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The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards are already generating strong discussion after the release of the official longlists, which highlight a mix of critically acclaimed films alongside several high-profile omissions.
The longlists were announced ahead of the final nominations, which are scheduled to be revealed on January 27. The awards ceremony will take place on February 22, 2026, at the Royal Festival Hall at London’s Southbank Centre.
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Leading the longlists is Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, which secured a record 16 mentions across major categories, including Best Film and Best Director. The film is driven by a widely praised performance from Leonardo DiCaprio. Close behind are Hamnet and Sinners, each earning 14 longlist entries, positioning them as strong contenders this awards season.
While the longlists celebrate a range of international and British productions, they have also prompted criticism from fans and industry observers over notable exclusions. Several major Hollywood figures, including George Clooney, Dwayne Johnson, and Julia Roberts, did not appear in the acting longlists, despite all three receiving Golden Globe nominations for their recent work.
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Another widely discussed omission is Netflix’s Kpop Demon Hunters, one of the most-streamed and talked-about films of 2025. The movie failed to qualify due to BAFTA’s eligibility rules requiring a UK theatrical release, underscoring how technical criteria can significantly influence awards recognition.
As the longlists are narrowed down to final nominations later this month, attention will remain focused not only on potential winners but also on the broader conversation about eligibility, representation, and selection standards at the British Academy.
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With anticipation building ahead of the February ceremony, debate over who made the cut—and who did not—is expected to continue right up to awards night.
