Timothée Chalamet Defies BAFTAs Phone Ban, Texts During Ceremony
Hollywood actor Timothée Chalamet sparked attention at the BAFTAs by openly texting on his phone, directly contravening host Alan Cumming's explicit instruction for the audience to turn off all electronic devices. The 30-year-old star, who was nominated for Leading Actor for his role in Marty Supreme, appeared in good spirits as he took his seat beside his girlfriend, billionaire make-up mogul Kylie Jenner, at The Royal Festival Hall in London on Sunday evening.
A Disregard for Protocol
Despite the high-profile nomination, Chalamet seemed disinterested in the ceremony proceedings. He was observed actively texting on his phone throughout the event, receiving multiple messages from a friend. One message even included a meme of himself wearing the bold orange suit he famously donned at the Marty Supreme premiere in Los Angeles last December. Later, he was seen scrolling through his iMessages while engaged in conversation with Jenner, who stunned attendees in a plunging black gown adorned with intricate silver jewelled detailing.
Couple's Coordinated Appearance
Jenner notably opted to skip the BAFTAs red carpet, allowing Chalamet to bask in the solo spotlight as he walked it alone in a tailored black suit. However, once seated, the pair presented a united and affectionate front, holding hands and appearing deeply connected. According to a source speaking to the Daily Mail, the couple, who have been dating for over three years and currently cohabit, are reportedly considering marriage, adding a layer of personal significance to their public appearance.
Host's Opening Plea Ignored
The irony of Chalamet's actions was heightened by host Alan Cumming's opening monologue, where he humorously yet firmly requested the audience to turn off all electronic devices, with the sole exceptions being pacemakers and whimsical ozempic alarms. This set the tone for an evening meant to celebrate cinematic achievements without digital distractions, a protocol clearly overlooked by the nominated actor.
Star-Studded BAFTAs Ceremony Highlights
The 2026 BAFTA ceremony was a glittering affair, boasting an impressive roster of attendees and presenters. The event welcomed A-list stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Jacob Elordi, and Michael B. Jordan, all present to honour the year's most significant cinema releases. The red carpet experience was enhanced by a DJ set from Magic FM presenter Neev Spencer, with live reporting by Clara Amfo and Ali Plumb outside the iconic London venue.
A diverse array of celebrity guest presenters graced the stage, including:
- Aimee Lou Wood
- Alicia Vikander
- Cillian Murphy
- Ethan Hawke
- Maggie Gyllenhaal
- Sadie Sink
- British grime artist Stormzy
Additional appearances were made by Kerry Washington, Minnie Driver, Monica Bellucci, Patrick Dempsey, and Regé-Jean Page, among others, ensuring a night filled with star power.
Memorable Performances and Special Awards
Entertainment for the evening spanned a wide spectrum, featuring a first performance outside the United States of the record-breaking track Golden by KPop Demon Hunters, performed by JAE, AUDREYNUNA, and REI AMI. British singer Jessie Ware delivered a moving tribute during the In Memoriam segment with a cover of a Barbara Streisand classic.
Special awards were presented to notable figures in the industry. Dame Donna Langley, the British Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, received the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship, the arts charity's highest accolade, in recognition of her prolific and influential career. Clare Binns, Creative Director of Picture House Cinemas, was honoured with the BAFTA Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award for her dedication to championing diverse and independent films across the UK.
Competitive Award Categories
The ceremony was marked by intense competition among nominated films. One Battle After Another led the field with an impressive fourteen nominations, closely followed by supernatural horror Sinners with thirteen, and Hamnet, director Chloé Zhao's poignant drama about Shakespeare's son, with eleven. Hamnet made history by securing the most nominations for a female-directed film in BAFTA's records.
Marty Supreme, starring Chalamet, garnered eleven nominations, including Best Film and Best Actor, following its recent successes at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. Other notable contenders included Frankenstein and Sentimental Value with eight nominations each, while I Swear and Bugonia each received five.
The Leading Actress category featured strong competitors such as Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Chase Infiniti, Renate Reinsve, and Emma Stone. In the Leading Actor category, Leonardo DiCaprio aimed for his second BAFTA with his seventh nomination for One Battle After Another, facing off against Chalamet and others.
Ultimately, the night celebrated cinematic excellence, though Chalamet's phone use provided an unexpected, informal moment amidst the formal glamour of the BAFTAs.
