The 2026 Bafta Film Awards: A Complete Viewer's Guide
One of the most glittering nights in the British film calendar has arrived, as the 2026 EE Bafta film awards prepare to celebrate the finest achievements in both domestic and international cinema. The 79th annual ceremony will unfold at London's prestigious Southbank Centre Royal Festival Hall, where luminaries such as Timothee Chalamet, Emma Stone, and Jessie Buckley will grace the red carpet, hoping to secure the coveted mask statue. For those eager to catch every moment of this star-studded event, here is an expanded guide covering all essential details, from television schedules to the host and nominees.
Broadcast Information: When and How to Watch
The Bafta ceremony will be broadcast live on BBC One on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. As is traditional, the actual awards presentation occurs in the late afternoon prior to the televised broadcast. To avoid spoilers, viewers are advised to steer clear of social media platforms until the broadcast begins at 7:00 PM. For those interested in the preliminary festivities, red carpet arrivals will be streamed live on the official Bafta YouTube channel, hosted by Clara Amfo and Ali Plumb, starting at 2:30 PM. This pre-show coverage offers an exclusive glimpse into the glamour and fashion of the evening.
Hosting Duties: Alan Cumming Takes the Stage
This year, the hosting responsibilities fall to Scottish actor and presenter Alan Cumming, who succeeds previous hosts Richard E. Grant and Alison Hammond. While this marks Cumming's debut as host of the film awards, he has prior experience fronting the television Bafta ceremony. In a recent interview with the New York Times, Cumming shared insights into his approach, emphasizing the need for humor, wit, and a touch of topical commentary. He noted, "You've obviously got to be funny, you want to be a little biting, you want to not ignore what is happening in the world." Reflecting on the nominated films, he added that many, such as 'Hamnet' and 'One Battle After Another,' evoke a sense of anxiety, yet he remains focused on celebrating cinematic creativity above all.
Notable Nominees and Contenders
The 2026 Bafta nominations are led by the action thriller 'One Battle After Another,' which has garnered an impressive 14 nominations. Close behind is the horror film 'Sinners,' starring Michael B. Jordan, with 13 nods. Other major contenders include 'Marty Supreme' and the historical drama 'Hamnet,' each receiving 11 nominations. 'Marty Supreme' is particularly notable, as it is expected to earn Timothee Chalamet his first leading actor Oscar. Additional recognition spans various categories, with Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein' adaptation nominated for cinematography, 'Wicked: For Good' for hair, makeup, and costume design, 'Zootropolis 2' in animation, and '28 Years Later' as an outstanding British film.
In the acting categories, the leading actress race features Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Chase Infiniti, and Renate Reinsve, though Jessie Buckley for 'Hamnet' is considered the frontrunner. For leading actor, contenders include Ethan Hawke, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Robert Aramayo, with Timothee Chalamet strongly favored to win. The best director category is highly competitive, with nominees such as Yorgos Lanthimos, Chloé Zhao, Josh Safdie, Paul Thomas Anderson, Joachim Trier, and Ryan Coogler vying for the honor.
Special Awards and Ceremony Highlights
Two special awards will be presented during the ceremony. Dame Donna Langley, the British chairman of NBCUniversal, will receive the Bafta Fellowship, the organization's highest accolade. Additionally, Clare Binns, creative director of PictureHouse Cinemas, will be honored with the outstanding British contribution to cinema award, recognizing her efforts in promoting diverse and independent films across the UK.
The event will feature a roster of presenters including Aimee Lou Wood, Bryan Cranston, Cillian Murphy, Gillian Anderson, Ethan Hawke, Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Stellan Skarsgård, Stormzy, Warwick Davis, and even Paddington Bear. Musical performances will add to the spectacle, with Jae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami—the voices behind the group Huntr/X in 'KPop Demon Hunters'—performing the hit song 'Golden' for the first time outside the United States. Jessie Ware will also deliver a cover of a Barbara Streisand classic during the In Memoriam segment, paying tribute to industry figures lost over the past year.
Viewers can tune in to the 2026 EE Bafta film awards on BBC One and iPlayer starting at 7:00 PM on Sunday, February 22, for an evening celebrating excellence in filmmaking.
