The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has announced its 2025 film nominations, showcasing a vibrant array of cinematic talent from across the globe. Leading the pack this year are Conclave, Emilia Perez, and The Brutalist, each dominating key categories and underscoring the diversity and creative ambition of modern filmmaking.
With a mix of compelling narratives, artistic brilliance, and standout performances, these films represent a significant moment in cinema, reflecting both the growing global influence of storytelling and the evolving tastes of audiences. This article dives into the leading contenders, their strengths, and the impact they are expected to make at this year’s BAFTA Awards.
Conclave: A Tense Tale of Power and Faith
Adapted from Robert Harris’s bestselling novel, Conclave explores the intricate and secretive world of the Catholic Church during the election of a new pope. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), the film combines political intrigue with spiritual introspection, making it a standout for both critics and audiences alike.
BAFTA Recognition
Conclave leads with nominations in categories such as Best Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Director. Jeremy Irons, portraying the conflicted Cardinal Lomeli, is a strong contender for Best Actor, earning widespread praise for his nuanced performance. The film’s immersive cinematography and evocative score have also secured nods in technical categories like Best Cinematography and Best Original Score.
Why It Stands Out
The film’s success lies in its ability to transform a seemingly insular story into a universal exploration of morality, ambition, and humanity. Berger’s direction captures the tension and solemnity of the papal election process, while Irons anchors the film with a performance that is both commanding and vulnerable.
Emilia Perez: A Genre-Bending Musical Triumph
A daring blend of musical theater and crime drama, Emilia Perez tells the story of a drug lord who undergoes a gender transition while on the run from law enforcement. Directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard (A Prophet), the film is as audacious as it is heartfelt, combining high-energy musical numbers with poignant reflections on identity and redemption.
BAFTA Recognition
Emilia Perez has been nominated for Best Film, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Director. Its lead, Pedro Pascal, is in the running for Best Actor, delivering a transformative performance that has captivated critics. Additionally, the film’s choreography and costume design have earned nods in Best Production Design and Best Costume Design, cementing its status as a visual and auditory feast.
Why It Stands Out
Audiard’s fearless storytelling and Pascal’s magnetic performance make Emilia Perez a standout in this year’s awards race. The film’s seamless blending of genres and its empathetic portrayal of complex characters challenge traditional norms in cinema, resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike.
The Brutalist: A Vision of Art and Struggle
The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet (Vox Lux), chronicles the life of a Hungarian architect navigating post-war Europe while grappling with personal and professional challenges. The film’s stark visual style mirrors its exploration of resilience and creativity in the face of adversity.
BAFTA Recognition
With nominations in Best Film, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay, The Brutalist has solidified its place as a critical darling. Marion Cotillard and Joel Edgerton, who play the lead roles, have been recognized in the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actor categories, respectively. The film’s art direction and visual effects have also been lauded, earning nominations in Best Production Design and Best Visual Effects.
Why It Stands Out
The film’s minimalist aesthetic and emotionally charged narrative set it apart from its competitors. Corbet’s meticulous direction and the cast’s powerful performances create a cinematic experience that is as haunting as it is inspiring.
Themes and Trends in This Year’s Nominations
This year’s BAFTA nominations reflect several key trends in contemporary cinema:
- Diverse Storytelling: Films like Emilia Perez highlight the growing acceptance of diverse narratives that challenge societal norms and explore underrepresented perspectives.
- Global Influence: The inclusion of international filmmakers like Audiard and Corbet underscores the global nature of today’s film industry, with stories that resonate across cultural boundaries.
- Focus on Aesthetics: Many of the leading films, including The Brutalist and Conclave, have been celebrated for their visual and technical achievements, showcasing the increasing importance of production quality in modern cinema.
Other Notable Contenders
While Conclave, Emilia Perez, and The Brutalist dominate the headlines, several other films have made a strong showing in the nominations:
- Oppenheimer: Christopher Nolan’s biographical epic about the father of the atomic bomb continues to garner accolades, earning nominations in Best Film, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr.
- Past Lives: This tender exploration of love and destiny has been recognized in categories like Best Original Screenplay and Best Actress for Greta Lee.
- Killers of the Flower Moon: Martin Scorsese’s historical drama has secured nominations for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio.
Predictions and Expectations
The BAFTA Awards often serve as a precursor to the Oscars, making this year’s winners particularly significant. While predicting the outcomes is always challenging, Conclave appears to be a frontrunner for Best Film, given its critical acclaim and broad appeal. Jeremy Irons’s performance could also secure him the Best Actor award, though he faces stiff competition from Pedro Pascal and Leonardo DiCaprio.
In the Best Director category, Edward Berger and Jacques Audiard are likely to lead the race, with Berger’s meticulous craftsmanship in Conclave giving him a slight edge. Meanwhile, the technical categories could see The Brutalist dominate, thanks to its innovative production design and visual effects.
The Broader Impact of the BAFTAs
Beyond the awards themselves, this year’s nominations reflect the evolving landscape of the film industry. The recognition of films like Emilia Perez demonstrates a growing appetite for bold and unconventional storytelling, while Conclave and The Brutalist showcase the enduring appeal of historical and character-driven dramas.
Moreover, the BAFTAs continue to play a crucial role in amplifying the voices of international filmmakers and promoting diverse perspectives. By highlighting stories that resonate on a global scale, the awards contribute to the ongoing evolution of cinema as a powerful medium for cultural exchange and understanding.
Conclusion
The 2025 BAFTA nominations have set the stage for an exciting and competitive awards season. With Conclave, Emilia Perez, and The Brutalist leading the charge, this year’s ceremony promises to celebrate the very best of contemporary cinema. As filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals come together to honor these achievements, the world will be watching to see which stories emerge as the defining narratives of our time.
Whether it’s the political intrigue of Conclave, the genre-defying brilliance of Emilia Perez, or the stark beauty of The Brutalist, one thing is certain: this year’s BAFTAs will be a testament to the enduring power of film to inspire, challenge, and unite audiences around the world.