Step up, Alan Cumming: The Scottish actor-writer-presenter will host the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards.
Taking place once again at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London, the EE BAFTA Film Awards is one of the biggest nights of the year for the film industry and celebrates the best of on and off-screen talent around the world. The ceremony will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday, Feb. 22.
Cumming, taking over from 2024 and 2025 host David Tennant, is renowned for his career in the arts, spanning television, film and theater. His memorable performances include the Tony and Olivier Award-winning Cabaret as well as his starring role in The Good Wife, for which he won a Golden Globe for best supporting actor as well as an Emmy for his work as an executive producer. More recently, his signature charm has captivated TV audiences worldwide as host and producer of The Traitors U.S., for which he has won four Emmys and two Critics’ Choice awards.
“How exciting to be back in the BAFTA fold,” began Cumming, “this time hosting the EE BAFTA Film Awards, a night like no other when we celebrate and honour creativity and craftsmanship, and also hopefully have a laugh and create some mischief as we do so!”
Emma Baehr, executive director of awards and content at BAFTA, said: “With his sharp wit, warmth and vibrant energy, we are beyond excited that Alan Cumming will be hosting this year’s EE BAFTA Film Awards. As we honor the outstanding talent in film that brings stories to life on screen, we know that Alan will give us an unforgettable night full of laughter, magic and plenty of surprises, and maybe some extraordinary outfits!”
The EE BAFTA Film Awards encompass 25 competitive categories, which are decided by BAFTA voting members. BAFTA continues to represent the U.K.’s largest film, games, and TV voting body with almost 14,000 creative practitioners working across the screen industries from all corners of the U.K. and internationally.
Round one of voting for the BAFTA Film Awards opened on Dec.5. The longlists for the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards will be unveiled on Jan. 9, with nominations to follow on Jan. 27.
The EE Rising Star Award, the only category voted for by the public, will announce its nominees on Jan. 14, with the winner revealed at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday, Feb. 22.
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