The highly anticipated 2026 BAFTA Film Awards season is poised for a significant milestone as two of the United Kingdom’s most dynamic and rapidly ascending talents, David Jonsson and Aimee Lou Wood, prepare to unveil the complete list of nominations. This pivotal announcement marks a crucial step in the journey towards one of the most prestigious nights in the global cinematic calendar, setting the stage for an awards ceremony that celebrates excellence, innovation, and the power of storytelling.
The esteemed British Academy of Film and Television Arts has tapped Jonsson and Wood for the crucial role of hosts, entrusting them with the task of revealing the nominees across all categories. The event is scheduled for January 27, kicking off promptly at 12 p.m. U.K. time, which translates to an early 4 a.m. PT for audiences across the pond. The grandeur of the announcement will unfold from the British Academy’s iconic headquarters at 195 Piccadilly in London, a venue synonymous with cinematic heritage and artistic celebration. For those unable to attend in person, the Academy ensures global accessibility, with the entire unveiling livestreamed across BAFTA’s official YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) channels, inviting enthusiasts worldwide to partake in the excitement.
This year’s nominations announcement arrives amidst a backdrop of considerable buzz, particularly following the first round of BAFTA voting which has already hinted at potential frontrunners. Leading the pack with an unprecedented 16 longlist nominations is Paul Thomas Anderson’s incisive American satire, “One Battle After Another.” This remarkable achievement sets a new record since the longlist round was first introduced in 2021, underscoring the film’s profound impact and widespread critical acclaim among voters. Its dominance at this early stage suggests a strong likelihood of maintaining its leading position as the nominations are finalized, potentially shaping the narrative of the entire awards season.
Close on its heels, demonstrating the depth and diversity of cinematic achievements this year, are several other notable contenders. “Hamnet” and “Sinners” have both garnered significant attention, each securing an impressive 14 longlist slots. Following closely is “Marty Supreme” with 13 mentions, while “Bugonia” and a reimagined “Frankenstein” each boast a strong showing with 12 longlist nominations. These figures not only highlight the individual strengths of these films but also paint a vibrant picture of a year rich in compelling narratives, artistic vision, and powerful performances across a spectrum of genres and themes.
The selection of David Jonsson and Aimee Lou Wood as the faces of this significant announcement is a testament to BAFTA’s commitment to championing emerging talent and reflecting the dynamic shifts within the industry. Both actors, while relatively early in their careers, have already carved out impressive résumés and are far from strangers to the BAFTA stage, embodying the spirit of fresh perspective and undeniable skill.
Aimee Lou Wood, in particular, has experienced a meteoric rise to international prominence. Her star power truly began to soar following her standout performance in the third season of the acclaimed HBO series “The White Lotus” last year, a role that showcased her versatility and comedic timing to a global audience. Prior to this, Wood had already captivated viewers with her breakout role as Aimee Gibbs in the beloved Netflix series “Sex Education,” a performance that earned her the prestigious BAFTA TV Award for Best Female Comedy Performance. Her portrayal of Aimee, a character navigating the complexities of adolescence, friendship, and trauma with remarkable vulnerability and humor, resonated deeply with critics and audiences alike, solidifying her status as a formidable talent. In 2023, her burgeoning career was further recognized with a nomination for the highly coveted BAFTA Rising Star Award, a category that often serves as a powerful launchpad for future cinematic luminaries. Currently, Wood is engrossed in an exciting new venture, shooting Sam Mendes’ ambitious four-part biopic chronicling the legendary journey of “The Beatles,” a project that promises to further elevate her profile and demonstrate her dramatic range.
David Jonsson, meanwhile, holds the distinct honor of being the current holder of the BAFTA Rising Star award, having clinched the accolade in 2025. This triumph followed his compelling performances in the highly anticipated science fiction thriller “Alien: Romulus” and his critically lauded breakout turn in the charming British rom-com “Rye Lane.” His win for the Rising Star award, a public-voted category that spotlights actors on the cusp of global recognition, cemented his status as a leading man with immense potential. Jonsson’s recent filmography also includes impactful roles in “The Long Walk” and “Wasteman,” the latter of which has already secured a place on the BAFTA longlist for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer, highlighting his involvement in projects that resonate with both critical and popular appeal. Looking ahead, Jonsson is set to undertake a monumental role, portraying the iconic Sammy Davis Jnr. alongside Sydney Sweeney in the much-anticipated “Scandalous!” The film, which will be directed by the multi-talented Colman Domingo, is expected to be a significant career milestone, showcasing Jonsson’s capacity for complex, historical portrayals.
The BAFTA Rising Star category, unique in its public voting mechanism, holds particular significance as a barometer for the industry’s future. It is a powerful platform that has previously propelled talents like Tom Holland, Kristen Stewart, and Lashana Lynch to international stardom. This year’s promising lineup of nominees for the Rising Star award was already unveiled on January 14, generating its own wave of excitement. The five exceptional talents vying for this prestigious honor include Chase Infiniti, recognized for her role in the aforementioned “One Battle After Another”; Miles Caton, whose performance in “Sinners” has garnered significant praise; Archie Madekwe, celebrated for his work in “Lurker”; Robert Aramayo, nominated for his compelling turn in “I Swear”; and Posy Sterling, whose talent shone through in “Lollipop.” Each of these actors represents the vibrant future of cinema, with their nominations underscoring the depth of new talent emerging within the industry.
The meticulous BAFTA voting process is now in its critical second round, with members casting their final ballots before the deadline of January 20. This period of intense deliberation will ultimately determine which films, performances, and technical achievements will be celebrated on the grand stage. Following the highly anticipated nominations announcement on January 27, the focus will then shift to the main event: the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards ceremony itself. This glamorous and star-studded evening is scheduled to take place on February 22 at the iconic Royal Festival Hall in London. The ceremony promises to be a spectacular celebration of cinematic artistry, bringing together the industry’s luminaries to honor the year’s most outstanding contributions to film. As the awards season gathers momentum, the BAFTA nominations serve as a crucial indicator, often providing significant insight into the broader landscape of international film recognition and the eventual outcomes of other major awards, including the Academy Awards. The world watches with bated breath as Jonsson and Wood prepare to reveal the contenders who will define the cinematic conversation of 2026.
