Papal thriller “ Conclave,” which stars Ralph Fiennes as a cardinal overseeing the election of a new pope, leads the race — just — for the British Academy Film Awards, with nominations in 12 categories,

Ralph Fiennes’s papal thriller leads the pack at this year’s awards, with 12 nominations. But could Netflix’s trans musical steal the votes?

The Ralph Fiennes- and Stanley Tucci-starring film, based on the novel by Robert Harris, leads the way with 12 BAFTA nominations — ahead of Emilia Pérez ‘s 11 and The Brutalist ‘s nine, as unveiled by actors Will Sharpe and Mia McKenna-Bruce from the British Academy’s headquarters in London mid-day on Wednesday.

Papal thriller " Conclave," which stars Ralph Fiennes as a cardinal overseeing ... Will Sharpe said before he and fellow actor Mia McKenna-Bruce announced the nominations.BAFTA chair Sara Putt ...

(Focus Features via AP) This image released by Focus Features shows Ralph Fiennes in a scene from "Conclave." (Focus Features via AP) From left, Mia McKenna-Bruce, Sara Putt, Anna Higgs ...

LONDON (AP) — Papal thriller “ Conclave,” which stars Ralph Fiennes as a cardinal ... Will Sharpe said before he and fellow actor Mia McKenna-Bruce announced the nominations.