Drew Starkey, Omar Apollo and Daniel Craig star in Queer, Luca Guadagnino’s steamy adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novella. But despite critical acclaim, the film was completely overlooked by the 2025 BAFTA nominations. Fans are questioning whether ongoing stigmas surrounding LGBTQ+ storytelling contributed to the snub.
A Risky, Raw Story Left Unrewarded
Craig plays William Lee, an addict grappling with loneliness in 1950s Mexico, while Apollo portrays a bar patron who sparks an intimate and explicit moment on screen with Lee. Apollo’s first film role brought the singer to Instagram with cheeky behind-the-scenes snapshots, but his celebration wasn’t without controversy.
After posting a censored still from the film, Apollo called out homophobic reactions from followers. “Unfollow me if ur a homophobe,” he wrote. “I will never make myself ‘palatable’. This isn’t my life, I AM life.”
Craig, who received Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for his performance, previously reflected on playing a gay character, noting, “The movie’s not defined by [William’s sexuality]. It has universal themes that appeal to everyone.”
BAFTA Snub: An Industry Blind Spot?
Despite receiving international recognition, Queer was ignored in all BAFTA categories. This stands in stark contrast to the success of Emilia Pérez, another queer-focused film that dominated with 11 nominations. The snub reignited conversations about the industry’s uneven support for LGBTQ+ stories, particularly ones that explore themes of intimacy and identity outside mainstream expectations.
Craig’s limited BAFTA history—he has only been nominated once, for Casino Royale in 2006—adds to the frustration of fans, many of whom argue that the actor delivered one of his most vulnerable performances in Queer.
Known for pushing boundaries in queer storytelling, Guadagnino (Call Me by Your Name) has injected Queer with his signature style and lush visuals. From steamy club scenes to tense jungle encounters, the film is as atmospheric as it is provocative. But it’s Daniel Craig’s performance that is stealing the spotlight—delivering a portrayal that’s raw, unhinged, and unforgettable. Craig’s Lee is a man driven to the edge of his own sanity by love, in a quest that’s both romantic and deeply flawed.
Omar Apollo and Daniel Craig Push Boundaries
For Apollo, embracing an explicitly queer role felt natural. “I got the call, and they told me about the scene and how explicit it was. I instantly just said yes,” he said in an interview. “It’s not something that’s new to me.”
What’s Next for Queer?
The BAFTA snub may sting, but fans and critics continue to celebrate Queer as a bold, necessary addition to LGBTQ+ cinema. With its provocative themes and standout performances, the film underscores the importance of visibility and the ongoing fight for recognition in the industry.
The BAFTA Film Awards will air on February 16, 2025, on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK and on BritBox in the US and Australia. Whether Queer finds its redemption in other awards shows remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: its unapologetic story won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
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