The biggest night in British film is back, and we couldn’t be more excited. The 79th annual BAFTAs are finally upon us.
It’s always a night packed with musical performances — think Sophie Ellis-Bextor — wild hosting moments like Ariana DeBose’s viral rap, emotional speeches, and, of course, the outfits. Honestly, we’d tune in just for the dresses and beauty looks alone.
Plus, the British Academy Film Awards are widely known for setting the tone for the rest of the awards season, including the Oscars and the SAG Awards. So whoever takes home a trophy on this glittering evening is definitely someone to watch in the months ahead.
While we might not be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Paul Mescal, Emma Stone, and Aimee Lou Wood, we can gather a group of friends, whip up some incredible snacks and cocktails, and host our own home viewing party.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 BAFTA Awards.
What time are the 2026 BAFTA Awards on tonight?
The 2026 BAFTAs will take place tonight (February 22, 2026). The ceremony kicks off at 7:00 GMT and wraps up by 9:00 GMT. After the timezone chaos of the Grammys, we’re thrilled to have a guaranteed early night!
Where will the BAFTAs be hosted?
The 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards will be held at London’s Southbank Centre, in the Royal Festival Hall. The venue has hosted the prestigious ceremony since 2023. Before that, the awards took place at the Royal Albert Hall (2017–2022) and the Royal Opera House.
How can you watch the BAFTAs?
The BAFTAs 2026 ceremony will air on BBC One and stream on BBC iPlayer.
One Battle After Another swept this year's Academy Awards.
Who is the host of the BAFTAs 2026?
We’re thrilled to confirm that Alan Cumming will be hosting the BAFTA Awards this year. Known for his work on The Traitors US and Celebrity Traitors, Cumming is always a joy onscreen. That said, we’ll definitely miss David Tennant, who did a fantastic job hosting the past two years.
Who will be presenting?
This year’s presenters include Aaron Pierre, Aimee Lou Wood, Alicia Vikander, Alia Bhatt, Bryan Cranston, Cillian Murphy, David Jonsson, Delroy Lindo, Emily Watson, Erin Doherty, Ethan Hawke, Gillian Anderson, Glenn Close, Hannah Waddingham, Kate Hudson, Kathryn Hahn, Kerry Washington, Little Simz, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mia McKenna-Bruce, Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton, Milly Alcock, Minnie Driver, Monica Bellucci, Noah Jupe, Olivia Cooke, Patrick Dempsey, Regé-Jean Page, Riz Ahmed, Sadie Sink, Stellan Skarsgård, Stormzy, and Warwick Davis.
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Who will be attending?
As always, it’s a star-studded guest list that makes us wonder how so much celebrity can fit under one roof. Among those expected to attend are Benicio Del Toro, Carey Mulligan, Chase Infiniti, Chloé Zhao, David Borenstein, Emma Stone, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Jacob Elordi, Jafar Panahi, Jesse Plemons, Jessie Buckley, Joachim Trier, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lynne Ramsay, Maggie O’Farrell, Odessa A’Zion, Paul Mescal, Paul Thomas Anderson, Renate Reinsve, Rose Byrne, Ryan Coogler, Sam Mendes, Teyana Taylor, Timothée Chalamet, Wunmi Mosaku, and Yorgos Lanthimos.
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Social media went wild when BAFTA released a photo of seating placards showing Gillian Anderson grouped near DiCaprio, Plemons, Mescal, Delroy Lindo, and Michael B. Jordan, among many other stars. The organisation quickly clarified that the image was “a stunt to illustrate who will be in attendance… their positioning does not in any way reflect the actual seating plan.”
Who will be performing at the 2026 BAFTA Awards?
It’ll come as no surprise to the chronically online that the record-breaking K-pop track “Golden” by Demon Hunters will be performed at the BAFTAs. The performance will feature the original cast — Jae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami — marking the first time the song is performed outside the U.S. However, it’s worth noting that the show received zero BAFTA nominations, as it was deemed ineligible for not having a sufficient cinema run.
Jessie Ware will also take the stage for a special In Memoriam tribute, delivering a moving cover of one of Barbra Streisand’s beloved classics.
Which film has the most BAFTA nominations?
Leading the pack is One Battle After Another with 14 nominations, followed closely by Sinners with 13. Both films are expected to be major players throughout the evening, with their outcomes potentially shaping the trajectory of the Oscar race. In joint third place are Hamnet and Marty Supreme, each with 11 nominations.
Hamnet, One Battle After Another and Sinners lead the way.
Who will win at the BAFTA Awards 2026?
It’s hard to call, but a few frontrunners are emerging.
Given the British Academy’s love for homegrown talent, Hamnet could have an edge in both Best Film and Best British Film. Jessie Buckley seems almost guaranteed to take Best Actress.
Timothée Chalamet is a strong contender for Best Actor with Marty Supreme, while Teyana Taylor feels like a shoo-in for Best Supporting Actress in One Battle After Another — how could she not?
Best Supporting Actor, however, is a tight race between Stellan Skarsgård for Sentimental Value, Jacob Elordi for Frankenstein, and Benicio Del Toro for One Battle After Another.
Sentimental Value seems likely to be recognised in some capacity, perhaps in Best Film Not in the English Language.
As for Best Director, it’s anyone’s game, though we’d love to see Chloé Zhao take the prize.
We can’t wait to see how it all unfolds! Stay tuned for more news about the BAFTAs 2026.
