Alan Cumming Set to Host the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards
Beyond the awards, BAFTA operates as an independent arts charity dedicated to championing the creative and cultural importance of the screen arts.
RMN Stars Awards Desk
New Delhi | December 22, 2025
LONDON — The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has announced that acclaimed Scottish actor, writer, and producer Alan Cumming will host the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London.
Cumming, who hosted the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards earlier this year, returns to the BAFTA stage to helm one of the industry’s most prestigious nights. The event celebrates the year’s best films and the remarkable talent—both on and off-screen—that brings stories to life.
A Multi-Award-Winning Host Known for his versatility, Alan Cumming’s career spans television, film, and theatre. He is a Tony and Olivier award-winner for Cabaret and has received a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his work on The Good Wife. More recently, he has captivated international audiences as the host and producer of The Traitors US, a role that has earned him four Emmys.
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“How exciting to be back in the BAFTA fold,” Cumming stated, adding that he hopes to “celebrate and honour creativity and craftsmanship—and also hopefully have a laugh and create some mischief as we do so!”.
Emma Baehr, BAFTA’s executive director of Awards & Content, expressed enthusiasm for Cumming’s “sharp wit, warmth and vibrant energy,” noting that audiences should expect “an unforgettable night full of laughter, magic and plenty of surprises, and maybe some extraordinary outfits“.
The Road to the 2026 Ceremony: The 2026 awards will encompass 25 competitive categories, decided by a global voting body of nearly 14,000 creative practitioners. The awards season timeline is already underway:
- January 9, 2026: Longlists for the awards will be unveiled.
- January 14, 2026: Nominees for the EE Rising Star Award, the only category voted for by the public, will be announced.
- January 27, 2026: Final nominations will be revealed.
The ceremony will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer. Last year’s film awards attracted an average of 3 million viewers on television and over 64 million views across social media, highlighting the global reach of the event.
Supporting the Creative Community: Beyond the awards, BAFTA operates as an independent arts charity dedicated to championing the creative and cultural importance of the screen arts. Through its year-round programmes, the organization focuses on identifying and nurturing new talent, providing scholarships, and offering career support to people from all backgrounds to help them achieve their creative dreams.
