2026 BAFTA Awards Set to Dazzle with Stars and Unexpected Moments

Praise Swint February 22, 2026 3 minutes read

The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards are set to light up London, bringing together some of the world’s most acclaimed actors, directors, and creators. For the first time, Alan Cumming will host the ceremony, marking his debut as the presenter for the film edition.

The awards will air live in the U.S. on E! at 8 p.m. ET/PT on February 22, 2026, expanding its broadcast reach beyond previous streaming on BritBox. U.K. audiences can watch on BBC One and iPlayer, making the ceremony accessible to viewers across both sides of the Atlantic.

This year’s BAFTAs promise to blend cinematic celebration with live entertainment. Musical performances will feature the KPop group Demon Hunters and British singer Jessie Ware, who will perform during the In Memoriam segment honoring industry talent lost over the past year.

Leading nominations and films to watch

Several films are competing for the most prestigious awards, with One Battle After Another topping the list with 14 nominations. Close behind is Sinners, receiving 13 nods. Both Hamnet and Marty Supreme are tied with 11 nominations each, highlighting the competitive nature of this year’s selections.

The leading actress category features nominees such as Jessie Buckley for Hamnet, Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue, Chase Infiniti for One Battle After Another, Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value, and Emma Stone for Bugonia.

In the leading actor category, nominees include Robert Aramayo for I Swear, Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, Michael B. Jordan for Sinners, and Jesse Plemons for Bugonia.

Directorial recognition goes to Yorgos Lanthimos for Bugonia, Chloé Zhao for Hamnet, Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme, Paul Thomas Anderson for One Battle After Another, Joachim Trier for Sentimental Value, and Ryan Coogler for Sinners.

The Outstanding British Film category highlights local talent with films including 28 Years Later, The Ballad of Wallis Island, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Die My Love, H Is For Hawk, Hamnet, I Swear, Mr. Burton, Pillion, and Steve.

Where and how to watch

U.S. viewers can catch the live broadcast on E! at 8 p.m. ET/PT on February 22, 2026. Those who prefer streaming can access the ceremony through DirecTV, which offers a five-day free trial including the MyEntertainment Genre Pack, or Hulu + Live TV, which comes with a three-day free trial and access to additional platforms like Disney+ and Hulu.

The BAFTA Awards are widely regarded as a predictor for the Oscars due to overlapping voting bodies, giving audiences an early look at likely contenders for Hollywood’s most prestigious prizes. This year’s ceremony highlights the international appeal of British and global cinema while celebrating emerging talent and established stars alike.

Anticipation and celebration

Viewers and fans of the film industry are eagerly anticipating the mix of glamour, recognition, and entertainment at the 2026 BAFTAs. With a host like Alan Cumming, high-profile presenters including Cillian Murphy, Michael B. Jordan, and Kate Hudson, and a slate of highly anticipated nominees, the ceremony is set to deliver memorable moments for both live audiences and viewers at home.

From major categories like best film and leading actor to special recognitions and musical tributes, the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards offer a weekend celebration of cinema that will influence awards season conversations around the world.

Source: Rolling Stone