Hamnet’ becomes BAFTA’s most-nominated film by a female director
Chloé Zhao made BAFTA history as Hamnet became the most-nominated film ever by a female director. The film received 11 nominations, marking a major milestone for gender representation.
Bafta 2026 highlights
Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another led with 14 nominations, followed by Ryan Coogler’s Sinners with 13. Sinners also became the most-nominated BAFTA film by a Black director.
Hamnet’s key recognition
Produced by Sam Mendes and Steven Spielberg, Hamnet earned nominations including best film, outstanding British film, best director (Zhao), and best adapted screenplay (Zhao and Maggie O’Farrell). Producers Liza Marshall and Pippa Harris were also nominated.
Progress in diversity
Women directed 25% of all nominated films across categories. Other female filmmakers recognized include Lynne Ramsay, Kathryn Bigelow and Mary Bronstein.
Notable individual achievements
Stellan Skarsgård became a first-time BAFTA nominee at age 73 for Sentimental Value, creating a 50-year age gap between the youngest and oldest nominees. He is considered a frontrunner in supporting actor.
Additional nominations for Hamnet
The film also received acting nominations for Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal and Emily Watson, plus nods for original score (Max Richter), costume design, makeup & hair, and production design.