Scottish actor and presenter Alan Cumming has been announced as the host for the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards. The prestigious event will take place at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London on February 22, 2026. Cumming takes over hosting duties from David Tennant, who led the ceremony in both 2024 and 2025.
The BAFTA Film Awards are a significant highlight in the film industry calendar, showcasing outstanding talent from around the world. The ceremony will be broadcast live on BBC One and made available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
Cumming, known for his versatile career in television, film, and theatre, expressed his excitement about returning to the BAFTA stage. In a statement, he remarked, “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!”
Cumming’s Career Highlights and BAFTA’s Legacy
Throughout his career, Cumming has captivated audiences with notable performances in productions such as the Tony and Olivier Award-winning Cabaret and the acclaimed series The Good Wife, for which he received a Golden Globe and an Emmy as an executive producer. Recently, he has gained recognition as the host and producer of The Traitors U.S., earning four Emmys and two Critics’ Choice Awards.
The BAFTA organization continues to play a vital role in celebrating excellence in film, games, and television. With nearly 14,000 members from various creative backgrounds, BAFTA stands as the largest voting body for the screen industries in the United Kingdom and beyond.
According to Emma Baehr, executive director of awards and content at BAFTA, Cumming’s sharp wit and vibrant personality will enhance the experience of the awards night. She stated, “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!”
Upcoming Dates for the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards
The voting process for the ceremony has already commenced, with round one of voting opening on December 5, 2025. The longlists for the awards will be announced on January 9, 2026, followed by the nominations on January 27, 2026. The EE Rising Star Award, which is the only category voted for by the public, will reveal its nominees on January 14, 2026. The winner will be announced during the awards ceremony on February 22, 2026.
As the film community prepares for this celebrated event, anticipation builds around the nominees and the memorable moments that Cumming is likely to create on stage. The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards promise to be a night of recognition and celebration of cinematic artistry.
