Nigerian Talent Shines in 2026 BAFTA Nominations

The 2026 BAFTA nominations highlight the growing influence of Nigerian creatives in global cinema, with Akinola Davies Jr., Wale Davies, and Wunmi Mosaku earning recognition for their outstanding contributions. These nominations are linked to films that have already made significant waves on the international stage.

My Father’s Shadow: A Nigerian Story Told Through British Lens

The film My Father’s Shadow stands out as the most prominent Nigerian-related nomination, contending for the Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer. This nomination honors the collaborative efforts of brothers Akinola Davies Jr. (director) and Wale Davies (co-writer and producer), both British-born filmmakers whose work deeply resonates with Nigerian culture and history.

Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s 1993 election crisis, the film is primarily shot in Lagos and Ibadan, featuring dialogues in Yoruba and Nigerian Pidgin. It narrates the story of two young brothers who unexpectedly reunite with their estranged father, Folarin, and navigate a day filled with tension and uncertainty as the city braces for political upheaval.

Actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù delivers a compelling performance as Folarin, embodying the character’s internal struggles amid the country’s mounting pressures.

My Father’s Shadow has already achieved historic milestones, becoming the first Nigerian film selected for Cannes’ Official Selection, where it earned a Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or. In 2025, it was also chosen as the United Kingdom’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscars-an exceptional decision that underscores the global reach of Nigerian storytelling.

Wunmi Mosaku’s Acclaimed Role in Sinners

Another notable Nigerian presence is actress Wunmi Mosaku, who received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Sinners. The film itself has garnered multiple nominations across various major categories, further cementing Mosaku’s status as a formidable talent in contemporary cinema.

Event Details: 79th BAFTA Film Awards

The prestigious 79th BAFTA Film Awards ceremony is scheduled for February 22, 2026, at London’s Royal Festival Hall. The event will be hosted by Alan Cumming, promising an evening celebrating cinematic excellence.

Complete List of 2026 BAFTA Film Nominations

Best Film

• Hamnet
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• Sentimental Value
• Sinners

Outstanding British Film

• 28 Years Later
• The Ballad of Wallis Island
• Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy
• Die My Love
• H is for Hawk
• Hamnet
• I Swear
• Mr Burton
• Pillion
• Steve

Director

• Yorgos Lanthimos: Bugonia
• Chloé Zhao: Hamnet
• Josh Safdie: Marty Supreme
• Paul Thomas Anderson: One Battle After Another
• Joachim Trier: Sentimental Value
• Ryan Coogler: Sinners

Leading Actor

• Robert Aramayo: I Swear
• Timothée Chalamet: Marty Supreme
• Leonardo DiCaprio: One Battle After Another
• Ethan Hawke: Blue Moon
• Michael B. Jordan: Sinners
• Jesse Plemons: Bugonia

Leading Actress

• Jessie Buckley: Hamnet
• Rose Byrne: If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
• Kate Hudson: Song Sung Blue
• Chase Infiniti: One Battle After Another
• Renate Reinsve: Sentimental Value
• Emma Stone: Bugonia

Supporting Actor

• Benicio Del Toro: One Battle After Another
• Jacob Elordi: Frankenstein
• Paul Mescal: Hamnet
• Peter Mullan: I Swear
• Sean Penn: One Battle After Another
• Stellan Skarsgård: Sentimental Value

Supporting Actress

• Odessa A’zion: Marty Supreme
• Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas: Sentimental Value
• Wunmi Mosaku: Sinners
• Carey Mulligan: The Ballad of Wallis Island
• Teyana Taylor: One Battle After Another
• Emily Watson: Hamnet

Special Visual Effects

• Avatar: Fire and Ash
• F1
• Frankenstein
• How to Train Your Dragon
• The Lost Bus

Costume Design

• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• Marty Supreme
• Sinners
• Wicked: For Good

Film Not in the English Language

• It Was Just An Accident
• The Secret Agent
• Sentimental Value
• Sirat
• The Voice of Hind Rajab

Children’s & Family Film

• Arco
• Boong
• Lilo & Stitch
• Zootropolis 2

Original Screenplay

• I Swear
• Marty Supreme
• The Secret Agent
• Sentimental Value
• Sinners

Adapted Screenplay

• The Ballad of Wallis Island
• Bugonia
• Hamnet
• One Battle After Another
• Pillion

Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer

• Jack King, Hollie Bryan, Lucy Meer: The Ceremony
• Akinola Davies Jr., Wale Davies: My Father’s Shadow
• Harry Lighton: Pillion
• Myrid Carten: A Want in Her
• Cal McMau, Hunter Andrews, Eoin Doran: Wasteman