The prominent contenders in the acting categories include established stars like Cynthia Erivo and Demi Moore for Lead Actress, while Adrien Brody and Timothée Chalamet vie for Lead Actor. Notable absences include Denzel Washington and Daniel Craig, who missed out this year despite their strong performances in Gladiator II and Queer, respectively. Additionally, the nominations for the horror film Heretic and the drama The Outrun have surprised industry watchers, introducing a fresh array of talent.

In the supporting categories, Jamie Lee Curtis received a nod for The Last Showgirl but her co-star Pamela Anderson was absent from the nominations despite her pivotal role. Other films gaining traction include Anora, which tells a modern love story, and The Brutalist, a cinematic exploration of architecture and post-war life, both receiving multiple nominations.

This year's Bafta awards mark a significant milestone, as for the first time, there is a dedicated category for children's and family films. Films like Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and The Wild Robot are competing against each other, ushering in a new era for family-oriented cinema in the UK.

The winners will be revealed during the ceremony, hosted by David Tennant, scheduled for 16 February at London's Royal Festival Hall. As the industry anticipates the Oscar nominations, this year's Bafta shortlist could very well foreshadow the upcoming Academy Awards outcomes.