BAFTA Film Awards 2026 host revealed

Alan Cumming has been announced as the host of the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, set for next February.

The Scottish actor and presenter is taking over from David Tennant after successfully hosting the BAFTA TV Awards earlier this year.

Cumming recently found fame in The Traitors in the US. The event will be held at the Royal Exhibition Hall in London on February 22, 2026.

In recent years, BAFTA has replaced the film awards long held by Stephen Fry and Jonathan Ross.

Most recently, the festivities were hosted by Joanna Lumley, Rebel Wilson, and Richard E Grant, with Tennant leading the 2025 edition.

Looking ahead to the upcoming gig, Cumming said he is excited to return to BAFTA in a hosting role.

He described the film awards as a unique celebration of creativity and craftsmanship, and promised humor and a touch of mischief.

Emma Baehr, BAFTA’s executive director of awards and content, also praised Cumming’s “excellence, warmth and dynamic energy,” saying he was set to deliver an unforgettable night full of laughter and surprises.

Cumming’s career spans film, television, and theater. His awards include a BAFTA, multiple Emmy Awards, two Tonys, and an Olivier Award. He is also the artistic director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre.

The BAFTA Film Awards will be broadcast on 9 January, with nominations to be announced on 27 January.

The ceremony takes place late in the awards season, before the March Oscars, with similar films. Hamnet, Sinnersand Frankenstein expected to appear.