Get ready for a night of glamour, laughter, and cinematic magic! The 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards are set to dazzle, and this time, the charismatic Alan Cumming is at the helm. But here’s where it gets exciting: after his stellar debut hosting the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards, Cumming is now bringing his signature charm and mischief to one of the most prestigious film ceremonies in the world. Mark your calendars for Sunday, 22 February 2026, when the event airs on BBC One and iPlayer, promising an unforgettable celebration of the year’s best films and the talents behind them.
Alan Cumming, the Scottish actor, writer, producer, and presenter, is no stranger to stealing the spotlight. From his Tony and Olivier award-winning performance in Cabaret to his Golden Globe-winning role in The Good Wife, Cumming’s versatility and charisma have made him a household name. And this is the part most people miss: he’s also the artistic director of the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, celebrating its 75th anniversary. His recent stint as the host and producer of The Traitors US earned him four Emmys and two Critics’ Choice awards, proving he’s a master of both stage and screen. But will his hosting style for the BAFTAs lean more toward elegance or playful chaos? Only time will tell.
Emma Baehr, BAFTA’s executive director of Awards & Content, couldn’t be more thrilled: “With his sharp wit, warmth, and vibrant energy, Alan Cumming will give us an unforgettable night full of laughter, magic, and plenty of surprises—and maybe some extraordinary outfits!” But here’s a thought-provoking question: In an era of evolving award shows, can Cumming’s unique blend of humor and sophistication redefine what it means to host a film ceremony? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
The EE BAFTA Film Awards, held at London’s iconic Royal Festival Hall, feature 25 competitive categories decided by nearly 14,000 BAFTA voting members—the UK’s largest film, games, and TV voting body. The 2025 ceremony drew an average of 3 million viewers on BBC One and over 64 million video views across BAFTA’s social platforms, proving its global appeal. Voting for the 2026 awards is already underway, with longlists unveiled on 9 January and nominations on 27 January. The EE Rising Star Award, the only category voted for by the public, will announce its nominees on 14 January, with the winner revealed live on the big night.
BAFTA, as a charity, champions the creative and cultural importance of screen arts through its awards and year-round initiatives, nurturing talent and fostering collaboration. Meanwhile, EE, the UK’s leading mobile network, continues to set industry standards with its customer-focused approach and innovative services. Together, they’re bringing a night that’s not just about awards—it’s about celebrating the magic of storytelling.
Stay tuned and join the conversation with #EEBAFTAs. Will Alan Cumming’s hosting style be the talk of the town? Or will it be the films and talents that steal the show? One thing’s for sure: this is an event you won’t want to miss. WATCH THE 2026 EE BAFTA FILM AWARDS ON BBC ONE AND BBC iPLAYER ON SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2026.
For more information, contact:
- DDA PR: [email protected]
- BAFTA Press Office: [email protected]
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About BAFTA: A registered charity (no. 216726), BAFTA identifies and celebrates excellence in film, games, and television, inspiring and nurturing new talent worldwide. About EE: Part of BT Group, EE is the UK’s largest mobile network, offering superfast connections and award-winning customer service. Will their partnership with BAFTA create the most memorable awards show yet? Share your predictions below!
