Zendaya fans fume over BAFTA snub to her major hits, call awards 'joke of an academy'

SOUTHBANK CENTRE, LONDON: The BAFTA nominations announcement has sparked a firestorm of criticism among fans, particularly over the glaring omissions of Zendaya’s critically acclaimed films 'Queer' and 'Challengers', as well as box-office hits like 'Babygirl' and 'Paddington in Peru.'

Despite their Golden Globe nods and a spot on the BAFTA longlist, these high-profile projects were entirely shut out of the final nominations.

Fans furious as Zendaya’s 'Challengers' snubbed at BAFTAs

Zendaya, 27, delivered a powerhouse performance in 'Challengers' as Tashi, a former tennis pro turned coach, guiding her husband’s comeback in the sport.

As of May 6, 2024, the movie grossed $30.3 million in the US box office and $23 million in other territories.

Fans took to social media to express their outrage, with one user on X writing, “Challengers being snubbed for Best Score in an awards ceremony is idiotic.”

One fan chimed in, "Emilia Pérez nominated for Best Score but no Challengers? What a joke."

Another added, "No Dune or Challengers??? joke of an academy."

Someone else noted, "Seeing Emilia Perez nominated for best original score is so underwhelming of the category. Like… does this category has any value?"

A follower remarked, "Emilia Pérez over Challengers is nasty work."

One comment declared, "Challengers robbed."

Another observed, "No Challengers is an interesting choice."

As one person explained, "Should have been Brutalist, Nosferatu, Dune 2, Challengers, Wild Robot."

Ralph Fiennes leads BAFTA nominations while Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator 2' faces major snubs

Meanwhile, Ralph Fiennes emerged as the undisputed star of this year’s nominations.

His Vatican-set thriller 'Conclave' received 12 nods, including Best Actor and Best Film.

Fiennes, who last won a BAFTA 32 years ago for 'Schindler’s List', is now poised for another victory.

'Conclave', featuring a stellar cast including Stanley Tucci and Isabella Rossellini, explores the high-stakes election of a new Pope amid secrets and power struggles.

This year’s nominations also celebrated the Spanish drama 'Emilia Perez', which earned 11 nods, trailing just behind 'Conclave.'

However, Ridley Scott’s 'Gladiator 2' suffered another blow, with leading man Paul Mescal excluded from the Best Actor race.

Even Denzel Washington, initially longlisted for his role as Macrinus, was axed from the final lineup.

Kate Winslet’s portrayal of war photographer Lee Miller in 'Lee' also failed to secure a nomination, further fueling debate. Fans were particularly baffled by Winslet’s omission, given her longlist recognition and prior accolades.

Demi Moore earns BAFTA nod, while Adrien Brody’s ‘The Brutalist’ leads with nine nominations

Demi Moore, however, secured her place in the Leading Actress category for her Golden Globe-winning performance in 'The Substance'.

In her heartfelt Globes acceptance speech, the 62-year-old actress reportedly reflected on her journey: “Thirty years ago, I had a producer tell me that I was a ‘popcorn’ actress... But tonight I learned, I do belong.” Moore now hopes to convert her BAFTA nod into her first Oscar win.

In a surprising twist, the Supporting Actor category turned into a sibling showdown, with 'Succession' stars Jeremy Strong ('The Apprentice') and Kieran Culkin ('A Real Pain') going head-to-head.

Strong’s intense method acting style has famously irritated co-stars, prompting Brian Cox to call his approach “f***ing annoying.”

Adrien Brody’s 'The Brutalist' dominated with nine nominations, closely followed by 'Dune 2' and 'Wicked', each securing seven.

Despite the buzz surrounding Wicked, its lead, Cynthia Erivo, faces stiff competition in the Leading Actress category, which includes Moore, Saoirse Ronan ('The Outrun'), and Mikey Madison ('Anora').

Pamela Anderson’s ‘The Last Showgirl’ snubbed, while Timothee Chalamet shine in BAFTA nominations

Pamela Anderson’s much-hyped cinematic return in 'The Last Showgirl' garnered just one nomination—for Jamie Lee Curtis in the Best Supporting Actress category.

Meanwhile, Ariana Grande and Zoe Saldana joined Felicity Jones and Isabella Rossellini in rounding out the Supporting Actress lineup.

Timothee Chalamet, nominated for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in 'A Complete Unknown', is set to dazzle at the February ceremony, with girlfriend Kylie Jenner expected to cheer him on from the audience.

Chalamet faces stiff competition from seasoned veterans like Ralph Fiennes ('Conclave') and Hugh Grant ('Heretic'), as well as rising stars like Colman Domingo ('Sing Sing').

BAFTA chairwoman Sara Putt defended the nominations, emphasizing their diversity: “You’ve got sci-fi, comedy, horror, straight drama, musicals… It’s an amazing list with real breadth and depth.”

Echoing this sentiment, BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip urged fans to explore the nominated films, stating, “The film industry has delivered in spades once again. There really is something for everyone.”