Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis and Frances O’Connor’s Emily, produced by Arenamedia, have received a BAFTA boost, with both biopics well represented in the longlist for the annual film awards.
Of the 24 categories revealed as part of the announcement, Elvis was included in 12, recognised in Best Film, Director, Original Screenplay, Leading Actor for Austin Butler, Supporting Actor for Tom Hanks, Casting, Cinematography, Costume Design, Editing, Make Up and Hair, Production Design, and Sound.
Emily, which stars Emma Mackey as Wuthering Heights author Emily Brontë, is in contention for Outstanding British Film, Outstanding Debut by a British Director, Writer, or Producer.
Written and directed by British-Australian O’Connor, Arenamedia’s Robert Connolly and Robert Patterson are the producers, alongside David Barron and Piers Tempest.
It is joined in both categories by Good Luck to You, Leo Grande, directed by Australian Sophie Hyde, which also makes the cut for Original Screenplay and Leading Actress for Emma Thompson.
Thompson is included alongside Cate Blanchett, who has the potential to add another accolade for her performance in Todd Field’s Tár, following her Volpi Cup win.
The next round of voting to determine the nominations concludes on Friday, with the final round taking place between Friday, January 20, and Tuesday, February 14 ahead of the BAFTA Film Awards ceremony on February 19.
BAFTA Film Committee chair Anna Higgs said the publication of the longlist was a “very special moment”.
“To be longlisted is a fantastic achievement amidst the phenomenal films released in the last year,” she said.
“Sharing the list ahead of the nominations will hopefully inspire the public to watch as many films as possible and join in the conversation as excitement builds for the awards.”
The nominations for the 2023 BAFTA Awards will be unveiled via a global livestream on January 19.