Bafta Cymru 2026 nominations announced

Matthew Rhys, Tom Cullen, Jonathon Pryce, Gabrielle Creevy and more are nominated

The nominations for the 2026 Bafta Cymru Awards have been announced. Big names in UK and worldwide drama are singled out for acting categories and legendary S4C series Rownd a Rownd’s Buddug Povey gets an acting award nod for her role as Kay Walsh – which she’s played since 1999.

The awards, due to be held on Sunday, October 4, aim to celebrate talent and honour excellence in broadcasting and production across film and television in Wales. The winners will be unveiled at the star-studded ceremony hosted by BBC Radio 2’s Owain Wyn Evans at the ICC Wales in Newport on that Sunday.

Eve Myles scores her 10th acting nomination for her role in The Guest, a BBC thriller filmed in and around Cardiff and her co-star in that drama, Gabrielle Creevy, also receives her fourth nomination for best actress for her role as Ria opposite Myles’ manipulative Fran. The Guest itself has five nominations in total.

There are six nominations for feature film Madfabulous starring Callum Scott Howells, which follows the story of Henry, 5th Marquess of Anglesey.

There are three nominations for S4C’s Welsh language exploration series Stori’r Iaith and Sky One drama Under Salt Marsh, the second series of which has just been announced.

Bariau; Havoc; Keep the World Away – Finding Gwen John; Other Voices: Cardigan 2025 with Huw Stephens; Richard Burton: Wild Genius; The Man in My Basement; Y Crwydryn; and Y Golau: Dŵr all have two nominations.

First-time Bafta nominees include aforementioned Buddug Povey nominated for actress in Rownd a Rownd; Sian Reese–Williams nominated for actress in Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards; Tom Cullen nominated for actor in Trespasses; Sian Eleri nominated for presenter in Keep the World Away – Finding Gwen John; writers Claire Oakley for Under Salt Marsh; and Lisa Baker for Madfabulous.

Widow’s Bay star and double 2026 Emmy-nominee Matthew Rhys receives his fourth Bafta Cymru nomination for actor in The Beast in Me. And directors Euros Lyn and Gareth Bryn both receive their ninth director nomination, Euros Lyn for Wayward and Gareth Bryn for Karen Pirie.

This year saw the welcome return of member voting in the feature/television film category, with Bafta Cymru voting members deciding the longlist ahead of jury deliberations to select the nominees and winner.

Owain Wyn Evans is returning for a third time to host the Bafta Cymru Awards. A host of special guests representing the best of the sector’s creative talent will join Owain to announce the winners on the night.

Owain said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to be back hosting the Bafta Cymru Awards. I had such a brilliant time last year that when they asked me to come back there wasn’t a moment’s hesitation.

“It’s such a joy to celebrate the incredible talent we have here in Wales, the storytellers, performers and creatives who continue to produce world class television and film that makes us all so proud.

“I know it’s going to be another unforgettable night, full of well-deserved celebrations, a few surprises, plenty of sparkle and, if last year is anything to go by, some seriously fabulous outfits on the red carpet. I can’t wait to do it all over again.”

Lee Walters, Bafta Cymru chair, said: “Congratulations to all of this year’s Bafta Cymru nominees. Every nomination is a testament to the creativity, skill and dedication of the people working across Wales’ screen industries, both in front of and behind the camera.

“The range and quality of this year’s work reflects a sector that continues to grow in confidence, telling distinctive stories that connect with audiences at home and around the world.

“The Bafta Cymru Awards are an opportunity to celebrate that excellence, recognise the incredible talent within our industry, and inspire the next generation of Welsh storytellers. We look forward to celebrating with all of this year’s nominees next month.”

Get the full list of nomainations, here