BAFTA Awards 2024: Conclave and Emilia Pérez Lead Nominations

With a remarkable 12 nominations including Best Film, 'Conclave' takes the spotlight, while 'Emilia Pérez' follows closely with 11 nominations, highlighting diverse storytelling and talent across the film industry.

The 2024 BAFTA film awards are set to recognize exceptional talent and creativity within the film industry, led by the drama 'Conclave', which has garnered an impressive 12 nominations. This film intricately explores the clandestine world of cardinals convening in Rome to elect a new Pope, showcasing a blend of drama and intrigue that has captivated audiences and critics alike. Meanwhile, Netflix's bold Spanish-language musical 'Emilia Pérez' trails closely with 11 nominations. It tells the poignant story of a Mexican cartel leader embracing a new life as a transgender woman, highlighting themes of transformation and identity.

In the acting categories, the frontrunners include Cynthia Erivo and Demi Moore, both vying for Best Actress, while Adrien Brody and Timothee Chalamet compete for Best Actor. Notably, Hollywood heavyweights like Denzel Washington and Daniel Craig were left out of the nominations for their roles in 'Gladiator II' and 'Queer', respectively. However, Hugh Grant's nomination for his work in the horror film 'Heretic' and Saoirse Ronan's nod for 'The Outrun' provided some surprising twists in the lineup.

Among the films competing for the top honors, 'Anora' features a tumultuous romance between a New York sex worker and the son of an affluent Russian oligarch. It has earned seven nominations, including Best Film, and young actress Mikey Madison is a double nominee for both Best Actress and the Rising Star Award, a public-voted category. Not to be outshined, 'The Brutalist', directed by Brady Corbet, gained nine nominations and sheds light on a Hungarian architect's post-World War II journey, establishing itself as a strong contender for both the BAFTAs and the upcoming Oscars.

Demi Moore continues to build momentum for her award season run, nominated for Best Actress for 'The Brutalist', while other first-time directors like Coralie Fargeat for 'The Substance' are introduced to the competition. The BAFTAs will not just celebrate star power but also gender representation, as Fargeat stands out among the male-dominated directors' category this year.

As the awards include a new category for children's films, titles like 'Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl' and 'The Wild Robot' vie for recognition. The ceremony will take place on February 16, hosted by the ever-charismatic David Tennant at London’s Royal Festival Hall, promising an evening of celebration and recognition for the cinematic arts.