Glamour and Anticipation at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards in London
The Royal Festival Hall in London was transformed into a hub of cinematic excellence on Sunday evening, as the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026 unfolded with star-studded flair. The prestigious event, held at the iconic Southbank Centre venue, saw a convergence of the film industry's brightest talents, celebrating the very best in contemporary cinema.
Red Carpet Arrivals Set the Tone
Among the early arrivals were red carpet hosts Sophie Habboo and Jamie Laing, who captivated photographers with their elegant presence. Sophie, 31, made a stunning appearance just three months after welcoming her first child, Ziggy, wearing a strapless black lace dress that highlighted her confident post-pregnancy glow. She accessorised with a dazzling silver necklace, posing effortlessly for the cameras.
By her side, Jamie, 37, looked impeccably smart in a classic black suit and crisp white shirt, his arm wrapped lovingly around his wife. The couple's arrival set a high bar for the evening's fashion, embodying the glamour synonymous with BAFTA events.
Radio host Clara Amfo further elevated the red carpet spectacle, dazzling in a gorgeous gold gown that accentuated her hourglass figure. Her radiant presence added to the vibrant atmosphere as celebrities began to flood the venue.
A Ceremony Packed with Star Power
Hosted by the charismatic Alan Cumming, this year's ceremony boasted an impressive lineup of attendees, including Hollywood heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elordi, and Michael B. Jordan. These stars gathered to honour the year's most significant cinema releases, with anticipation building around the award categories.
Entertainment on the night was diverse and memorable. Attendees on the red carpet enjoyed a DJ set by Magic FM presenter Neev Spencer, while Clara Amfo and Ali Plumb provided live reports from outside the legendary London venue. The stage welcomed a lengthy list of celebrity guest presenters, such as Aimee Lou Wood, Alicia Vikander, Cillian Murphy, and British grime artist Stormzy, among others.
Performances added to the evening's allure, featuring a first performance outside the United States of the record-breaking track Golden by KPop Demon Hunters, sung by JAE, AUDREYNUNA & REI AMI. British singer Jessie Ware delivered a moving tribute during the In Memoriam segment with a Barbara Streisand cover.
Special Awards and Record-Breaking Nominations
The ceremony also recognised outstanding contributions to cinema. Dame Donna Langley, the British Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, was honoured with the BAFTA Fellowship, the arts charity's highest accolade, celebrating her prolific career and influence in the entertainment industry. Additionally, Clare Binns, Creative Director of Picture House Cinemas, received the BAFTA Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award for championing diverse and independent work on UK screens.
In terms of nominations, Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film, One Battle After Another, led the pack with a remarkable fourteen nominations, setting a high benchmark for the evening. It faced stiff competition from supernatural horror Sinners, with thirteen nominations, and Hamnet, director Chloé Zhao's moving drama about Shakespeare's family life, which earned eleven nominations and broke the record for the most nominations for a female-directed film in BAFTA history.
Other notable contenders included Marty Supreme and Timothée Chalamet with eleven nominations, while films like Frankenstein and Sentimental Value each secured eight nods. The Leading Actress category featured strong candidates such as Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, and Emma Stone, adding to the competitive spirit.
First-Time Nominees and Broadcast Details
The 2026 awards welcomed several first-time BAFTA Film nominees, including Robert Aramayo, Odessa A'zion, and Michael B. Jordan, highlighting the event's role in nurturing new talent. Emma Baehr, Executive Director of Awards and Content, expressed delight at the vibrant celebration of creativity and collaboration in British and global cinema.
The ceremony was broadcast at 7pm on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK, and on E! in North America at 8:00pm Eastern Time, with availability on various international broadcasters, ensuring a wide audience could partake in the festivities.
As the night concluded, the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026 reaffirmed its status as a cornerstone of the film calendar, blending glamour, recognition, and artistic excellence in an unforgettable London setting.
