The 79th BAFTA Film Awards: A Night of Laughter, Tears, and British Snacks
The 79th British Academy Film Awards, held on Sunday night in London, was a star-studded affair featuring unforgettable moments that blended Hollywood glamour with quintessentially British humour. From royal appearances to quirky snack distributions, the ceremony captivated audiences with its mix of heartfelt speeches and lighthearted antics.
Royal Presence Amid Family Turmoil
Prince William and Princess Catherine made a joint appearance on the red carpet, where they gracefully navigated an awkward encounter with a heckler. Their outing occurred just days after William's uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested at his Sandringham Estate home on suspicion of misconduct in public office, adding a layer of tension to the royal couple's poised demeanor.
Alan Cumming's British Snack Bonanza
Host Alan Cumming stole the show with his peculiar yet entertaining distribution of British treats to the celebrity-packed audience. "People were starting to get a bit peckish. I could tell their blood-sugar levels were crashing so I thought I'd come out and hand out some very British snacks," he announced, clutching a basket.
- He offered best actress contender Emma Stone a bag of Hula Hoops, which she called "divine".
- Stormzy received his "favourite" crisps – Skips.
- Approaching Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, Cumming asked, "Can I interest you in a packet of Scampi Fries?" before handing Jenner a giant Jammie Dodger.
- Leonardo DiCaprio was offered an Oatie Hobnob Flapjack, which the Hollywood legend described as "fantastic".
Dame Emma Thompson's Boris Johnson Comparison
During the presentation of the 2026 BAFTA Fellowship Award to Dame Donna Langley, the first British woman to helm a major Hollywood studio, a recorded message from Dame Emma Thompson provided a humorous moment. With the camera tightly focused on her face, Thompson quipped, "I haven't got any makeup on. I look like Boris Johnson. Dame Langley, it's me Dame Thompson in my kitchen." She assured Dame Donna that "no one could deserve it more" for her outstanding contributions to film and television.
Paddington Bear's Biggest Admirer
The K-pop group KPop Demon Hunters, making their debut live appearance outside the US, expressed excitement upon learning Paddington Bear was among attendees. Band member Rei Ami exclaimed, "Can we meet Paddington? Where's Paddington? I want to make a Tik Tok with Paddington," showcasing the beloved character's cross-cultural appeal.
Unexpected Fandom and Emotional Speeches
Actress Mia McKenna-Bruce revealed her unexpected admiration for Ronan Keating on the red carpet, confirming his collection of "bangers" with evident excitement. The evening also featured emotional highlights, including Jessie Buckley's tearful acceptance of the best actress award for Hamnet, where director Chloe Zhao silently mouthed "I love you" from the audience.
Robert Aramayo's Double Triumph
British performer Robert Aramayo delivered one of the night's most surprising moments, securing the best actor trophy shortly after winning the EE Rising Star award. He triumphed over Hollywood giants like Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet for his powerful performance in I Swear, depicting a man with Tourette syndrome in 1980s Scotland. The joy displayed by his family in the audience matched the shock on his face as he delivered his second speech of the evening.
Quirky Opening and Cultural Moments
The ceremony kicked off with a pre-recorded sketch featuring Cumming in a Zoom call with celebrities, including Warwick Davies and young Hamnet star Jacobi Jupe. Jupe's question, "what's BBC One? Oh, television – I think I watched that once. It's like a big phone, right?" highlighted generational shifts in media consumption. These moments, combined with the blend of international stars and British traditions, made the 2026 BAFTAs a memorable celebration of film and culture.
