Wunmi Mosaku Bafta Nomination 2026: How Actress Stays Calm During Awards Season

Wunmi Mosaku is nominated for a 2026 Bafta Award for Best Supporting Actress. This is a major step in her career, showing her growing success.
By Newsroom | Entertainment, Awards |

Wunmi Mosaku, a nominee for a prestigious Bafta award, is currently experiencing a significant period in her acting career. With nominations for major film awards, including the Baftas and the Academy Awards, Mosaku is facing increased public attention. She has spoken about her approach to managing the pressure, emphasizing a mindful engagement with each moment as awards season progresses.

Wunmi Mosaku reveals how she’s keeping calm before Baftas: 'Just take each day as it comes' - 1

Background and Rise to Prominence

Wunmi Mosaku's journey to this point has been shaped by her early passion for acting and strong family support.

Wunmi Mosaku reveals how she’s keeping calm before Baftas: 'Just take each day as it comes' - 2

  • Growing up in Manchester, Mosaku harbored dreams of becoming an actor from a young age.

  • Her mother played a key role in enabling her to pursue acting, reportedly encouraging her to take risks and explore her chosen path over more secure career options. This support system allowed Mosaku to pursue her aspirations.

  • A pivotal moment in her youth was her falling in love with the musical "Annie," an experience she credits with profoundly influencing her life and career direction.

  • Her acting career has seen her earn nominations for significant awards, including the Actor Awards (formerly SAG) and the 98th Academy Awards, for her role as Hoodoo priestess Annie in the film "Sinners."

Professional Achievements and Recognition

Mosaku's work in "Sinners" has garnered considerable acclaim, leading to multiple award nominations and widespread recognition.

Wunmi Mosaku reveals how she’s keeping calm before Baftas: 'Just take each day as it comes' - 3

  • The film "Sinners" has been a significant vehicle for her career, earning numerous accolades and nods for its cast and crew.

  • She is nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Bafta Film Awards.

  • Mosaku is also recognized alongside other artists for their substantial contributions to film and television, including Jack O’Connell, Sam Claflin, Shirley Henderson, Sophie Turner, and Timothy Spall, who were honored as Artists of Distinction.

  • Her performance in "Sinners" has been described as a "tour de force," contributing to her growing reputation in the industry.

Coping Mechanisms Amidst Awards Season

As the intensity of awards season escalates, Mosaku has articulated a strategy for maintaining her composure and focus.

Wunmi Mosaku reveals how she’s keeping calm before Baftas: 'Just take each day as it comes' - 4

  • She shared with The London Standard that she is trying to "stay present" and "take each day as it comes."

  • This approach reflects an effort to manage the pressures associated with being in the spotlight during this high-stakes period of her career.

  • Mosaku has spoken about the inherent emotional demands of acting, noting that performers often engage deeply with the experiences of their characters.

Competitive Landscape

At the Bafta Film Awards, Mosaku is nominated in a competitive category, facing several other accomplished actresses.

  • Her fellow nominees for Best Supporting Actress include:

  • Odessa A’Zion (for "Marty Supreme")

  • Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (for "Sentimental Value")

  • Carey Mulligan (for "The Ballad of Wallis Island")

  • Teyana Taylor (for "One Battle After Another")

  • Emily Watson (for "Hamnet")

Early Career and Influences

Mosaku's foundational experiences and inspirations have demonstrably shaped her career trajectory.

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  • Her childhood on a council estate in Manchester provides a backdrop to her remarkable rise.

  • The musical "Annie" is cited as a key early influence that ignited her passion for acting.

  • Her family, particularly her mother, provided crucial encouragement and support, allowing her to explore acting risks.

Current Activities and Future Outlook

Mosaku is actively participating in the awards circuit, balancing professional commitments with personal strategies for well-being.

  • She has been undertaking promotional activities, including interviews and appearances, such as a chat with Graham Norton.

  • While based in Los Angeles, she has returned to the UK for events related to the awards season.

  • Mosaku has expressed a clear preference for future roles, indicating a desire to return to the UK but not to portray police officers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Wunmi Mosaku nominated for a 2026 Bafta Award?
Wunmi Mosaku is nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2026 Bafta Film Awards for her role as Hoodoo priestess Annie in the film 'Sinners'. This nomination highlights her strong performance in the movie.
Q: How does Wunmi Mosaku handle the pressure of awards season?
Wunmi Mosaku told The London Standard that she is trying to 'stay present' and 'take each day as it comes'. This method helps her manage the attention and stress that comes with being nominated for major awards.
Q: Who else is nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2026 Baftas?
Wunmi Mosaku is competing against Odessa A’Zion ('Marty Supreme'), Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas ('Sentimental Value'), Carey Mulligan ('The Ballad of Wallis Island'), Teyana Taylor ('One Battle After Another'), and Emily Watson ('Hamnet').
Q: What inspired Wunmi Mosaku to become an actress?
Growing up in Manchester, Mosaku was inspired by the musical 'Annie'. Her mother also gave her strong support to pursue acting, encouraging her to take risks in her career.
Q: What are Wunmi Mosaku's future plans after awards season?
While based in Los Angeles, Mosaku has returned to the UK for awards events. She has said she wants to return to the UK for future acting roles but does not want to play police officers again.