Zendaya’s snub at the 2025 BAFTA nominations for her performance in Challengers has caused a stir among fans, especially given the film’s strong performances and critical acclaim. Despite grossing over $53 million worldwide and featuring Zendaya in the role of a former tennis star turned coach, Challengers was completely overlooked in major categories, including Best Score. Fans took to social media to express their disbelief, calling the decision “idiotic” and questioning why the film was absent from the nominations.
The outrage extended beyond Zendaya, with others pointing out snubs for Denzel Washington and Margaret Qualley, and expressing frustration over the lack of recognition for Challengers and its talented cast, including Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist. Some fans even went as far as to say that Challengers not receiving a single nomination felt like a personal blow, with one fan joking it would be their “Joker origin story.”
The exclusion of such a widely discussed film, particularly one with Zendaya’s high-profile performance, has led to questions about the credibility of this year’s BAFTA nominations. While Challengers was absent from the major nominations, other films like Conclave and Gladiator 2 dominated the list, leading some to wonder if the BAFTAs missed the mark on a key contender. With the awards ceremony scheduled for February 16, 2025, the conversation surrounding these snubs is likely to continue, as fans and critics alike scrutinize the choices.
