BAFTA TV Awards 2026: Nominations for Adolescence, Andor & More

The 2026 BAFTA Television Awards nominations are here, and Netflix’s Adolescence is dominating the conversation. The gripping drama, co-created by Stephen Graham, secured an impressive 11 nominations, setting the stage for a potentially massive night for the series when the awards are presented on May 10th at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London.

Adolescence, which has already garnered wins at the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice awards, leads a pack of critically acclaimed shows. Disney+’s A Thousand Blows followed with seven nominations, while Andor and Trespasses each received six, and The Celebrity Traitors earned five. The ceremony will air on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer the same evening.

A Breakthrough for Young Talent and Established Stars

The success of Adolescence isn’t just about the sheer number of nominations; it’s likewise about the recognition for its cast. The series earned first-time BAFTA TV performance nominations for Ashley Walters, Christine Tremarco, Erin Doherty, and Owen Cooper, alongside a leading actor nod for Stephen Graham himself. Graham will be competing against a formidable group including Colin Firth (Lockerbie: A Search for Truth), Ellis Howard (What It Feels Like For a Girl), James Nelson-Joyce (This City Is Ours), Matt Smith (The Death of Bunny Munro), and Taron Egerton (Smoke).

The acting categories are shaping up to be particularly competitive. Aimee Lou Wood (Film Club) and Jodie Whittaker (Toxic Town) are among those vying for Leading Actress, alongside Erin Doherty, who also receives a nomination for her role in A Thousand Blows. Narges Rashidi (Prisoner 951), Sheridan Smith (I Fought the Law), and Sian Brooke (Blue Lights) complete the lineup.

Beyond Adolescence: A Look at the Nominees

While Adolescence is the clear frontrunner, several other series are in contention for top honors. A Thousand Blows, created by Steven Knight (known for Peaky Blinders) and executive produced by Graham and his wife Hannah Walters, is nominated for Drama Series, alongside Blue Lights and This City Is Ours. Adolescence itself will compete in the Limited Series category. The international stage is represented with nominations for series like The Bear, The Diplomat, and Severance.

The nominations reflect a diverse range of programming, from hard-hitting documentaries like Gaza: Doctors Under Attack and Grenfell: Uncovered to popular entertainment shows like The Celebrity Traitors, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, which was the most-watched series on British TV in 2025 according to research body Barb. Sky News’ coverage of the conflict in Gaza, specifically their special programme “Gaza: Fight For Survival,” also received a nomination in the News Coverage category, alongside BBC Newsnight and Channel 4 News. Sky News provides further details on the nominations.

A Platform for Emerging Talent

This year’s awards also highlight rising stars in the industry. The BAFTA Television Craft Awards, which will be handed out on April 26th, recognize the skilled professionals behind the scenes. Alongside the established names, several first-time nominees are being celebrated, including Ashley Walters, Christine Tremarco, Fehinti Balogun (Down Cemetery Road), Owen Cooper, and Paddy Considine (MobLand). The Emerging Talent awards specifically spotlight promising new voices in both factual and fictional filmmaking, with nominees like Alexandra Lacey and Emily McDonald.

Craft Awards Recognize Technical Excellence

The BAFTA Television Craft Awards, announced alongside the main nominations, showcase the artistry and technical skill that goes into television production. Categories like Costume Design (with nominations for A Thousand Blows and Andor), Photography & Lighting, and Sound recognize the crucial contributions of these teams. The awards also honor Original Music, Production Design, and Editing, highlighting the collaborative nature of television creation. The Independent offers a comprehensive overview of the craft nominations.

The Memorable Moment Award: Public Vote Decides

Adding a unique element to the awards, the Memorable Moment Award is the only honor voted for by the public. This year, viewers can choose from a selection of impactful scenes, including Jamie’s emotional outburst in Adolescence, a poignant moment from BIG BOYS, a tense scene from Blue Lights, Alan Carr’s victory on The Celebrity Traitors, and a memorable exchange from Last One Laughing. The public vote will undoubtedly add an extra layer of excitement to the ceremony.

What’s Next: The Road to the Ceremony

With the nominations announced, the focus now shifts to the final voting process. BAFTA members will cast their votes to determine the winners, who will be revealed at the ceremony on May 10th. The event promises to be a celebration of British television’s creative achievements, recognizing both established stars and emerging talents. The BAFTA Television Craft Awards on April 26th will provide a preview of the evening’s accolades, honoring the skilled professionals who bring these stories to life. The Guardian provides a full list of nominations.