The prestigious 2026 BAFTA Film Awards will take place on February 22, 2026, at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Scheduled for 5 p.m. GMT, the event promises to illuminate potential voting trends ahead of the Academy Awards on March 15. For those eager to watch, the ceremony will be broadcast on BBC One and available for streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK. In North America, viewers can tune in on E! at 8 p.m. ET, marking a shift from previous rights-holder BritBox.
Viewership and Ceremony Highlights
The BAFTA Film Awards will not be streamed live on the BBC, although winners will be announced in real time. The evening’s host, Alan Cumming, known for his role in The Traitors, will take the reins for the first time, succeeding last year’s presenter, David Tennant. The ceremony will also feature a performance of “Golden” by rising stars Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, who gained fame through Netflix’s hit series KPop Demon Hunters. Additionally, Jessie Ware will perform during the In Memoriam segment.
Nominations are led by One Battle After Another, which has garnered an impressive 14 nominations, including Best Film and Best Director. This achievement places it among the top contenders in BAFTA history, just shy of the record-holder, Gandhi, which received 16 nominations in 1983. Another strong contender, Sinners, follows closely with 13 nominations, including nods for director Ryan Coogler and Best Actor nominee Michael B. Jordan.
Acknowledging Industry Contributions
The night will also see the presentation of the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship to Dame Donna Langley, chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment. This accolade recognizes her significant contributions to the film industry. Furthermore, Clare Binns, creative director of PictureHouse Cinemas, will receive the Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award.
Numerous nominees are expected to attend the ceremony, showcasing a diverse array of talent from across the industry. Notable attendees include Cillian Murphy, Emma Stone, Timothée Chalamet, and Wunmi Mosaku, highlighting the extensive range of individuals recognized this year.
As the BAFTA Film Awards approach, anticipation builds not just for the winners, but for the performances and tributes that celebrate the cinematic achievements of the past year.
