The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards delivered spectacle in spades, with A-listers, a sprinkling of royalty and a scene-stealing Paddington Bear. The ceremony, held in a characteristically damp London, marked the latest stop in a relentless awards season as Hollywood's biggest names descended on British cinema's biggest night.
One Battle After Another emerged as the evening's dominant force, collecting six awards including Best Film and Best Director. Sinners, already rewriting records on the Oscars circuit as the most-nominated film of all time, added three Baftas to its tally, with Wunmi Mosaku securing Best Supporting Actress ahead of strong competition.
Beyond the honours, it was the unscripted flashes from playful gags to poignant tributes that gave the evening pizazz. Master of ceremonies Alan Cumming ensured the night wasn't short on eccentric British humour, including a segment distributing 'very British snacks' to A-list attendees. Kylie Jenner appeared perplexed when presented with an oversized Jammy Dodger, while Emma Stone received a bag of Hula Hoops, prompting Cumming to ask: 'Do you know what a Hula Hoop is?' 'No but that sounds delightful,' she replied.
The ceremony opened with a pre-recorded sketch of a chaotic Zoom call, featuring Brian Cox who accidentally activated a filter gifting him feline ears. Paddington Bear first appeared in the sketch, gently urging Cumming to 'be yourself', and later presented the award for Children's and Family Film, observing: 'I am the first ever bear to present an award, and also the first presenter to get marmalade all over a Bafta.'
In one of the evening's lighter moments, Cumming turned his attention to Paul Mescal, who was on his phone and completely missed his cue, leaving the A-list crowd in hysterics. The joke was neatly revived later when Cumming introduced the Best Director prize.
