The BAFTAs 2026 have come and gone, filled with incredible fashion, heartfelt acceptance speeches and… British snack food?
If we’re honest, it wasn’t the most action-packed award show we’ve ever seen — though, as the past has taught us, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. But that’s not to say nothing happened, because there were plenty of meme-worthy moments throughout the night.
Many involved host Alan Cumming, some featured a man in a bear suit, and one involved Jammy Dodgers. Here’s your quick 2026 BAFTAs meme roundup.
Hamnet, One Battle After Another and Sinners lead the way.
Brian Cox the Cat
In an opening skit structured as a Zoom call between host Alan Cumming and Brian Cox, there was a playful throwback to the pandemic era. Cox said he was going to turn up his volume — only to accidentally appear with cat ears and a nose filter just as he stressed the importance of taking the awards seriously. It was simple humour, but charmingly on-brand for Cox.
Robert Aramayo making us sob
Honestly, find us someone who had a better night at the BAFTAs than Robert Aramayo. He won the EE Rising Star Award for his sensitive, exceptional performance — and delivered the night’s biggest shock by taking Best Actor ahead of stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan and Timothée Chalamet.
Aramayo’s face was a picture of genuine disbelief as he embraced his family on the way to the stage. He gestured toward DiCaprio in the front row as someone he was stunned to be sharing a category with.
“I honestly cannot believe I have won this award,” he said. “Everyone in this category blows me away.”
He accepted the honour in tears, and, honestly, so did we. The inspiration for I Swear, John Davidson, could be seen jumping for joy in the audience.
Paul Mescal loses the joke
During one of his link segments, host Alan Cumming asked Paul Mescal if he had heard of British producing legend Alexander Korda, for whom the award for Outstanding British Film is named. Mescal admitted he hadn’t, prompting Cumming to remark on how young the 30-year-old star was.
Later, when it was time to present the award to Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet, Cumming attempted to return to the joke, particularly as Mescal appears in the film. Instead, he joked that Mescal was “on his phone.” The actor looked mortified to have been caught not paying full attention to the ceremony.
Another phone user
Well, it seems the BAFTAs had excellent 5G, because so many actors were caught on their phones.
Another example was Timothée Chalamet, who was nominated for Best Actor for Marty Supreme and was spotted texting during the ceremony.
He was reportedly sent multiple messages by a friend, including a meme of himself wearing the bold orange suit he wore at the Marty Supreme premiere in Los Angeles in December. A meme of a meme? Memeception.
Paddington was the GOAT
It shouldn’t be surprising that Paddington made such a splash, especially with his musical recently opening. The marmalade-loving bear encouraged everyone to “be yourself” when he made a late entrance to the introductory Zoom call — though that wasn’t his only on-air moment.
He later appeared at a miniature podium to present the Children’s and Family Film Award, which ultimately went to the Indian coming-of-age film Boong.
In presenting the award, Paddington declared — in perhaps the least surprising trivia ever — that: “I am the first ever bear to present an award, and also the first presenter to get marmalade all over a BAFTA.”
But it was another Paddington reference that really caught our attention, as Cumming joked, “Ahh, Paddington, so cute. I just wanted to take him home with me. And it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve taken home a South American bear.” We’re wheezing.
Cumming's jokes were…something
Many of Cumming’s jokes were a delight, but others landed rather more awkwardly, particularly those of a vaguely sexual nature, if they can even be called that.
He made a reference to salty Hula Hoops when speaking to Emma Stone, joking about sticking your tongue in them. There was also a Jammy Dodgers in your mouth quip aimed at Kylie Jenner.
His jokes about the BDSM drama Pillion, the current political climate in the United States, and an aeroplane safety skit also failed to land well with guests and viewers at home.
KPop Demon Hunters are… there?
Look, we’re not complaining that they were there — just a little… surprised.
Due to a bizarre quirk of the BAFTAs eligibility criteria, which require a qualifying cinema release, KPop Demon Hunters didn’t receive a single nomination at the ceremony.
That didn’t stop the smash-hit Netflix musical from making an appearance, however, with EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami treating the crowd to a performance of the track Golden.
Guests were clearly enjoying it, with Chase Infiniti, star of One Battle After Another, singing along intently. It was quite the statement for a film that wasn’t even nominated.
The dress, the moment, the icon
The 2026 BAFTAs fashion was, as always, gorgeous, but one dress absolutely stole the show. Rei Ami wore a mermaid-esque creation that became an instant highlight of the evening, even though she wasn’t nominated due to KPop Demon Hunters’s eligibility issues.
Leo the Meme King
Honestly, find us an awards show when Leonardo DiCaprio doesn’t end up as a meme; it’s practically tradition at this point.
This time, our money’s on this moment, and we can’t wait to see the internet do its work.
Just ass we thought the naked dress trend was over, Odessa proves us wrong.
Timmy and Kylie
Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet continued their awards-season tour, this time stepping out in coordinated, sleek black looks.
The host couldn’t resist commenting on the pair throughout the night, at one point inexplicably offering Chalamet a packet of scampi fries. Truly, make it make sense.
Red carpet debut
Gracie Abrams and Paul Mescal finally made their red carpet debut together — and yes, we thought that had happened ages ago too, but apparently not.
Abrams even planted a sly kiss on Mescal’s cheek, giving the moment just enough sweetness to send the internet into collective “aww” mode.
