The nominations for the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) were announced today, January 27, 2026, and Indian cinema has a reason to celebrate. "Boong," a Manipuri film backed by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, has been nominated in the Best Children’s and Family Film category. This marks a significant achievement for Indian cinema, as "Boong" is the sole Indian film to receive a nomination this year. The awards ceremony will be held on February 22, 2026, at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
"Boong" is a coming-of-age drama directed by Lakshmipriya Devi. The film tells the story of Boong, a young boy from Manipur who embarks on a journey to find his father, believing that bringing him home would be the perfect gift for his mother. During his search, Boong discovers an unexpected gift. The film features Gugun Kipgen as Brojendro (Boong), alongside Bala Hijam, Angom Sanamatum, and Vikram Kochhar.
Lakshmipriya Devi, the director of "Boong," has previously worked as a first assistant director on Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s production ventures such as "Luck By Chance" and "Talaash". She also served as an assistant director for "PK," starring Aamir Khan, and Mira Nair’s series adaptation of "A Suitable Boy". "Boong" premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and was named the Spotlight Film at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne last year.
In the Best Children’s and Family Film category, "Boong" is competing against "Arco", "Lilo & Stitch", and "Zootropolis 2". The nomination of "Boong" is a noteworthy moment for Indian cinema, highlighting the industry's growing presence on the global stage.
Among other notable nominations for the 2026 BAFTAs, Paul Thomas Anderson’s "One Battle After Another," a politically charged action thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio, leads with 14 nominations. Ryan Coogler’s "Sinners" closely follows with 13 nominations. "Hamnet" and "Marty Supreme" have both secured 11 nominations each.
The nominations were announced by David Jonsson, the 2025 EE Rising Star Award winner, and Aimee Lou Wood. Alan Cumming will host the awards ceremony.
Several actors received their first BAFTA Film nomination this year, including Robert Aramayo, Odessa A'zion, Rose Byrne, Chase Infiniti, Michael B. Jordan, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Stellan Skarsgård, and Teyana Taylor. Additionally, six former and current EE Rising Stars are nominated: Robert Aramayo, Jessie Buckley, Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elordi, Chase Infiniti, and Carey Mulligan. Ryan Coogler and Josh Safdie are first-time nominees in the Best Director category.
