The anticipation surrounding the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards has reached a fever pitch, with the announcement of the nominations revealing Conclave as the standout contender. Directed by Edward Berger, this gripping Catholic drama has garnered a remarkable twelve nominations, including the coveted Best Film category. Starring acclaimed actors Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini, Conclave is now positioned as the film to beat at the upcoming ceremony.
Close competition from Emilia Pérez
Trailing closely behind is Emilia Pérez, which has secured eleven nominations, showcasing the talents of Zoe Saldaña and Selena Gomez in the supporting actress category. This film’s strong performance in nominations, including a nod for Best Film, underscores the competitive landscape of this year’s awards. The BAFTA long list had initially favored Jacques Audiard’s Spanish-language musical, which led with fifteen citations, but the final nominations saw a shift, placing Conclave at the forefront.
Notable nominations and surprises
In the Best Film category, Conclave and Emilia Pérez will compete against other Oscar frontrunners such as The Brutalist, Anora, and A Complete Unknown. The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, has also made a significant impact with nine nominations, including a nod for leading actor Adrien Brody. The competition is fierce, with familiar names like Colman Domingo and Timothée Chalamet vying for recognition alongside less expected nominees such as Hugh Grant and Sebastian Stan.
Historic nominations and industry recognition
This year’s nominations have also made history, particularly with Karla Sofía Gascón’s nomination for Emilia Pérez, marking her as the first out trans woman nominated in the leading actress category at the BAFTAs. The awards have also recognized the exceptional performances of Marianne Jean-Baptiste and Saoirse Ronan, who have been nominated over more established stars like Nicole Kidman and Kate Winslet. This shift in recognition highlights the evolving landscape of the film industry and the increasing diversity of talent being acknowledged.
As the film community prepares for the ceremony on February 16, hosted by David Tennant, the excitement surrounding the nominations continues to build. The 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards promise to be a night of celebration, recognition, and perhaps, surprises.