If we’re being honest: We never expect much from the BAFTAs. The British Academy Film Awards don’t usually have a lot of space for Black nominees. And this year is no different. Early Thursday morning, Naomi Ackie (“Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody”) and Kingsley Ben-Adir (“Bob Marley: One Love”) announced the nominations, which includes 13 nods for frontrunners “Oppenheimer” and “Poor Things.”
Shockingly—or perhaps not—“American Fiction” was almost completely shut out, with Cord Jefferson receiving the film’s only nod for Adapted Screenplay. The movie is not among the Best Films, while Jeffrey Wright and Sterling K. Brown are nowhere to be found in the acting categories. Considering the multiple nominations the film has received at other ceremonies, this is somewhat surprising. However, it’s possible that the movie’s story and satirical take on race in America didn’t translate to British audiences. The more likely result is that the Academy chose to give those spots to British films. Either way, it’s still disappointing to see.
We did get a little good news in the acting categories, as the women of “The Color Purple” received some awards love. Fantasia Barrino is nominated for Leading Actress and Danielle Brooks is up for Supporting Actress. Brooks’ unforgettable performance as Sofia has been recognized at other shows, but Fantasia’s stunning, emotional portrayal of Celie hasn’t been lauded as much as it should be.
Golden Globe and Critics Choice winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph is in line to add more hardware to her growing trophy case, with another Supporting Actress nomination for “The Holdovers.” It’s been spectacular to see her get all this love, but the real test comes after awards season, when we see if all these wins translate into a well-deserved career bump.
Colman Domingo will get another chance to shut down a red carpet, as he finds himself nominated for Leading Actor for “Rustin.” Look, we know Cillian Murphy is probably going to win for “Oppenheimer,” but we still can’t wait to see what kind of London style Colman is going to bring.
Meanwhile, everyone’s favorite new breakout star, Ayo Edebiri, may not be done picking up trophies. She finds herself among the nominees for the EE Rising Star Award. This is the only category voted on by the public, so if “The Bear” and “Bottoms” have hit England the way they’ve hit the U.S., she might have a chance at an awards sweep.
Though “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” “American Symphony” and “Earth Mama” also received nominations, overall it feels like it’s just another year where Black art isn’t seen at the same level as its counterparts by the British Academy. We may not be surprised, but we’re definitely disappointed.
“Doctor Who” star David Tennant will host the 77th Annual BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday, Feb. 18.