The 79th BAFTA Film Awards: A Grand Celebration of Cinematic Excellence
The annual event that honors the pinnacle of filmmaking achievement is poised to return with grandeur and spectacle. The 79th BAFTA Film Awards are merely days away, generating immense anticipation and excitement across the globe. This prestigious ceremony promises a dazzling array of red carpet fashion, heartfelt acceptance speeches, and career-defining moments that will captivate audiences worldwide. Prepare for an evening filled with high drama and unforgettable highlights that celebrate the very best in film.
Event Details: Date and Venue
The 2026 BAFTA Awards will be held on Sunday, February 22, at the iconic Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London. This esteemed venue has been the home of the BAFTA ceremony since 2023, providing a fitting backdrop for honoring cinematic artistry and innovation.
Host Announcement: Alan Cumming Takes the Stage
The 79th BAFTA Ceremony will be hosted by the multi-talented Alan Cumming, an accomplished actor, writer, and producer. Cumming succeeds David Tennant, who skillfully fronted the ceremony in both 2024 and 2025. In a statement, Cumming expressed his delight at returning to the BAFTA stage in a hosting capacity, describing the event as a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the craft of filmmaking while ensuring the evening remains engaging and lively for all attendees and viewers.
Nominees and Frontrunners
The BAFTA nominations were officially unveiled on January 27, 2026, revealing a competitive field of outstanding films and performances. Leading the pack is 'One Battle After Another' with an impressive 14 nominations, closely followed by 'Sinners' with 13 nominations. 'Hamnet' and 'Marty Supreme' each garnered 11 nominations, while other notable films include 'Frankenstein' and 'Sentimental Value'.
In the acting categories, the nominees for leading actor feature a stellar lineup: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jessie Buckley, Rose Byrne, Timothée Chalamet, Michael B. Jordan, and Jacob Elordi. The leading actress category showcases talents such as Jessie Buckley, Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Emma Stone, among others, highlighting the depth and diversity of this year's performances.
Presenters and Performers
This year's ceremony will feature an extensive roster of presenters, including:
- 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
- Warwick Davis
The musical performances will add a special touch to the evening. Attendees will witness the first performance outside the United States of "Golden," the record-breaking track from KPop Demon Hunters, performed by Jae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, the voices behind Huntr/X. Additionally, Jessie Ware will deliver a poignant "In Memoriam" tribute with a moving cover of one of Barbra Streisand’s beloved classics.
How to Watch: Streaming and Broadcast Information
The BAFTA 2026 ceremony will be broadcast live on BBC One and simultaneously streamed on BBC iPlayer. According to Vogue, the ceremony is scheduled to commence at 7:00 PM GMT. Global viewers should note the following timings:
- Indian Viewers: 12:30 AM IST on February 23, 2026
- US Viewers: 2:00 PM EST on February 22, 2026
This comprehensive guide ensures you have all the essential details to fully experience the glamour and excitement of the 79th BAFTA Film Awards, a true celebration of cinematic achievement and artistic brilliance.
