LONDON (AP) — The papal thriller “Conclave” has taken the lead in the British Academy Film Awards race with nominations in 12 categories, one more than the musical 'Emilia Perez.' The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have cast a somber tone over the industry, with BAFTA acknowledging the impact before announcing the nominations.
The BAFTA ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 16 at the Royal Festival Hall in London, hosted by David Tennant. The five films nominated for the best film award include “Conclave,” “Emilia Perez,” “The Brutalist,” “Anora,” and “A Complete Unknown.”
Notable nominations include Adrien Brody for leading actor in “The Brutalist,” Hugh Grant for his role in “Heretic,” and Demi Moore for lead actress in “The Substance.” The nominations reflect a diverse range of genres and talents, with a focus on first-time nominees in the acting categories.
The awards, known as the EE BAFTA Film Awards, are closely watched for insights into potential Oscar winners. Director Edward Berger expressed his delight at the recognition for “Conclave,” emphasizing the film's exploration of doubt and the pursuit of perfection.
The BAFTA nominations showcase a variety of storytelling and filmmaking styles, with efforts to increase diversity in recent years. Changes in the voting process aim to ensure a more inclusive selection of nominees, with a focus on recognizing talent from different backgrounds.
Despite the competitive field, some notable absences, like Denzel Washington, have been observed. Washington, who was on the longlist, did not make the final cut for his role in “Gladiator II.”
