BAFTAs 2023: Colin Farrell and Banshees of Inisherin are the frontrunners while Austin Butler drifts down odds

It may be the luck of the Irish on Sunday, 19 February, as the odds are tipped in favour of Colin Farrell and Martin McDonagh’s film The Banshees of Inisherin for two of the big categories at the 2023 BAFTAs.

The 76th British Academy Film and Television Awards returns this weekend, albeit at a different home at the Royal Festival Hall as opposed to the Royal Albert Hall, to honour the best contributions to film both in Britain and internationally.

Penned as the British-Oscars, the biggest stars of the past year will gather for the ceremony co-hosted by Richard E. Grant and Alison Hammond.

While the Royal Festival Hall will be filled with the hottest talent, only one can win in each category, with eyes all set on the four top prizes - leading actor, actress, best film and best director.

Cate Blanchett is favoured to win her category for her portrayal of Lydia Tar as Everything Everywhere All At Once’s Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert are considered highly likely to be awarded best director.

In light of this, PeopleWorld takes a look at who the frontrunners are for the other two prizes, with insight from sports betting community platform, OLBG, as the CEO promises an ‘extraordinary’ range of nominations, with 40% ethnic diversity:

So far in the 2023 awards season, ‘Best Actor’ has been the biggest gamble and surprise for viewers with stars such as Austin Butler, Colin Farrell and Brendan Fraser all vying for the prize at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice.

While all three have scooped trophies thus far, the favourites were set up against BAFTA first-timers Paul Mescal, Daryl McCormack and Bill Nighy for Sunday’s ceremony.

However, Colin Farrell has been tipped as the most likely to claim the BAFTA this year with bookmakers believing in a 69% probability.

The Whale’s Brendan Fraser follows next, with Elvis star Austin Butler falling down the ranks with odds of 9/2.

In terms of best film, it again has seemingly been a two horse race between The Banshees of Inisherin and Everything Everywhere All At Once at the opening awards ceremonies of 2023.

And despite the ‘extraordinary’ range of nominations at this year’s event, the odds are swinging in favour of the Irish-made film.

It must be noted that the awards season has been throwing many a curveball, so while these are only predictions, tune in to watch the BAFTAs on BBC One or BBC iPlayer on Sunday at 7pm.