“Conclave,” a thriller directed by Edward Berger about the selection of a new pope, garnered the highest number of nominations for the upcoming EE British Academy Film Awards, commonly referred to as the BAFTAs.
The film received 12 nominations, including one for best film, competing against Sean Baker’s dramedy “Anora” and “The Brutalist,” which features Adrien Brody. Other contenders for the best film award include “A Complete Unknown” and “Emilia Pérez,” the latter securing 11 nominations, the second highest overall.
The nomination count for “Conclave” may come as a surprise to some observers, especially considering its single Golden Globe win just over a week ago, where “Emilia Pérez” and “The Brutalist” emerged as major winners.
This recognition may provide “Conclave” with momentum as it approaches the Oscars, though the announcement of nominees by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has been delayed due to the Los Angeles wildfires. The Academy is now set to reveal the nominations on January 23.
Anna Higgs, chair of BAFTA’s film committee, stated that despite many Los Angeles-based members, there has been no noticeable drop in voting due to the wildfires.
The BAFTA ceremony is scheduled for February 16 in London, and Higgs noted it is “too early to speculate” on any further effects the wildfires might have on the event, which will be broadcast in the United States on BritBox.
In individual artist categories, the competition remains fierce. In the best director category, Berger faces off against Baker (“Anora”), Brady Corbet (“The Brutalist”), Jacques Audiard (“Emilia Pérez”), Denis Villeneuve for “Dune: Part Two,” and Coralie Fargeat for “The Substance,” which features a washed-up TV star portrayed by Demi Moore.
For best leading actress, Moore, who received a Golden Globe for her role, will compete against Cynthia Erivo for “Wicked,” Karla Sofía Gascón for “Emilia Pérez,” Marianne Jean-Baptiste for “Hard Truths,” Mikey Madison for “Anora,” and Saoirse Ronan for her portrayal of a recovering alcoholic in “The Outrun.”
In the leading actor category, Adrien Brody (“The Brutalist”) will compete against Colman Domingo (“Sing Sing”), Ralph Fiennes (“Conclave”), Hugh Grant (“Heretic”), Timothée Chalamet (“A Complete Unknown”), and Sebastian Stan (“The Apprentice”).