BAFTA Awards 2026: Farhan Akhtar-backed Manipuri film 'Boong' gets nominated in Best Children's and Family Film category

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has announced the nominations for the 2026 BAFTA awards ceremony today on January 27, 2026. And in that, the Manipuri film 'Boong' has been listed in the Best Children's and Family Film category. The movie has been backed by actor-filmmaker-producer Farhan Akhtar's production house.The Manipuri film is racing against movies like 'Arco', 'Lilo & Stitch', and 'Zootropolis 2'. Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, the film has been produced by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's Excel Entertainment. The film stars Gugun Kipgen as Brojendro aka Boong, Bala Hijam, Angom Sanamatum, Vikram Kochhar, Nemetia Ngangbam, Jenny Khurai, Hamom Sadananda, Thoudam Brajabidhu, Modhubala Thoudam, Idhou, Gurumayum Priyogopal, and R.K. Sorojini.The movie is a coming-of-age drama, which was released in India in September 2024.According to the NDTV report, the film's story is about a young boy named Boong, hailing from the valley of Manipur, who has plans to surprise his mother with a gift. The young boy believes that if he brings back his father home, it will be a special gift for his mother. During his search, he finds an unexpected gift.The movie also premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.Last year, Boong was also named the Spotlight Film at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.According to the report, Lakshmipriya Devi has worked as the first assistant director of Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's production ventures like 'Luck By Chance' and 'Talaash'. She has worked as an assistant director for 'PK', starring Aamir Khan, and Mira Nair's series adaptation of 'A Suitable Boy'.Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another', starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is leading the nominations with getting listed in 14 categories. Ryan Coogler's 'Sinners', starring Michael B. Jordan, has bagged 13 nominations.The 79th BAFTA awards ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at London's Royal Festival Hall. Scottish actor, writer, and host Alan Cumming will be taking over the hosting duties for the BAFTA awards show this year.