Alan Cumming’s BAFTA Awards Hosting: Wit, Warmth, and a Snack Basket for the Stars

Alan Cumming presided over the 79th EE BAFTA Film Awards on February 22, 2026, at London’s Royal Festival Hall, bringing his signature wit and a unique touch to the prestigious ceremony. The event, broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, celebrated the best in cinema [1].

A Host with a Heart (and a Snack Basket)

Cumming distinguished himself not only through his hosting duties but also through a playful interaction with attendees, offering a selection of British snacks. Two-time Oscar winner Emma Stone was introduced to the Hula Hoop, while Stormzy received a bag of Skips, his favorite. Timothée Chalamet was offered Scampi Fries, and Kylie Jenner received a Jammy Dodger biscuit [1].

Key Wins of the Evening

The awards ceremony saw significant recognition for several films. Robert Aramayo took home the leading actor award for his performance in “I Swear,” a role portraying real-life Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson. He also received the Rising Star award earlier in the evening [1]. “Sinners” led the nominations with 13 nods, while “One Battle After Another” and “Hamnet” also received 11 nominations each [4].

Cumming Follows Tennant

Alan Cumming succeeded David Tennant as host of the BAFTA Film Awards, having previously helmed the event for the past two years [4]. The evening also included a primal scream initiated by Cumming to loosen up the audience [3].

A Night for Film

The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards brought together A-listers such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Jessie Buckley, Kate Hudson, Chloe Zhao, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Kylie Jenner [3]. The Prince and Princess of Wales were also in attendance, with Prince William serving as BAFTA president [3].