Scottish actor Alan Cumming will host the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards. These awards are set to take place in February.
The Scottish actor, writer, producer and presenter Alan Cumming will host one of the world’s most coveted film ceremonies. The EE BAFTA Film Awards will air on Sunday, 22 February 2026, on BBC One and iPlayer. The beloved actor is known for his roles on stage and screen. He takes over hosting duties from his fellow Scot, David Tennant. Tennant hosted this year’s event in February.
THE EVENT
After hosting the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises for the first time earlier this year, BAFTA has honoured Alan Cumming by announcing he will helm the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards. Taking place once again at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London, the ceremony is one of the biggest nights celebrating the year’s best films. It also recognises the remarkable talent on and off screen who bring them to life. The February 2025 ceremony averaged 3 million viewers on BBC One. Additionally, there were over 64 million video views across BAFTA’s social platforms.
ALAN CUMMING
Alan Cumming, host of the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026, said,
“How exciting to be back in the BAFTA fold, 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!”
The star is a multi-award-winning actor, writer, producer, and TV host with an outstanding career in the arts. He actively participates in television, film, and theatre. His dynamic performance in Cabaret earned him both Tony and Olivier awards, while his memorable role in The Good Wife showcased his versatility. Whether on-screen or behind the scenes, Cumming continually makes a significant impact in the industry. For The Good Wife, he won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
Additionally, he earned an Emmy for his work as an executive producer. More recently, his signature charm has captivated TV audiences worldwide. He has hosted and produced The Traitors US, for which he has won four Emmys and two Critics’ Choice awards. Furthermore, he is the artistic director of the Pitlochry Festival Theatre, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
EMMA BAEHR
Emma Baehr, executive director of Awards & 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 honour 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 UK’s largest film, games, and TV voting body with almost 14,000 creative practitioners working across the screen industries from all corners of the UK and internationally. This year’s winners included Conclave, which gained four awards. The Brutalist, which also took home four prizes, including Best Actor for Adrien Brody, while Best Actress went to Mikey Madison, on her way to winning her first Oscar for Anora. Many of this year’s BAFTA Film Awards winners went on to repeat their successes at this year’s Academy Awards.
VOTING FOR THE AWARDS
Round one of voting for the Film Awards opened on Friday, 5 December 2025. The longlists for the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards will be unveiled on Friday 9 January, with nominations to follow on Tuesday 27 January. We will, of course, report on these nominations when they are revealed.
The EE Rising Star Award, the only category voted for by the public, will announce its nominees on 14 January, with the winner revealed at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday 22 February. This year’s recipient was actor David Jonsson, known for his role in Alien: Romulus and the upcoming prison drama, Wasteman.
You can watch the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Sunday, February 22nd.
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