BAFTA predictions: Colin Farrell, Angela Bassett and 'Everything Everywhere' could shine with Brits

The awards picks of industry voters and moviegoers across the pond will be revealed at the 76th BAFTA Awards, which take place this Sunday, February 19 at the Southbank Center in London. A major indicator of the Oscars, the BAFTAs have proven to be a strong indicator of what the Academy might pick as their favorite films and performances of the year.

Netflix's "All Quiet on the Western Front" leads the tally with 14 nominations, tying "Crouching Tiger , Hidden Dragon" (2000) for most nods for a non-English language film, and second overall with "Gandhi" (1982) and "Atonement" (2007), which landed 16 names each. Searchlight's 'The Banshees of Inisherin' and A24's 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' are also well represented at the UK ceremony, picking up 10 names each.

So what can we expect?

'Banshees' should have a big night according to many experts, which it might. However, with 'Everything Everywhere' gaining momentum, it could cement its spot as best film of the year if it can win the British Academy's most coveted award.

The real test will come in the best director category, where Steven Spielberg is not nominated for "The Fabelman.” Many expect Spielberg to win the DGA award on Saturday night. An award to anyone but the Daniels would be a stain on their campaign, given that their main achievement competition is not present. It could lead to the Oscars to a Best Director split, which has become increasingly common in recent years.

I double down on Todd Field winning Best Director for "Tár," and I I would too Don't discount the film's chances in the original script. However, three-time BAFTA winner Cate Blanchett shouldn't be short of a leading actress, as Michelle Yeoh is set to win for "Everything Everywhere." Along with Yeoh, sci-fi comedy A24 is set to have a good night with four wins, including Best Picture, Supporting Actor Ke Huy Quan, and Original Screenplay.

It might seem risky to predict Angela Bassett's turn as Queen Ramonda to win the supporting actress for "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" as she is the sole portrayal in the film. However, Viola Davis of "Fences" (2016), who was also the only nominee for her film, managed to triumph at the BAFTAs and ultimately at the Oscars. Nevertheless, Bassett faces stiff competition from Kerry Condon and Jamie Lee Curtis.

THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN, director Martin McDonagh, on set, 2022. ph: Jonathan Hession / © Searchlight Pictures / courtesy Everett Collection ©Searchlight Pictures/ Courtesy Everett Collection

'Banshees' shouldn't have too bad a night; he is expected to win by leading a...