Lily Gladstone, who recently won a Golden Globe for her performance in “Killers Of The Flower Moon.” Equally shocking was the exclusion of acclaimed directors Martin Scorsese and Greta Gerwig from the directorial categories. Despite these snubs, “Killers Of The Flower Moon” still managed to secure an impressive nine nominations, with Leonardo DiCaprio being the notable exception. On the other hand, “Barbie,” which received nine Golden Globe nominations, failed to gain momentum and only made it into five BAFTA categories. Notably, it was snubbed in the score and sound categories, despite critical acclaim for its songs and audio.
The omission of certain films and filmmakers from the BAFTA nominations list is not entirely surprising given the organization’s recent efforts to prioritize diversity and elevate British films. Over the years, BAFTA has faced criticism for aligning too closely with the Oscars and neglecting British cinema. However, this year’s nominations signal a shift towards a more inclusive selection. With three of the six best director nominees being European, BAFTA seems to be embracing a wider range of talents and voices. Nonetheless, it is highly likely that Gladstone, Scorsese, and Gerwig will receive nods when the Oscar nominations are announced.
The BAFTA nominations also brought unexpected surprises and disappointments for other films. Yorgos Lanthimos, the critically acclaimed director of “Poor Things,” was shockingly omitted from the Best Director category, despite receiving recognition from the DGA and Golden Globes. Similarly, “May December” and “Nyad” failed to garner any nominations between them, while Michael Mann’s ambitious project “Ferrari” only secured one nomination for Sound. Additionally, “Napoleon” received four nominations but was noticeably absent from acting, directing, and cinematography categories. Conversely, “Past Lives” received three nominations after being long-listed for six, but failed to secure nominations in the Best Director or Best Film categories. Another surprise was the double nomination of Sandra Hüller for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, an impressive feat highlighting her versatility and talent.
The absence of Aki Kaurismäki’s critically acclaimed “Fallen Leaves” from the Best Film Not In The English Language category raised eyebrows among film enthusiasts. Simultaneously, the inclusion of “20 Days In Mariupol,” a documentary, in the same category surprised and pleased its filmmakers, especially considering its presence in the Best Documentary category as well. However, this year’s BAFTA nominations appeared to welcome a solid amount of diversity in the main categories, a refreshing change from previous years. Nevertheless, the lack of representation in the Best Director category remains a challenge that BAFTA continues to grapple with, despite their efforts to adjust regulations and promote inclusivity.
As the excitement around the BAFTA nominations settles, the anticipation for the upcoming awards ceremony intensifies. The snubs and surprises have sparked discussions and debates within the film industry, further fueling the eagerness to see who will ultimately triumph. Whether it’s the unexpected omissions or the breakthrough performances, the BAFTA Awards promise to be an exciting celebration of the extraordinary talent that graced the screens in the past year. As the film industry evolves and strives for greater diversity and recognition, BAFTA remains at the forefront of championing change, constantly adapting to create a more level playing field for all.