Hamnet, Sinners spark a BAFTA revolution as Chloé Zhao and Ryan Coogler set new nomination records for female and Black filmmakers

The BAFTA Film Awards 2026 nominations have delivered a powerful moment for cinema. Two films, Hamnet and Sinners, have not only dominated the list but also rewritten the awards record books. Chloé Zhao’s Shakespearean drama Hamnet earned 11 nominations, the most ever for a film directed by a woman in BAFTA history.

Ryan Coogler’s Southern vampire thriller Sinners went even further with 13 nominations, setting a new record for a film directed by a Black filmmaker. Beyond the numbers, these nods signal a visible shift in recognition for diverse voices at one of the industry’s most respected awards bodies ahead of the February ceremony in London.

Hamnet, adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s novel, explores the emotional world of William and Agnes Shakespeare after the death of their son. Zhao’s sensitive direction and poetic storytelling have clearly resonated with voters.

The film is nominated for Best Film, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Outstanding British Film. Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal received leading acting nominations, while Emily Watson is recognised in supporting actress. With 11 total nods, Hamnet now holds the record as the most nominated BAFTA film by a female director.

Sinners, a bold horror set in the American South, blends vampire mythology with social tension and atmosphere. Ryan Coogler’s genre storytelling has struck a major chord this awards season.

The film secured 13 nominations including Best Film, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. Michael B. Jordan is expected to compete in Leading Actor, while Wunmi Mosaku earned a supporting actress nomination. This makes Sinners the most nominated film ever directed by a Black filmmaker at the BAFTAs.

While Hamnet and Sinners made history, they are part of a fiercely competitive lineup. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another leads with 14 nominations.

Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme matches Hamnet with 11, while Sentimental Value and Frankenstein follow with eight each. The nominations show a year where both intimate drama and daring genre films have found equal respect among BAFTA voters.

The BAFTA success is not happening in isolation. Sinners recently broke records at the Oscars with 16 nominations, while Hamnet has already won major honours including Best Motion Picture Drama at the Golden Globes. This growing momentum suggests both films will remain central to awards conversations through the season.

BAFTA has often faced questions about diversity in its nominations. This year’s recognition of Zhao and Coogler marks a meaningful moment. While the industry still has work to do, Hamnet and Sinners stand as clear proof that stories led by underrepresented filmmakers are not only being made but being celebrated at the highest level. The BAFTA ceremony will take place on February 22, 2026, in London.