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 watchers debating who has been overlooked.
The longlists were published ahead of the official nominations, which will be revealed on 27 January, with the actual ceremony set for 22 February 2026 at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London.
Top of the list, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One match after another dominates with a record 16 longlist mentions across major categories, including Best Picture and Best Director, led by Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance.
Other strong contenders such as The port and Sinners also achieved widespread recognition with 14 contributions each.
However, the longlist announcement also sparked controversy among some fans, who pointed out that several major international films and stars have been pushed aside or left out of key categories, leaving observers to question what it means for the British Academy’s selection process this awards season.
Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars left on the sidelines at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards include George Clooney, Dwayne Johnson and Julia Roberts, who failed to make the acting longlists despite all three earning Golden Globe nominations for their recent performances.
Another example of a high profile omission discussed in the 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 BAFTA’s eligibility requirements for UK theatrical screenings.
This technicality left many streaming audiences surprised and highlighted how award qualification rules can affect which films are considered.
The upcoming final nominations will narrow down these longlists and determine who will compete for the top BAFTA trophies.
With films ranging from intimate dramas to global blockbusters, expectations are high, but the debate over who is included and who is not will no doubt continue until the awards night on February 22.
