The countdown to the 2026 BAFTA Awards is nearly complete, with the biggest Hollywood stars set to descend upon London's Southbank Royal Festival Hall this Sunday evening. This prestigious event, often dubbed Britain's answer to the Oscars, promises glamour, accolades, and inevitably, some drama. Over the decades, the BAFTAs have delivered a treasure trove of memorable moments, from awkward speeches and passionate kisses to embarrassing blunders and even physical altercations.
Iconic Kisses and Awkward Encounters
In 2016, the ceremony fell on Valentine's Day, leading to a playful kiss cam that captured an unexpected moment. Leonardo DiCaprio, famously known for his relationships with younger women, surprised everyone by planting a huge kiss on Dame Maggie Smith. The actress later described it as a "real thrill." That same year, host Stephen Fry faced backlash after mocking costume designer Jenny Beavan's outfit, calling her dressed like a "bag lady," which ultimately led to Fry deleting his Twitter account.
Wardrobe Malfunctions and Red Carpet Chaos
Wardrobe mishaps have become a staple of BAFTA history. In 2012, Meryl Streep had a Cinderella moment when she lost a shoe while walking to the stage to collect her Best Actress award for The Iron Lady. Luckily, Colin Firth rushed to her aid, playing Prince Charming by placing the shoe back on her foot. More recently, in 2025, Star Wars actor Mark Hamil experienced a mortifying incident when his suit trousers dropped to his knees while presenting the Best Film award, leaving front-row A-listers wide-eyed.
Controversial Speeches and Protests
The BAFTAs have not been immune to controversy. In 2022, Rebel Wilson's opening monologue offended viewers with X-rated jokes aimed at figures like Harry and Meghan and Benedict Cumberbatch, forcing the BBC to issue an apology. Similarly, in 2018, Jennifer Lawrence was accused of rudeness after rolling her eyes at host Joanna Lumley's compliment, leading to a public apology from Lawrence for "offending the whole of England."
Protests have also made headlines. In 2016, demonstrators gathered outside the Royal Opera House to protest the lack of diversity among nominees. Two years later, in 2018, female protesters wearing "Time's Up" T-shirts invaded the red carpet, chanting and linking arms to call attention to domestic violence issues, referencing then-Prime Minister Theresa May.
Emotional and Heartwarming Highlights
Amid the chaos, there have been touching moments. In 2024, Michael J. Fox moved audiences to tears as he took to the stage in a wheelchair to present the Best Film award to Oppenheimer, receiving a standing ovation from stars like Margot Robbie and Bradley Cooper. Additionally, in 2025, Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet became the talk of the ceremony when host David Tennant humorously referred to Chalamet as a "lookalike" of himself, sparking fan reactions on social media.
Historical Blunders and Unforgettable Incidents
Looking back further, the 1979 ceremony saw actor John Hurt, after winning Best Supporting Actor for Midnight Express, take a swing at a photographer but miss and end up sprawled on the floor. In 2002, Russell Crowe had a notorious hissy fit when his acceptance speech was cut for timing, leading him to confront a producer backstage. That same year, a torrential rainstorm turned the red carpet into a foamy mess, with guests like Kevin Spacey joking about ruined shoes.
Other notable moments include Tinie Tempah breaking royal protocol in 2014 by giving Prince William a high five during a performance, and in 1995, Elizabeth Hurley stealing the show in a tight pink dress that left host Billy Connolly flustered. The 1996 ceremony even featured Babe the pig as a guest on the red carpet, though the film failed to win any awards.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Ceremony
As the 2026 BAFTA Awards approach, anticipation is high for films like One Battle After Another, which leads with 14 nominations, including Best Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio. Other contenders include Marty Supreme with 11 nods and Hamnet, which has broken records for the most nominations for a female-directed film. With categories spanning Best Film, Outstanding British Film, and the EE Rising Star Award, voted by the public, this year's ceremony is poised to add new chapters to the BAFTA legacy of shock, surprise, and celebration.
