The eyes of the entertainment world are firmly fixed on London this evening as the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards get underway. The prestigious ceremony, marking its 79th edition, is being held at the iconic Royal Festival Hall on the Southbank, with a star-studded red carpet procession signalling the start of the biggest night in British cinema.
A Glittering Gathering of Global Talent
Nominees, presenters, and distinguished guests from across the globe are arriving in the capital for the annual celebration of cinematic excellence. The atmosphere is electric as celebrities navigate the press lines and fan barriers, showcasing high fashion and generating immense anticipation for the awards to follow.
Leading the Charge in the Nominations
Paul Thomas Anderson's epic drama, One Battle After Another, dominates this year's shortlist with an impressive 14 nominations. The film, which follows a disillusioned revolutionary on a desperate search for his missing teenage daughter, is in contention for major honours including Best Film, Best Director, and the leading acting prizes for its stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Chase Infiniti.
Hot on its heels is Ryan Coogler's genre-bending vampire action-horror, Sinners, with 13 nominations. The film features Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers who return to their hometown, only to confront a terrifying evil. Its strong showing underscores the diverse range of films being celebrated this year.
Fierce Competition in the Acting Categories
The race for Best Actress is particularly intense. While Jessie Buckley is the favourite for her acclaimed performance in Chloe Zhao's adaptation of Hamnet, she faces formidable competition from Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Another) and Rose Byrne for her role in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You.
In the Best Actor category, a blend of established icons and rising stars will battle it out. Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme) contends with Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, and British talent Robert Aramayo for his work in I Swear.
A New Host and Broadcast Details
Adding a fresh dynamic to the proceedings, actor and presenter Alan Cumming takes over hosting duties from David Tennant, who fronted the ceremonies in 2024 and 2025. The live ceremony itself begins earlier than the televised broadcast, with proceedings kicking off around 5pm GMT. Viewers across the nation can tune in to watch the highlights and award presentations on BBC One from 7pm GMT, ensuring a night of glamour, suspense, and celebration is shared with audiences at home.
