The BAFTA Awards, known as Britain’s, most prestigious film and television honors, are often seen as a bellwether for the Oscars. However, like any major awards ceremony, BAFTA hasn’t been immune to controversy, especially when it comes to snubbing certain deserving talents and films. Here are the top 10 BAFTA snubs that left fans and critics in disbelief.
- Get Out – Best Film (2018)
Jordan Peele’s Get Out was one of the most talked-about films of 2017, a smart and thrilling horror that tackled issues of race in America. While it was recognized at many award shows, it surprisingly did not take home the Best Film award at the BAFTAs, losing out to Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Despite its global impact, Get Out didn’t get the top BAFTA recognition it deserved.
- Leonardo DiCaprio – The Departed (2007)
Leonardo DiCaprio has been snubbed numerous times by awards bodies, and his snub at the 2007 BAFTAs for The Departed was another blow. Despite delivering a standout performance in Martin Scorsese’s crime drama, DiCaprio didn’t receive a nomination, even though the film itself was honored with the Best Director award for Scorsese.
- Viola Davis – Fences (2017)
Viola Davis delivered a heart-wrenching performance in Fences, which earned her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2017. However, she was inexplicably snubbed by the BAFTAs in the same category. Given her stellar performance alongside Denzel Washington, this omission sparked frustration among her fans and critics alike.
- 1917 – Best Director (2020)
Sam Mendes’ 1917 was a technical marvel, a war epic filmed to appear as a single continuous shot. The film won seven BAFTAs, including Best Film, but Mendes surprisingly lost the Best Director award to Bong Joon-ho for Parasite. While Parasite was a deserving winner, many thought Mendes’ visionary direction in 1917 merited the top prize.
- Glenn Close – The Wife (2019)
Glenn Close is no stranger to snubs, and her loss at the 2019 BAFTAs for The Wife was particularly painful. Despite being the favorite to win Best Actress for her powerful portrayal of a woman living in the shadow of her husband, Close lost to Olivia Colman for The Favourite. It was yet another near miss for the veteran actress, who remains one of Hollywood’s most snubbed talents.
- The Dark Knight – Best Film (2009)
Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight changed the superhero genre forever, blending blockbuster action with a deep, psychological narrative. Despite Heath Ledger winning a posthumous BAFTA for his iconic role as the Joker, the film itself was snubbed for Best Film. Many believed it deserved to be recognized as one of the greatest films of the decade, but it was overlooked in favor of Slumdog Millionaire.
- Adam Driver – Marriage Story (2020)
Adam Driver’s portrayal of a man going through a painful divorce in Marriage Story was widely praised, earning him an Oscar nomination and winning at other award shows. However, he was shockingly snubbed by the BAFTAs, where his intense, raw performance didn’t even earn him a nomination. This oversight left many scratching their heads, as Driver was considered one of the frontrunners that year.
- Boyhood – Best Film (2015)
Richard Linklater’s Boyhood, filmed over 12 years, was a cinematic achievement like no other. Despite being hailed as a masterpiece and winning numerous awards worldwide, it lost the Best Film award at the 2015 BAFTAs to The Theory of Everything. While The Theory of Everything was well-received, many felt that Boyhood was the more groundbreaking film and deserved the win.
- Saoirse Ronan – Little Women (2020)
Saoirse Ronan has established herself as one of the finest actors of her generation, and her performance in Greta Gerwig’s Little Women was no exception. However, she was snubbed by the BAFTAs in the Best Actress category, despite being nominated for both the Oscar and Golden Globe. Given her incredible talent and range, this omission was a surprise to many.
- Martin Scorsese – The Irishman (2020)
Martin Scorsese’s epic The Irishman was expected to sweep many awards, given its star-studded cast and sprawling narrative. However, the film was shut out at the BAFTAs, with Scorsese failing to win Best Director and the film itself losing out on major awards. Despite its critical acclaim, The Irishman walked away empty-handed, which was seen as a major snub for both Scorsese and the film.
The BAFTAs are known for celebrating the best in British and international film, but as with any awards show, they’ve had their fair share of snubs. These 10 BAFTA snubs continue to spark debate among film fans and critics, proving that even the most deserving performances and films can sometimes go unrecognized.
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