Everything to Know About BAFTA Awards 2026

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Everything film fans need to know about the 79th EE BAFTA Film Awards, from nominees and star presenters to viewing options across the Gulf.

The 79th EE BAFTA Film Awards are set to take centre stage in global cinema on Sunday, 22 February, celebrating the best in filmmaking from the past year. The annual ceremony, organised by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, will be held at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall on London’s Southbank, where filmmakers, actors and creatives from around the world will come together for one of the film calendar’s most anticipated nights.

When & Where

  • Date: Sunday, 22 February 2026
  • Venue: Royal Festival Hall, London, UK
  • Host: Actor and performer Alan Cumming, presiding over his first BAFTA Film Awards as host.

The ceremony will honour outstanding cinematic achievements from 2025, recognising excellence across feature films, documentaries and international works.

Star‑Studded Presenters

This year’s presenter lineup features a dazzling roster of international talent, including Indian film star Alia Bhatt, who will take the stage to present an award, part of a cosmopolitan list of global film personalities. Other confirmed presenters include Cillian Murphy, Kate Hudson, Alicia Vikander, Bryan Cranston, Gillian Anderson, Emily Watson, Michael B. Jordan, Riz Ahmed, Regé‑Jean Page and more.

Bhatt’s appearance adds to her growing international profile, bringing Bollywood visibility to the London awards night.

Nominations & Main Contenders

The full nominations for the BAFTA Awards were revealed on 27 January 2026, highlighting a competitive field across major categories. At the top of the list:

  • Best Film contenders include 'One Battle After Another', 'Sinners', 'Hamnet', 'Marty Supreme', and 'Sentimental Value'.

Notably, the poignant docudrama 'The Voice of Hind Rajab', which recounts the final hours of a young girl’s life in Gaza, has secured a nomination in the Film Not in the English Language category, reflecting the awards’ commitment to global storytelling.

Where to Watch in the Gulf Region

Film fans across the Gulf can tune into the awards night through several broadcast and streaming options:

  • BBC One and BBC iPlayer will carry the ceremony live in the UK, with international viewership available via regional broadcast partners.
  • In regions where BAFTA coverage is syndicated, look for local TV networks and streaming services (often on satellite or digital platforms) carrying the event near the 7 p.m. GMT start — which may be later in Gulf time zones.

For audiences in the wider Middle East and North Africa, networks affiliated with international entertainment broadcasters often provide live or delayed coverage, and BAFTA’s own social channels stream red carpet arrivals online.

What to Expect

Expect an evening of glamour, emotional speeches and memorable moments as BAFTA brings together cinema’s brightest stars and rising voices. From celebrated auteurs to new international voices like those behind 'The Voice of Hind Rajab', the 2026 ceremony promises to offer inspiring highlights for film lovers worldwide.

With the awards ceremony rapidly approaching, fans are encouraged to check their local listings and streaming schedules to ensure they don’t miss key moments on awards night.