Alan Cumming will take the helm as host of the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards, marking a significant moment for the celebrated Scottish actor and presenter. The prestigious ceremony is set to take place at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London on February 22, 2026. Cumming succeeds previous hosts David Tennant, who held the role for the 2024 and 2025 events.
The EE BAFTA Film Awards is a major highlight in the film industry, celebrating outstanding talent both in front of and behind the camera. The ceremony will be broadcast live on BBC One and available for streaming on BBC iPlayer. As one of the most anticipated nights in cinema, it draws attention from audiences around the globe.
Cumming, known for his diverse career in television, film, and theatre, has captivated audiences with performances in acclaimed productions such as the Tony and Olivier Award-winning Cabaret and his role in the popular series The Good Wife. His talent has earned him numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor and an Emmy Award for his work as an executive producer.
In recent years, Cumming has become a household name in the United States through his role as host and producer of The Traitors U.S., where his charm has garnered him four Emmys and two Critics’ Choice Awards. Expressing enthusiasm for his new role, Cumming stated, “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!”
Emma Baehr, Executive Director of Awards and Content at BAFTA, echoed Cumming’s excitement, saying, “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 honor 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 include 25 competitive categories, which are determined by BAFTA voting members. The organization represents the U.K.’s largest voting body for film, games, and television, comprising nearly 14,000 creative practitioners from various corners of the U.K. and beyond.
Voting for the BAFTA Film Awards commenced on December 5, 2025, with the longlists set to be announced on January 9, 2026. Nominations will follow on January 27, 2026. The EE Rising Star Award, the only category voted for by the public, will reveal its nominees on January 14, 2026, with the winner announced during the awards ceremony.
The anticipation surrounding the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards continues to build, with Cumming’s hosting set to add an exciting dimension to an already prestigious event. As the film community gears up for this celebration of creativity and talent, all eyes will be on London come February.
