**BAFTA Nominations Spotlight: Conclave and Emilia Pérez Lead the Charge**

The BAFTA Film Awards nominations are dominated by Conclave and Netflix’s Emilia Pérez, highlighting exciting cinematic achievements this year.

Conclave stands out this awards season, with a total of 12 nominations, depicting a scheming group of cardinals in Rome deciding on a new Pope. Close on its heels, Netflix’s Spanish-language musical Emilia Pérez, explores the transformative journey of a Mexican cartel leader embracing her identity as a transgender woman. In the acting categories, top contenders include Cynthia Erivo and Demi Moore for lead actress as well as Adrien Brody and Timothee Chalamet for lead actor, leaving behind notable names like Denzel Washington and Daniel Craig, who were absent from the nominations for Gladiator II and Queer.

In addition to the frontrunners, surprises abound with Hugh Grant recognized for his performance in horror film Heretic, and Saoirse Ronan nominated for The Outrun. Meanwhile, Jamie Lee Curtis is a name to watch in the supporting actress category for her role in The Last Showgirl, despite main actress Pamela Anderson being overlooked.

Anora, which adds to the buzz with seven nominations, presents a whirlwind romance between a New York sex worker and a wealthy Russian oligarch's son, featuring Mikey Madison in a leading role and also up for the rising star award. The Brutalist, centered around a Hungarian architect, has secured nine nominations, with first-time directors seeing their works acknowledged alongside established names.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste's nomination for Hard Truths has increased her Oscar nomination prospects, as the BAFTA nominations often predict the Academy Awards outcomes. As more films aimed at family viewers join the mix with a dedicated category, the landscape of film recognition is evolving.

The BAFTA Film Awards ceremony is set for February 16, hosted by David Tennant, promising an exciting showcase of talent from the film industry.