As the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) lines up its contenders for the highly anticipated film awards of 2024, Christopher Nolan’s intense drama ‘Oppenheimer’ has surged ahead in the race, securing nominations across 13 esteemed categories including the covetable Best Film. Following closely in its cinematic wake, the gothic-fueled narrative ‘Poor Things’ has etched its name on 11 nominations, while both the grandiose narrative ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ and the stirring ‘The Zone of Interest’, a Holocaust drama, each stand proud with nine nods.
A diverse mix of films emerged as leading contenders, each embodying a distinctive storytelling allure. The penetrating French courtroom drama ‘Anatomy of a Fall’, the poignant school-centered tale ‘The Holdovers’, and the evocative biopic of Leonard Bernstein ‘Maestro’, each garnered an impressive seven nominations. Six commendations were directed towards ‘All of Us Strangers’, an exploration of love amid the abyss of grief, while the class-war dramedy ‘Saltburn’ captured hearts and critical acclaim alike, meriting five nominations.
Despite not securing a shot at Best Picture, ‘Barbie’, the cinematic phenomenon that contributed to half of 2023’s “Barbenheimer” box office splash, was acknowledged with five nominations of its own. What sets these recognitions apart this year is not just the cinematic quality on display, but the undercurrent of this year’s awards: the industry’s careful calibration towards diversity and equitable representation—transformative aims that are gradually reshaping the world of cinematic arts.
Avid movie enthusiasts and industry insiders are set to flock to the February 18 ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall, hosted by the acclaimed ‘Doctor Who’ star, David Tennant. Dubbed Britain’s equivalent of Hollywood’s Academy Awards, the occasion not only celebrates film but often provides a predictive glance towards potential Oscar victors to be unveiled on March 10.
The prestigious category of Best Film will feature an intriguing matchup: ‘Oppenheimer’ faces off against ‘Poor Things’, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’, ‘Anatomy of a Fall’, and ‘The Holdovers’. Further stirring the competitive spirits, ‘Poor Things’ also graces the diverse 10-film lineup vying for Best British Film, contending with titles ranging from the majestic ‘Napoleon’ to the sweet emergence of ‘Wonka’.
In terms of individual performances, the Best Leading Actor category hosts a constellation of talent including Bradley Cooper for ‘Maestro’, Colman Domingo for ‘Rustin’, Paul Giamatti for ‘The Holdovers’, Barry Keoghan for ‘Saltburn’, Cillian Murphy for ‘Oppenheimer’, and Teo Yoo for ‘Past Lives’. Among the women, the Best Leading Actress field shines equally bright with Fantasia Barrino for ‘The Color Purple’, Sandra Hüller for ‘Anatomy of a Fall’, Carey Mulligan for ‘Maestro’, Vivian Oparah for ‘Rye Lane’, Margot Robbie for ‘Barbie’, and Emma Stone for ‘Poor Things’.
The chilling realities of conflict surface with ’20 Days in Mariupol’, a harrowing Ukraine war documentary by The Associated Press and PBS Frontline, competing for Best Documentary and Best Film Not in the English Language.
BAFTA’s recent diversification efforts came in response to stark criticisms highlighting the lack of inclusivity, seen overtly in 2020 when no female directors were in the running and all nominees within the major acting categories were white. Since then, changes have been made: a new longlist procedure assures that more diverse talent is considered before the 8,000-member professional academy casts their final votes.
While progress has been made, with the director longlist featuring an equal number of male and female filmmakers, only Justine Triet for ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ represents women in the category of Best Director against five male counterparts. Notable is the omission of Greta Gerwig for her direction of ‘Barbie’.
BAFTA chair Sara Putt emitted a sense of pride over the push for diversity while acknowledging the yet-tilted landscape. “We’re coming at this from a world that is not level, in that sense,” Putt remarked, shedding light on the disproportionate ratio of films by women versus men. The path toward parity remains long and requires sustained diligence.
This panorama of nominations and societal introspection makes clear that the BAFTA Awards of 2024 are more than an annual celebration of cinematic achievement. They are a profound reflection of an evolving industry, honoring the art of storytelling while embracing the inherent responsibility to mirror the world’s diversity and drive change from within the heart of cinema.
