The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards are shaping up to be one of the most talked-about ceremonies of the year, with the longlists revealing a mix of big international titles and some notable absences that have left fans and industry observers debating who has been overlooked.
The longlists were released ahead of the official nominations, which will be announced on January 27, and the ceremony itself is scheduled for February 22, 2026 at the Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Center in London.
At the top of the list, Paul Thomas Anderson One battle after another dominates with a record 16 mentions in the main categories, including best film and best director, led by Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance.
Other strong contenders like Hamnet and sinners also obtained wide recognition with 14 nominations each.
However, the longlist announcement also sparked controversy among some fans, who pointed out that several major international films and stars have been sidelined or excluded from key categories, leaving observers wondering what it means for the British Academy’s selection process this awards season.
Some of the biggest Hollywood stars left out of the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards are George Clooney, Dwayne Johnson and Julia Roberts, who failed to make the acting long lists, despite all three earning Golden Globe nominations for their latest performances.
Another example of a high-profile omission discussed in media coverage is that of Netflix. Kpop Demon Hunters.
Despite being one of the most popular films of 2025, it did not make the longlist because it did not meet the BAFTA eligibility requirement for UK cinema screenings.
This technicality surprised many streaming audiences and highlighted how awards qualification rules can affect which films are considered.
The upcoming final nominations will narrow down these lists and determine who will compete for the top BAFTA trophies.
With films ranging from intimate dramas to global blockbusters, expectations are high, but the discussion over who is included and who isn’t will no doubt continue until awards night on February 22.
