The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards are shaping up to be one of the most high-profile ceremonies of the year, with longlists revealing a mix of big international titles and notable absences that have left fans and industry observers wondering who has been overlooked.
The longlists have been published ahead of the official nominations, which will be revealed 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, that of Paul Thomas Anderson One battle after another dominates with a record 16 long-list mentions in major categories, including Best Picture and Best Director, led by Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance.
Other serious competitors such as Hamnet And Sinners also gained wide recognition with 14 entries each.
However, the longlist announcement also sparked controversy among some fans, who pointed out that several major international films and stars had been sidelined or left out in key categories, leaving observers wondering what that means for the British Academy’s selection process this awards season.
Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars left out of the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards are George Clooney, Dwayne Johnson and Julia Roberts, who failed to make the long list of actors, despite all three receiving Golden Globe nominations for their latest performances.
Another example of a high-profile omission discussed in media coverage is that of Netflix. Demon Hunters Kpop.
Despite being one of the most popular films of 2025, it was not selected because it did not meet BAFTA’s eligibility criteria for theatrical screening in the UK.
This technicality surprised many streaming viewers and highlighted how awards qualification rules can affect which films are considered.
The upcoming final nominations will narrow down these long lists, determining 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 is not will no doubt continue until the awards night on February 22.
