• 'Conclave' and 'Emilia Pérez' lead the nominations
  • Tight competition for the best actor
  • Diverse genres and fresh talent

The BAFTA Awards 2025 are fast approaching, with the recently announced nominations setting the stage for an exciting race for the coveted trophies. Leading the field is the gripping thriller 'Conclave,' in which Ralph Fiennes portrays a cardinal overseeing the election of a new pope. The film earned 12 nominations, including Best Film. Close behind is the innovative musical 'Emilia Pérez,' which received 11 nominations. A standout moment is the nomination of Karla Sofía Gascón, the first trans actress to be nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role.

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However, the nominations were overshadowed by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. "Before we begin, on behalf of everyone at BAFTA, our thoughts are with colleagues, friends, peers, and all those affected by the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area," said actor Will Sharpe as the nominations were announced. Despite the tragic circumstances, the anticipation for the ceremony, set for February 16 at the Royal Festival Hall in London, remains high.

The key nominations at a glance

  • Ralph Fiennes for 'Conclave'
    Fiennes' performance as a cardinal overseeing the papal election earned him a nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

  • Timothée Chalamet for 'A Complete Unknown'
    Chalamet shines as a young Bob Dylan in this biopic, which received six nominations, including Best Film.

  • Karla Sofía Gascón for 'Emilia Pérez'
    Gascón made history as the first trans actress nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her outstanding performance in the genre-defying musical.

  • Adrien Brody for 'The Brutalist'
    Brody stars in this post-war epic, which earned nine nominations. He’s nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

  • Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande for 'Emilia Pérez' and 'Wicked'
    Both singers earned nominations for Best Supporting Actress for their roles in these musical films.

Diversity and new talents in the spotlight

This year’s BAFTA nominations are marked by impressive diversity. BAFTA Chair Sara Putt praised the range of films nominated and noted that six different genres are represented in the Best Film category. "There's some really exciting stories in there and just a real glorious range of film-making this year," Putt stated. In addition, 14 of the 24 acting nominees are newcomers, highlighting the potential of fresh talent.

One notable aspect of this year’s nominations is the absence of Denzel Washington, who was longlisted for his role in Ridley Scott’s 'Gladiator II.' As the BAFTA awards are considered a key indicator for the Oscars, which will be awarded on March 3, the diversity and emerging talent showcased this year could have a significant impact at the Academy Awards.