In a nod to Samuel Goldwyn's famous 1945 quip, "This A-bomb – it’s dynamite!!", Christopher Nolan's grand historical biopic "Oppenheimer" has made a significant impact this awards season with 13 Bafta nominations. The film features Cillian Murphy as J Robert Oppenheimer, the scientist behind the atomic bomb, capturing his intense journey during World War II, from the race against Nazi Germany to the reflective agony after the war's end. The Bafta panel has shown great enthusiasm for the film's ambitious scope and depth, a testament to Nolan's exceptional filmmaking.
Contrasting "Oppenheimer" is "Barbie", receiving a cooler reception with five Bafta nominations. This includes nods for Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, as well as praise for the production design by Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer. Following closely is Yorgos Lanthimos's "Poor Things", securing 11 nominations. Emma Stone's portrayal of Bella Baxter, a revived Victorian woman, earns her a strong contender for the best actress.
Accolades at the European Film Awards go to Justine Triet and Sandra Hüller, with Hüller receiving a best actress nomination for her role in "Anatomy of a Fall" and a best supporting actress nomination in Jonathan Glazer’s "The Zone of Interest".
Martin Scorsese's "Killers of the Flower Moon" grips the awards scene, despite no acting nominations for its stars. The film, centered on the Osage murders, resonates with a genocidal theme. Meanwhile, Alexander Payne's "The Holdovers" showcases a strong performance from Paul Giamatti, a Bafta lead-actor nominee.
Celine Song’s "Past Lives" received only three nominations, a notable omission from the best film and director categories. Emerald Fennell's "Saltburn" ties with "Barbie" at five nominations, but its impact as a discussion point is debatable. Rosamund Pike earns a best supporting actress nomination for her role in "Saltburn".
In the British film categories, Molly Manning Walker's "How to Have Sex" receives recognition, but disappointingly, nothing for Glenda Jackson and Michael Caine in "The Great Escaper", nor for Sam H Freeman and Ng Choon Ping’s "Femme".
The consensus among awards circles seems to be gravitating towards "Oppenheimer". However, films like "The Zone of Interest" and "Killers of the Flower Moon" could divide the vote, potentially leaving room for "Poor Things" and Emma Stone to emerge as the night's big winners.
Watch the Nominations