Denzel Washington snubbed yet again despite another amazing performance reignites questions about BAFTA’s recognition of diverse talent.

As Shakespeare wrote, “Life is but a walking shadow,” and Denzel Washington is the poor player who continues to be heard no more, at least in the eyes of BAFTA. With over 65 film credits, nine Academy Award nominations (including two wins) and more than 270 accolades across a 45-year career,

Gladiator II star Denzel Washington, Wicked, Kneecap, Sing Sing breakout Clarence Maclin, Queer lead Daniel Craig, and The Substance star Margaret Qualley were among the biggest snubs and surprises after the 78th annual BAFTA Awards nominations were announced on Wednesday.

Denzel Washington legendary performances and massive paychecks, including his $20 million role in Gladiator 2, cement his Hollywood dominance.

The nominations for the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards are in, and as always, they have their fair share of snubs and surprises. At the top of the list of snubs this year are “Wicked,” which missed out on the best film category,

The legendary actor has picked up plenty of Oscar buzz for his role in Gladiator 2, but he failed to secure a BAFTA nomination. Shockingly, Washington has never been nominated for a BAFTA at all, despite nine Oscar nominations (and two wins).

The BAFTA nominees were announced this morning but there was no recognition for high profile movies such as Queer, Challengers, Babygirl, and Paddington In Peru. Meanwhile, musical Wicked was shut out of the Best Film and Best Director categories.