BAFTA 2023 Odds: Nominees, favourites and a 12/1 accumulator

The country's biggest and brightest stars will be out in full force on Sunday evening for a night of self-indulgent celebrations at the 2023 BAFTA awards.

If you're wondering who is going to take home the top prizes at this year's ceremony, you've come to the right place! 

Inside this preview we'll talk you through the nominees in each of the major categories, from who are the favourites to the expected outcomes. Finally, we'll chuck in a few recommended bets if you enjoy a fun punt on these occasions.

Best Film

There are only really two films who stand a genuine shot for this year's top prize. But to call it a two-horse race between The Banshees of Inisherin and Everything Everywhere All At Once might be a little too flattering to the latter.

Martin McDonagh's black comedy set on an offshore island at the tail end of the Irish Civil War is the standout favourite at 2/5 to claim the Best Film achievement. For those who like to bet against the house, sci-fi romp Everything Everywhere All At Once can be backed as generously as 3/1 with one firm.

In our opinion, this one is as close to a foregone conclusion as you'll get. The British-Irish playwright turned writer-director McDonagh is a darling of the British academy. His previous work Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, swept up at the 2018 awards, winning Outstanding British Film of the Year, Best Original Screenplay and Best Film that year.

Given that this is a British celebration of the 2022 achievements in film and TV, it makes sense to crown a British film with that title - especially when you have a nominee as exceptionally brilliant as TBOI is. So we're siding with the home-field advantage on this one.

Best Director

Despite his last film's dominance at the BAFTAs, Kwan and Scheinert are the short price favourites to pick up Best Director. McDonagh represents a 7/4 shot with Betfred, but he will find it difficult to complete a full sweep across the board.

There is an interesting aspect to Best Director in that there is one noticeable absence between the lists for the two major categories: Baz Luhrmann's omission for Elvis. Meanwhile, two of the nominated directors made films that were not given the nod for Best Film: The Woman King and Decision to Leave.

Although the London Critics' Circle unexpectedly went for Todd Field, we don't eye a similar curveball at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday. This is rightly being billed as a battle between Kwan/Scheinert and McDonagh. And it's the American writing-directing duo whose side of the fence we're leaning towards.

The forecast for Best Original Screenplay is actually why we're in favour of EEAAO. McDonagh should beat out his competition in that field, and given how we've tipped Banshees to romp home with Best Film, it only makes sense for members to spread their votes to ensure that both flicks are recognised.

Leading Actor

Over to the race for Leading Actor and in many ways, this could be the most open-ended category. The buzz around Colin Farrell's campaign and his position in the betting rankings would suggest he's a shoo-in for the award.

The fact that a so-called comedic performance received a nomination is telling of just how good Farrell is. Brendan Fraser appears to be more of a backable option at this year's Oscars, so that only really leaves Austin Butler to go toe-to-toe with Farrell.

Butler has really come through in recent weeks, and don't forget that Elvis was released a long time ago now, which only solidifies its staying power. This is the tussle that is expected to carry over to the Academy Awards in March, but we're going with the home-born nominee to edge out his Californian counterpart.

Elsewhere, watch out for Aftersun who could upset a few predictions. It's only been nominated in Outstanding British Film and here with Paul Mescal. If voters are to show it some love, their options are limited. Mescal might be able to tempt some of you at odds as large as 30/1 with bet365!

Leading Actress

Speaking of two person battles, BAFTA will give us a taste of who could claim the Best Actress crown at the 2023 Oscars. It is likely to be between Cate Blanchett and Michelle Yeoh. Many are giving the Australian an edge here, and favouring Yeoh at the Academy Awards, but there's a feeling that Yeoh is strong enough of a choice to swoop both.

Although Blanchett plays like a local actor despite not being the home candidate - that's Emma Thompson - there's something about Yeoh's performance that stands above the crowd. She's electric as Chinese immigrant Evelyn, boasting an extremely varied and physically demanding performance which she maneuevres almost effortlessly. 

Yeoh poses an upset in the odds, and we like the 13/5 on offer.

Seeing as almost all of these prices aren't exactly the most appealing in and of themselves, you can combine the four to form a 12/1 accumulator which if successful is sure to deliver a lovely close to your weekend.