The 2025 British Academy of Film and Television (BAFTA) Awards have unveiled their nominations, and the Irish-language film Kneecap is making waves with six nods across various categories. Simultaneously, Saoirse Ronan is in the spotlight for her compelling performance in The Outrun, earning a nomination for Leading Actress.
Leading the pack with an impressive 12 nominations is Conclave,a gripping drama starring Ralph Fiennes. The film, which explores the intricate political maneuvers within the election of a new pope, has captivated audiences and critics alike.
Directed by Rich Peppiatt, Kneecap has garnered critical acclaim for its portrayal of the “riotous and ground-breaking” origin story of the Belfast rap trio that shares its name. The film’s nominations span categories such as Outstanding Debut, Original Screenplay, Casting, film Not In The English Language, Editing, and Outstanding British Film, showcasing its multifaceted brilliance.
Behind the scenes, Kneecap boasts a robust production team, including Fine Point Films from Belfast, Wildcard Distribution in Dublin, mother Tongues films in London, and the British Film Institute (BFI). Funding support came from key organizations like Northern Ireland Screen, the Irish Language broadcast Fund, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, Coimisiún na Meán, and TG4.
In the Leading Actress category, saoirse Ronan’s portrayal in The outrun stands tall alongside other formidable performances. Cynthia Erivo for Wicked, Marianne Jean-Baptiste for Hard Truths, Demi moore for The Substance, Mikey Madison for Anora, and Spanish actress karla Sofia Gascon for Emilia Pérez complete a diverse and talented lineup.
The Outrun, adapted from Amy Liptrot’s best-selling memoir, follows the journey of Rona, a young woman who returns to the Orkney Islands after a decade of partying in London and a stint in rehab for alcoholism. The film’s narrative depth and Ronan’s nuanced performance have resonated deeply with audiences.
The 2024 awards season is heating up with an exciting lineup of BAFTA nominations, showcasing a diverse array of talent and storytelling. Among the standout films is Conclave, which has garnered multiple nods, including Best Director for Edward Berger and a Supporting Actress nomination for Isabella Rossellini. The film is also in the running for Best Film, Outstanding British Film, adapted Screenplay, and cinematography.
Ralph Fiennes, who stars in Conclave, is nominated for Best Leading Actor, competing against heavyweights like Adrien Brody for The Brutalist, Timothée Chalamet for the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, and Colman Domingo for Sing Sing. Hugh Grant’s chilling portrayal of a sociopathic scholar in Heretic and Sebastian Stan’s transformation into a young Donald Trump in The Apprentice have also earned them spots in the same category.
Netflix’s musical thriller Emilia Peréz is another major contender, amassing 11 nominations. The film, which stars Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldana, tells the story of a Mexican drug lord undergoing a gender transformation. Spanish actress Karla Sofia gascon made history as the first transgender actress to receive a Golden Globe nomination and is now up for Best leading Actress. Meanwhile, Gomez and Saldana will compete against each other in the Supporting Actress category.
Ariana Grande also joins the Supporting Actress race for her role as Glinda in Wicked, alongside English actress Felicity Jones for The Brutalist and Jamie Lee Curtis for The Last Showgirl, which features Pamela Anderson as a showgirl navigating life after her long-running show ends unexpectedly.
Watch: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo discuss their roles in wicked.
The Supporting Actor category is equally star-studded, featuring Kieran Culkin for A Real Pain, where he plays a man tracing his Jewish grandmother’s past in Poland, and Jeremy Strong for his portrayal of Roy Cohn in The Apprentice. They are joined by Russian actor Yura Borisov for Anora, Clarence Maclin for Sing Sing, Edward Norton for A Complete Unknown, and Guy Pearce for The Brutalist.
The BAFTA nominations also highlighted films like Outrun, which is in the running for Outstanding British Film. Before the nominations were announced, hosts Mia McKenna-Bruce and Will Sharpe took a moment to honor those affected by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles and the frontline workers tirelessly battling the crisis.
With such a rich and varied selection of films and performances, this year’s BAFTAs promise to be a party of cinematic excellence, showcasing stories that resonate across cultures and genres.
BAFTA Film Awards 2024: A Glimpse into the Nominees and Anticipated winners
The BAFTA Film Awards 2024 are set to be a grand spectacle, with a lineup of nominees that promises to deliver a night of cinematic excellence. This year’s nominations span across a diverse range of genres, from epic science fiction to intimate biopics, ensuring a celebration of storytelling at its finest.
best Film Category: A Battle of Titans
Leading the charge in the Best film category is Conclave, a gripping narrative that has garnered widespread acclaim.It faces stiff competition from Anora,The Brutalist,A Complete unknown,and Emilia Peréz.Each of these films brings a unique perspective, from the raw intensity of The Brutalist to the enigmatic charm of A Complete Unknown.
Science fiction and Fantasy: Dune: part Two and wicked Dominate
In the realm of science fiction, Dune: Part Two, starring Chalamet as a rebellious heir, has secured seven nominations, showcasing its mastery of the genre. Similarly, Wicked has captivated audiences with its fantastical narrative, earning the same number of nods. These films not only highlight the technical prowess of modern cinema but also delve into themes of human resilience and moral dilemmas.
Outstanding British Film: A Celebration of Homegrown Talent
The Outstanding British Film category is brimming with extraordinary contenders. Gladiator II, a blockbuster sequel, has earned three nominations, competing against the whimsical yet dark Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, which reintroduces the infamous Feathers McGraw. Steve McQueen’s World war II drama Blitz, featuring Ronan, adds a poignant historical narrative to the mix.
Other notable entries include Lee,where Kate Winslet portrays a front-line journalist during WWII,and love Lies Bleeding,a romantic thriller exploring the complex relationship between a bodybuilder and a gym manager. Barry Keoghan’s Bird and Hard Truths, starring Jean-Baptiste as a woman grappling with anger issues, further enrich the category with their distinct storytelling.
Supporting Actor Nominations: A Snapshot of Talent
Denzel Washington’s portrayal of a scheming gladiator owner in Gladiator II earned him a nomination in the Supporting Actor category. Despite not making the shortlist, his performance remains a standout, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor.
The Event: A Star-Studded Affair
Hosted by Doctor Who star David Tennant, the EE BAFTA Film Awards will take place on sunday, February 16, at the Royal Festival Hall in Southbank Center, London.The event promises to be a convergence of the industry’s finest, celebrating the art of filmmaking with all its grandeur and poignancy.
With such a diverse and talented lineup, the BAFTA Film Awards 2024 are poised to be a memorable event, honoring the films that have captivated and inspired audiences throughout the year.
