Alan Cumming to Host 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards as Longlists are Unveiled
The 2026 awards include several updates, such as allowing the full voting membership to decide the winners for British Short Film and British Short Animation for the first time.
RMN Stars Awards Desk
New Delhi | January 10, 2026
LONDON – January 9, 2026 – The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has officially announced the longlists for the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards, signaling the beginning of the second stage of the awards season. This year’s list features 82 films recognized for their “bold, complex and original storytelling” across 25 categories, including Best Film, Director, and Cinematography.
The Road to the Awards Ceremony: With the longlists now public, Round Two of voting officially opened on January 9, and will run until January 20. This round determines which titles and performers will secure a final nomination. The final nominations will be announced via a global livestream on Tuesday, January 27, at 12:00 GMT, broadcasting from BAFTA’s headquarters at 195 Piccadilly.
The season will culminate in the EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The event will be held at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London and will be hosted by multi-award-winning actor and producer Alan Cumming. The ceremony is set to be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK and distributed to international audiences.
A Competitive Field of Global and British Talent: Emily Stillman, Chair of the BAFTA Film Committee, noted that the longlisted films reflect a stand-out year for the industry, highlighting the strong presence of British talent, locations, and scripts. The selection process involves 8,300 global voting members who are tasked with narrowing down the field through three distinct rounds of voting.
To ensure a level playing field, BAFTA requires voters to confirm they have viewed the longlisted films before casting ballots in Round Two. While most categories are decided by industry professionals, the EE Rising Star Award remains the only category voted for by the public; nominees for this award will be revealed on January 14.
New Rules and Industry Support: The 2026 awards include several updates, such as allowing the full voting membership to decide the winners for British Short Film and British Short Animation for the first time. These changes are part of BAFTA’s broader mission as an independent arts charity to champion creative talent and provide early career support.
Long-standing title sponsor EE continues its partnership for the 21st anniversary of the Rising Star Award, emphasizing its commitment to the UK’s creative community alongside other official partners.
