The race for the coveted BAFTA awards has taken a dramatic turn, with the biographical drama 'One Life', starring Hollywood icon Leonardo DiCaprio, emerging as the undisputed frontrunner. The film has secured a staggering 16 places on the longlist for the 2024 British Academy Film Awards, setting a new record and establishing itself as the one to beat this season.
A Record-Breaking Haul for a Poignant Story
The BAFTA longlists, which determine the final nominees, reveal the incredible depth of recognition for 'One Life'. The film, directed by James Hawes, is prominently featured across multiple major categories. It has earned spots in the coveted Best Film list, while James Hawes himself is longlisted for Best Director. The film's powerful narrative has also secured its place in the Outstanding British Film and Best Adapted Screenplay categories.
Leonardo DiCaprio's transformative performance as the real-life hero Nicholas Winton has rightly earned him a spot on the Leading Actor longlist. His portrayal of the man who saved 669 children from the Nazis on the eve of World War II is being hailed as one of his career best. The film's supporting cast, including Johnny Flynn and Sir Anthony Hopkins, also feature in the Supporting Actor category, showcasing the ensemble's strength.
Dominance Across Technical and Creative Categories
The recognition for 'One Life' extends far beyond the acting and top film awards. The film's technical and artistic mastery is evident in its presence on numerous craft longlists. It is in contention for Cinematography, Editing, Production Design, and Costume Design. The emotional soundscape of the film is acknowledged with places on both the Original Score and Sound longlists.
Furthermore, the film's makeup, hair, and visual effects teams have been recognized, along with its casting directors. This across-the-board dominance highlights the film's achievement as a complete cinematic package, where every element works in harmony to tell its moving story.
The Competitive Landscape and Notable Omissions
While 'One Life' soars, other anticipated films have also made strong showings. Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' and Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer' are close behind, each appearing on 15 longlists. Yorgos Lanthimos's 'Poor Things' and Martin Scorsese's 'Killers of the Flower Moon' are also in the mix with significant numbers.
The longlist phase often brings surprises, and this year is no exception. Notably, some big names like Bradley Cooper (for 'Maestro') and Charles Melton (for 'May December') did not make the cut for the acting longlists, indicating the fierce competition. The final nominations, which will be announced on January 18, will be whittled down from these extensive longlists, making the next phase of the campaign crucial for all contenders.
The overwhelming response to 'One Life' at this stage makes it the clear favourite heading into the nomination announcements. Its record-breaking longlist performance sets the stage for what could be a historic night for Leonardo DiCaprio and the entire team at the BAFTA ceremony on February 18.
