Film Nominations 2026
Hamnet
1580 England. Impoverished Latin tutor William Shakespeare meets free-spirited Agnes, and the pair, captivated by one another, strike up a torrid affair that leads to marriage and three children. Yet as Will pursues a budding theatre career in far-away London, Agnes anchors the domestic sphere alone. When tragedy strikes, the couple’s once-unshakable bond is tested, but their shared experience sets the stage for the creation of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, Hamlet. From Focus Features and Academy Award® winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, The Rider) comes a sensitively observed, magnificently crafted tale about the complexities of love and the healing power of art and creativity.
My Father's Shadow
Set against the backdrop of Nigeria's pivotal 1993 election crisis, My Father's Shadow is a tender and deeply affecting portrait of fatherhood, family and memory. Following two young brothers as they spend a rare day with their estranged father in Lagos, the film combines intimate storytelling with a vivid portrait of a country on the brink of change. Directed by BAFTA & BIFA, winner, Akinola Davies Jr and anchored by a powerful performance from Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, it explores the bonds between fathers and sons with warmth, nuance and emotional honesty. Visually rich and quietly profound, My Father's Shadow transforms personal history into a universal story of love, loss and belonging.
Pillion
A bold, funny and unexpectedly tender exploration of love, identity and self-discovery. Adapted from Adam Mars-Jones' novella Box Hill, the film follows a shy young man whose life is transformed when he enters an unconventional relationship with a charismatic biker. What could have been treated as provocation is instead approached with warmth, empathy and remarkable emotional intelligence, offering a fresh perspective on intimacy, desire and belonging. Directed by Harry Lighton, Pillion combines sharp humour with genuine humanity, while outstanding performances from Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård create a love story that is at once unconventional, deeply compassionate and refreshingly original.
