Netflix secured a commanding presence at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards with nominations spanning nearly every major category, totaling over 30 nods across its diverse slate of original films. Guillermo del Toro’s gothic reimagining Frankenstein led the streaming giant’s charge with eight nominations, positioning it as a major player in this year’s awards race ahead of the February 22 ceremony.
Frankenstein Dominates Netflix’s BAFTA Slate
Del Toro’s Frankenstein emerged as Netflix’s most nominated film, earning recognition across technical and creative categories. The gothic adaptation received nods in:
- Best Film
- Adapted Screenplay
- Supporting Actor – Jacob Elordi as the Creature
- Casting
- Cinematography
- Costume Design
- Makeup & Hair
- Production Design
The eight nominations reflect BAFTA voters’ appreciation for the film’s visual craftsmanship and del Toro’s signature blend of horror, humanity, and Gothic atmosphere. Elordi’s recognition as the Creature marks a notable achievement for the actor, whose performance required extensive physical transformation and emotional depth beneath layers of prosthetics.
Director and Screenplay Honors
A House of Dynamite
Kathryn Bigelow’s latest directorial effort earned Netflix four nominations across key creative categories:
- Director
- Original Screenplay
- Casting
- Editing
Bigelow’s recognition in the Director category continues her track record of BAFTA acknowledgment and demonstrates Netflix’s ability to attract top-tier filmmaking talent.
Train Dreams
Clint Bentley’s meditative adaptation featuring Joel Edgerton secured three nominations:
- Leading Actor – Joel Edgerton
- Adapted Screenplay
- Cinematography
The film’s contemplative pacing and visual storytelling clearly resonated with BAFTA’s voting body, particularly in technical categories that reward atmospheric filmmaking.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
The third installment in Rian Johnson’s beloved detective franchise earned a nomination for:
- Adapted Screenplay
While the film didn’t match the BAFTA success of its predecessors, the screenplay recognition acknowledges Johnson’s continued skill in crafting intricate mystery narratives with sharp dialogue and clever plotting.
Acting Recognition Across Categories
Netflix films received multiple acting nominations spanning both leading and supporting categories:
Leading Actor:
- Cillian Murphy – Steve (British film)
- Joel Edgerton – Train Dreams
Murphy’s nomination for Steve represents a particularly significant achievement, as the film also earned recognition in the Outstanding British Film category, signaling strong domestic support for the production.
Supporting Actor:
- Jacob Elordi – Frankenstein
- Adam Sandler – Jay Kelly
Sandler’s nomination marks a notable departure from his typical comedic roles, demonstrating the actor’s range and Netflix’s willingness to support dramatic pivots for established stars.
Outstanding British Film Category
Netflix demonstrated strong support for British filmmaking with three nominations in the Outstanding British Film category:
- Steve – Cillian Murphy-led drama
- Ballad of a Small Player – Also recognized for Cinematography and Production Design
- Goodbye June – Kate Winslet’s directorial debut
Winslet’s recognition as a first-time director represents a significant milestone, positioning her alongside established filmmakers in one of BAFTA’s most competitive categories celebrating homegrown talent.
Technical Excellence Recognized
Beyond the major categories, Netflix films received extensive recognition for craft and technical achievement:
Cinematography:
- Frankenstein
- Train Dreams
- Ballad of a Small Player
Production Design:
- Frankenstein
- Ballad of a Small Player
Costume Design:
- Frankenstein
Makeup & Hair:
- Frankenstein
Casting:
- Frankenstein
- A House of Dynamite
Editing:
- A House of Dynamite
The concentration of technical nominations, particularly for Frankenstein, underscores del Toro’s meticulous approach to world-building and the exceptional craftsmanship of his collaborators.
International and Documentary Categories
Netflix’s global reach was evident in nominations beyond English-language features:
Film Not in English Language:
- Left-Handed Girl
- Nouvelle Vague
Documentary:
- Apocalypse in the Tropics
- Cover-Up
- The Perfect Neighbor
The three documentary nominations highlight Netflix’s continued investment in non-fiction storytelling across diverse subjects and geographies, from political exposés to intimate character studies.
What This Means for Netflix
The 30+ nominations across Netflix’s 2026 film slate represent one of the streaming platform’s strongest showings at the BAFTAs to date. The breadth of recognition—spanning blockbuster franchises, auteur-driven projects, British films, international features, and documentaries—demonstrates Netflix’s evolving strategy of supporting diverse voices and genres rather than concentrating resources on a single prestige project.
With Frankenstein positioned as a major contender and nominations spread across nearly every category, Netflix enters the February 22 ceremony with genuine chances to take home multiple awards. Whether the streaming giant can convert nominations into wins remains to be seen, but its commanding presence in the 2026 BAFTA race signals its continued ascent as a major force in global cinema.
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