BAFTA 2026 Nominations Spotlight Storytelling, Craft, and Cultural Impact

Images courtesy of BAFTA

The nominations for the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards are officially here, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated celebrations in the global film calendar. Announced this week at BAFTA HQ by actors Aimee Lou Wood and David Jonsson, the shortlist features 46 remarkable films that reflect the power of storytelling to engage, challenge, and entertain audiences across the world.

Spanning a wide range of genres, styles, and narratives, this year’s nominated films underline the richness and diversity of contemporary cinema. From bold independent voices to large-scale productions, the list offers something for every kind of film lover. BAFTA encourages audiences to experience these stories where they shine brightest—on the big screen—by heading to local cinemas ahead of awards night.

The excitement culminates on Sunday, 22 February, when the EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK. As ever, the night promises not only to honor excellence but also to spark conversation about the stories shaping our cultural moment.

Alongside the nominations, BAFTA has announced that Clare Binns, Creative Director of Picturehouse Cinemas and Picturehouse Entertainment, will receive the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award. A formidable force in UK film distribution for over four decades, Binns has consistently championed diverse, independent, and daring films, helping them reach audiences nationwide. Her impact on British cinema will be formally recognized at the awards ceremony.

Beyond film, BAFTA’s cultural footprint continues to expand across creative industries. This week marks the worldwide premiere of BAFTA Games in Concert at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Featuring a 65-piece orchestra, the event celebrates the composers behind some of the most iconic video game soundtracks, highlighting the emotional and artistic depth of game music as a storytelling medium.

BAFTA ALBERT also adds to the week’s programming with a free Deep Dive webinar exploring nature-inspired storytelling. The session invites creatives to rethink nature not just as a backdrop, but as an active force that can shape character, drive narrative, and deepen audience connection with the natural world.

Rounding out the week, BAFTA offers a behind-the-scenes look at the hit show Gladiators, taking viewers onto the high-energy set to see how performers, crew, and referees maintain momentum during intense eight-hour shoot days. Together, these highlights reflect BAFTA’s mission: to celebrate creativity, craft, and the stories that move us—on screen, on stage, and beyond.