Alan Cumming Steps into BAFTA Host Role for 2026 Ceremony
The 79th EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony is set to unfold this evening at London's prestigious Royal Festival Hall, with Scottish actor Alan Cumming assuming hosting responsibilities. Cumming takes over from fellow Scot David Tennant, who has presided over the event for the previous two years, marking a significant changing of the guard for one of British cinema's most celebrated nights.
Fans Embrace Cumming with Enthusiastic Three-Word Verdict
Audience reaction to the hosting announcement has been overwhelmingly positive, with many fans succinctly summarising their feelings with the phrase 'love that man'. Social media platforms have been flooded with supportive messages, highlighting Cumming's popularity and the anticipation surrounding his debut as BAFTA presenter.
One enthusiastic viewer commented, 'Yesssss! I love Alan Cumming.' Another echoed this sentiment, stating, 'I love this man. I'm sure we'll have a great time with him.' A third observer noted, 'BAFTA realised the power of having a Scottish host,' underscoring the continuity of Scottish talent in this high-profile role.
Further testament to Cumming's reputation emerged from a fan who shared a personal anecdote about encountering the actor in New York City. The fan recounted leaving Cumming undisturbed at a bar before politely requesting a photograph, to which Cumming responded graciously, taking multiple pictures and expressing appreciation for the respectful approach. This story reinforces perceptions of Cumming as a genuinely kind and approachable figure within the entertainment industry.
Ceremony Details and Broadcast Information
The live ceremony commences at 5pm, with televised coverage beginning at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, ensuring audiences across the nation can partake in the celebrations. The event promises a blend of cinematic honours and entertainment, featuring musical performances from Jessie Ware and the vocalists behind the animated success KPop Demon Hunters – EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami.
An array of notable presenters will grace the stage, including acclaimed actor Cillian Murphy, musician Stormzy, and the beloved character Paddington Bear, adding a touch of whimsy to the proceedings.
Major Nominees and Award Highlights
Paul Thomas Anderson's psychological thriller 'One Battle After Another' leads the nominations with an impressive 14 nods, encompassing categories such as Best Film and Best Director. Ryan Coogler's vampire horror film Sinners follows closely with 13 nominations, while both Hamnet and Marty Supreme have secured 11 nominations each.
In the performance categories, Jessie Buckley is a strong favourite for Best Actress for her role in Hamnet, and Timothée Chalamet is widely anticipated to claim Best Actor for his performance in Marty Supreme.
The evening will also honour significant contributions to cinema. Dame Donna Langley, chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, is set to receive the academy's most prestigious honour, the Fellowship Award. Meanwhile, Clare Binns of Picturehouse Cinemas will be celebrated with the Outstanding Contribution award for her impactful work in British cinema.
Complete List of Nominees Across Key Categories
Best Film
- Hamnet
- Marty Supreme
- One Battle After Another
- Sentimental Value
- Sinners
Outstanding British Film
- 28 Years Later
- The Ballad of Wallis Island
- Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
- Die My Love
- H Is For Hawk
- Hamnet
- I Swear
- Mr Burton
- Pillion
- Steve
Director
- Yorgos Lanthimos (Bugonia)
- Chloé Zhao (Hamnet)
- Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme)
- Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another)
- Joachim Trier (Sentimental Value)
- Ryan Coogler (Sinners)
Leading Actress
- Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)
- Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I'd Kick You)
- Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue)
- Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Another)
- Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value)
- Emma Stone (Bugonia)
Leading Actor
- Robert Aramayo (I Swear)
- Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme)
- Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another)
- Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon)
- Michael B. Jordan (Sinners)
- Jesse Plemons (Bugonia)
Supporting Actress
- Odessa A'zion (Marty Supreme)
- Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value)
- Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners)
- Carey Mulligan (The Ballad of Wallis Island)
- Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another)
- Emily Watson (Hamnet)
Supporting Actor
- Benicio del Toro (One Battle After Another)
- Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein)
- Paul Mescal (Hamnet)
- Peter Mullan (I Swear)
- Sean Penn (One Battle After Another)
- Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value)
Original Screenplay
- I Swear
- Marty Supreme
- The Secret Agent
- Sentimental Value
- Sinners
Adapted Screenplay
- The Ballad of Wallis Island
- Bugonia
- Hamnet
- One Battle After Another
- Pillion
EE Rising Star Award (Public Vote)
- Robert Aramayo
- Miles Caton
- Chase Infiniti
- Archie Madekwe
- Posy Sterling
Additional Categories
- Animated Film: Elio, Little Amélie, Zootropolis 2
- Documentary: 2000 Meters to Andriivka, Apocalypse in the Tropics, Cover-Up, Mr Nobody Against Putin, The Perfect Neighbor
- Film Not in the English Language: It Was Just An Accident, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, Sirât, The Voice of Hind Rajab
