LONDON − The papal thriller “Conclave” has garnered the most nominations for the BAFTA Film Awards revealed on Wednesday, achieving a total of 12 nominations among the UK’s most prestigious film accolades.

“Conclave” focuses on conniving cardinals as they deliberate on who will be the next pope. It is nominated for best film, best director for Edward Berger, and best leading actor for Ralph Fiennes, who plays the dean of the College of Cardinals responsible for overseeing the election.

Isabella Rossellini is recognized for best supporting actress due to her role as a nun in the movie, which draws inspiration from Robert Harris’s novel.

Previously, Berger’s last project, a German remake of the anti-war masterpiece “All Quiet on the Western Front,” made history by winning seven BAFTA awards in 2023.

Following behind “Conclave” is “Emilia Pérez,” which blends musical, crime, and comedy elements, securing 11 nominations. The film features Zoe Saldaña as a lawyer assisting a drug cartel leader, played by Karla Sofía Gascón, in her transition from male to female. Gascón earned a nod for best leading actress, while Saldaña and Selena Gomez, who portrays the drug lord’s wife, received nominations for best supporting actress.

“Emilia Pérez” is seen as a strong contender in this awards season, also receiving nominations for best film and best director for French filmmaker Jacques Audiard.

Other noteworthy films include the musical “Wicked,” which is a successful adaptation of the stage production, and the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown,” featuring Timothee Chalamet as the iconic singer during his rise to fame in the 1960s, totaling seven and six nominations respectively.

“A Complete Unknown” will also vie for best film at the February 16 ceremony, along with “The Brutalist,” featuring Adrien Brody as a Jewish-Hungarian immigrant rebuilding his life in the U.S. post-World War II.

Completing the best film category is “Anora,” which tells the story of a young exotic dancer entangled with the son of a Russian oligarch.

All the contenders for best film are directed by men.

When will the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards take place?

The winners will be announced during a ceremony at London’s Royal Festival Hall on February 16. The event will be hosted for a second time by David Tennant, known for his role in “Doctor Who.”

These awards are considered the UK’s counterpart to Hollywood’s Academy Awards and will be closely observed for insights into potential Oscar winners on March 2.

Contributing: Kim Willis,