The nominations for the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards have arrived and, as always, they come with their share of snubs and surprises.
Topping the list of snobs this year are “Wicked,” which missed out on the best picture category, and Denzel Washington (“Gladiator II”) who, despite being one of the most famous actors of his generation, has still never received a BAFTA nomination. But there were also plenty of pleasant surprises, like Hugh Grant getting a lead actor nomination for his chilling turn in “Heretic” and the Irish-language musical film “Kneecap” receiving six nominations better than foreseen.
Below, we detail the most important developments since this morning’s announcement.
SNUB: “Wicked” misses the title of best film
In what is probably the most surprising snub of the day, Jon M. Chu’s musical adaptation failed to secure a Best Picture nomination. It was likely sidelined by another musical – Jacques Audiard’s “Emilia Pérez” – which, given its international connections, might have resonated more with British voters. It’s also worth noting that “Wicked,” while a box office phenomenon in the United States, did not perform as well internationally. “Wicked” also failed to win recognition in the adapted screenplay category, although it did earn acting nominations for stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as well as five nominations in the craft categories.
SNUB: Denzel Washington remains without a BAFTA nomination
Denzel Washington’s lack of recognition – awards and nominations – from BAFTA voters has become somewhat embarrassing for the British Academy given the accolades he has racked up elsewhere (not to mention the fact that he is widely regarded as one of the best actors working today). Following the praise he received for his supporting role in “Gladiator 2” as the scheming former slave Macrinus, many believed that 2025 would be the year that this omission would finally be reversed. But that’s not the case, with his snub probably being one of the biggest among the current crop of nominees. There is a good chance that Washington will receive a BAFTA scholarship before securing a nomination.
SURPRISE: Hugh Grant gets lead actor nomination for ‘Heretic’
There was jubilation in 2018 when Hugh Grant received a BAFTA supporting actor nomination for his comedic performance in “Paddington 2.” Fast forward seven years and there will likely be cheers for his nomination for a completely different type of film (and one highlighting how well Grant has shed his old romantic comedy label). Grant’s lead performance as a sinister recluse who terrorizes two missionaries in the horror film “Heretic” received widespread critical acclaim, helping lead the film to a $50 million box office gross. .
SNUB: “Challengers” gets nothing
Despite releasing in March 2024, there was still some hope that “Challengers” — Luca Guadagnino’s scorching tennis game starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist — would have enough momentum to get some ” love” (sorry) of the house. of Wimbledon. The performance categories may have been too far out of reach, but Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross’s thrilling music, Justin Kuritzkes’ original screenplay, and Marco Costa’s editing were featured on several score sheets. However, at least as far as the BAFTAs were concerned, rain stopped play.
SURPRISE: “Super/Man” nominated for documentary after Oscar snobbery
Earlier this month, many were shocked when “Super/Man” — the documentary about actor Christopher Reeve’s legacy after a horse-riding accident left him paralyzed — was left off the list of the best documentaries at the Oscars. However, the film may find redemption at the BAFTAs, as it was included among its nominees today alongside “Black Box Diaries,” “Daughters,” “No Other Land” and “Will & Harper.”
SURPRISE: the six names of “Kneecap”
Since its debut at Sundance a year ago, “Kneecap” has become the little film that could do it. Rich Peppiatt’s wild comedy-biopic about the real-life Belfast rap trio – all of whom play themselves – has spent the last 12 months garnering both rave reviews and awards, beloved both for its anarchic story and drug-soaked and for her proud use of the Irish language. . But in January 2024, few would have predicted that this would take the film all the way to the BAFTA red carpet. Six nominations – original screenplay, outstanding British film, outstanding debut film, non-English language film, casting and editing – is a phenomenal achievement for the low-budget independent film, which likely becomes the first BAFTA nominated film to debut after 12 years. -an hour all night.
SNUB: Nothing for Golden Globe winner Fernanda Torres
Just over a week after winning the Golden Globe for her much-celebrated performance in “I’m Still Here,” Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres seemed sure to land, at the very least, a BAFTA nomination. But while Walter Salles’ political biopic found a place in film, not in the English-language category, Torres didn’t get a spot among the six slots reserved for the lead actress.
SNUB: only nomination for “All We Imagine as Light”
Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine as Light” has racked up an astonishing number of accolades since its presentation at Cannes (where it was the first Indian film to compete for the Palme d’Or in 30 years). Getting a place on the BAFTA film not on the English-language shortlist was considered practically a dead certificate, but it was hoped that Kapadia would be recognized in the director category and perhaps even in the original screenplay.
SNUB: Nicole Kidman for “Babygirl”
After failing to secure a SAG nomination for her daring performance in Halina Reijn’s erotic thriller “Babygirl,” the Oscar winner was once again snubbed by the BAFTAs. However, Kidman got a nod at the Golden Globes, so she still has a chance in the Oscar race. The BAFTAs’ leading actress category instead included Saoirse Ronan for “The Outrun,” who has long been a favorite of the awards body.
SURPRISE: Success of “Sing Sing”
Colman Domingo has received most of the awards season love so far for “Sing Sing,” Greg Kwedar’s prison drama. Although Domingo continued his streak at the BAFTAs, earning a leading actor nomination, the film was also recognized in the adapted screenplay category alongside “Conclave” and “Emilia Pérez” and Clarence Maclin – one of the men formerly incarcerated in the film – also got a supporting actor nod.
SNUB: Daniel Craig for “Queer”
It may have been Bond, James Bond, but Daniel Craig’s performance in “Queer” didn’t seem to resonate with British voters. Although Craig earned Golden Globe and SAG nominations for his daring role in Luca Guadagnino’s adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novel, he was beaten out by awards race wildcards like Hugh Grant (“Heretic”) ) and Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”). .
