BAFTA Awards 2026: The 79th British Academy Film Awards (better known as the BAFTA Awards 2026) is set to take place tonight at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Film lovers across the globe are gearing up for one of cinema’s most prestigious evenings. And for Indian audiences, the excitement carries an added spark. Alia Bhatt is set to represent Indian cinema on the international stage.
This year’s ceremony promises glamour, surprises and powerful moments. Scottish actor Alan Cumming will host the show for the first time, stepping in after David Tennant. Known for his wit and stage presence, Cumming’s debut as BAFTA host has already generated buzz.
Meanwhile, the guest list reads like a who’s who of global entertainment.
Among the notable presenters and attendees are Alia Bhatt, Oppenheimer actor Cillian Murphy and Bryan Cranston. Musical performances are also expected to elevate the evening. Jessie Ware and KPop Demon Hunters are slated to bring live energy to the ceremony.
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BAFTA Awards 2026: When And Where To Watch In India
If you are planning to watch the BAFTA Awards 2026 live, timing is key. The ceremony begins at 7 pm GMT in London on Sunday, 22 February 2026. Due to the time difference, Indian viewers can tune in during the early hours of Monday, 23 February.
Live telecast details for India:
- Date: Monday, 23 February 2026
- Time: Around 12:30 am IST
- Streaming platforms: SonyLIV and BAFTA’s official YouTube channel
Big Films Dominating The BAFTA Race
Awards night drama is not limited to the stage. The nomination slate has already set up intense competition.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s political thriller One Battle After Another enters as the frontrunner with 14 nominations. The film is in contention for Best Film, while Leonardo DiCaprio has secured a Leading Actor nomination.
Close behind is Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, which has earned 13 nominations. Chloé Zhao’s Shakespearean drama Hamnet follows with 11 nods.
Other high-profile contenders include:
- Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet
- Frankenstein
This year’s nominations also mark historic milestones.
Hamnet has become the most-nominated BAFTA film directed by a woman. At the same time, Sinners now holds the record for the most nominations received by a Black director.
These achievements have added depth to the awards conversation, highlighting shifts in global storytelling and representation.
The BAFTAs often act as a strong indicator for the Academy Awards. Industry watchers closely study the results for clues about potential Oscar winners next month.
