“Conclave” Leads BAFTA Nominations, Challenging Top Contenders
Edward Berger’s thriller “Conclave,” centered on the intense selection process for a new pope, emerged as the leading contender for this year’s EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs), securing 12 nominations. The film is up for the coveted Best Film award alongside notable competitors, including Sean Baker’s dramedy “Anora” and “The Brutalist,” starring Adrien Brody.
Joining these top contenders in the Best Film category are “A Complete Unknown” and “Emilia Pérez,” each earning 11 nominations, the second highest after “Conclave.”
A Surprising Leader
The strong showing for “Conclave” at the BAFTAs is a significant shift from its performance at the Golden Globes, where it secured only one award. In contrast, “Emilia Pérez” and “The Brutalist” dominated the Golden Globes, setting the stage for a highly competitive award season. The unexpected BAFTA success could provide “Conclave” with crucial momentum as it approaches the Oscars, where the nomination announcements have been delayed due to the Los Angeles wildfires. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is now scheduled to release the nominations on January 23.
Anna Higgs, chair of BAFTA’s film committee, noted that despite the wildfires, voting among BAFTA’s Los Angeles-based members remained unaffected. The BAFTA ceremony is scheduled for February 16 in London and will be broadcast in the United States on BritBox.
Competitive Categories
The race for individual awards at this year’s BAFTAs promises to be intense. In the Best Director category, Berger faces competition from Sean Baker (“Anora”), Brady Corbet (“The Brutalist”), Jacques Audiard (“Emilia Pérez”), Denis Villeneuve for “Dune: Part Two,” and Coralie Fargeat for “The Substance,” a body-horror film starring Demi Moore.
In the Leading Actress category, Moore, who won a Golden Globe for her role in “The Substance,” will compete against a strong lineup that includes Cynthia Erivo for “Wicked,” Karla Sofía Gascón for “Emilia Pérez,” Marianne Jean-Baptiste for “Hard Truths,” Mikey Madison for “Anora,” and Saoirse Ronan for her portrayal of a recovering alcoholic in “The Outrun.”
The Leading Actor category features Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”) contending with Colman Domingo (“Sing Sing”), Ralph Fiennes (“Conclave”), Hugh Grant (“Heretic”), Timothée Chalamet (“A Complete Unknown”), and Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”). Fiennes’ nomination, in particular, highlights his compelling performance in “Conclave,” which has drawn significant attention.
Building Oscar Momentum
The BAFTA nominations often serve as a bellwether for the Oscars, and “Conclave’s” strong performance could position it as a serious contender in the upcoming Academy Awards. The film’s narrative, which delves into the political and spiritual intricacies of electing a new pope, has resonated with audiences and critics alike, providing it with a robust foundation for further accolades.
While the BAFTAs are a highlight of the British film calendar, the impact of international events, such as the Los Angeles wildfires, could influence the awards season’s trajectory. However, the BAFTAs remain committed to celebrating the year’s cinematic achievements, and this year’s lineup of nominees underscores a diverse and dynamic range of storytelling.
As “Conclave” leads the pack, the upcoming BAFTA ceremony promises to be a closely watched event, offering a glimpse into the potential outcomes of the broader awards season.
