Baftas 2026: Unforgettable Moments from London's Star-Studded Ceremony
The 2026 Baftas, held in London on Sunday night, celebrated the finest films of the past year, with One Battle After Another, Sinners, and the biographical Tourette drama I Swear taking centre stage. Paul Thomas Anderson's caper emerged as the most awarded film, securing the top prizes of Best Film and Best Director, while Ryan Coogler's Sinners shared the glory with wins including Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku. Beyond the awards, the ceremony was packed with memorable highlights, from Hamnet star Jessie Buckley's emotional acceptance speech to host Alan Cumming's hilarious running joke focused on Paul Mescal. Here, we delve into the most notable takeaways from this glittering event.
Paddington's Wholesome Stage Appearance
Paddington brought his signature charm to the Baftas, presenting the award for Best Children & Family Film. The Peruvian bear warned the audience that his marmalade-covered paws made handling the envelope a tricky task. The award went to the Indian Manipuri-language coming-of-age drama Boong, whose creators were seated far back in the venue, as few expected them to beat Disney blockbusters like Zootropolis 2 and Lilo & Stitch. This sweet moment underscored the unpredictable nature of the awards.
Paul Mescal's Hilarious Running Joke
Host Alan Cumming crafted one of the evening's best running jokes around Paul Mescal, who recently made his red carpet debut with singer girlfriend Gracie Abrams. Cumming repeatedly spotlighted the Irish star, asking if he knew the namesakes of various awards, such as screenwriter Carl Foreman and producer Michael Balcon. Mescal often drew blanks, even being caught scrolling on his phone at one point. However, when an award honouring director David Lean was announced, Mescal excitedly revealed he did know who that was, offering a humanising glimpse into Hollywood fame.
Jessie Buckley's Emotional and Unprepared Speech
Jessie Buckley, star of Hamnet, broke down in tears upon becoming the first Irish actress to win Best Actress at the Baftas. Her win was widely anticipated, but her speech felt brilliantly unprepared after she left her written notes at her table. This led to a cringe-inducing moment edited from the broadcast: she forgot to mention fellow nominee Kate Hudson, nominated for Song Sung Blue. Hudson smiled graciously as the crowd reminded Buckley, who lamented her forgetfulness in a raw, heartfelt display.
Robert Aramayo's Surprise Best Actor Win
Robert Aramayo's victory for Best Actor in I Swear was a classic Baftas moment, though not entirely surprising given his wondrous performance. After winning the EE Rising Star award earlier in the evening, he went on to beat heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio and strong favourite Timothée Chalamet. Aramayo's speech was a highlight, filled with disbelief and joy, captivating the audience with his genuine reaction to the honour.
British Snacks for American Celebrities
Alan Cumming's hosting stint included a playful segment where he offered very British snacks to American audience members. Emma Stone received Hula Hoops, while married couple Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale were given Twiglets. The highlight was Timothée Chalamet and girlfriend Kylie Jenner being presented with Scampi Fries and Jammie Dodgers, though it remains unverified whether they indulged in these quintessential British treats. This light-hearted moment added a unique cultural twist to the glamorous event.
