The 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards are set to accept place this Sunday, February 22nd, celebrating the best in British and international cinema. Hosted by actor Alan Cumming, the ceremony will honor achievements in film, with “One Battle After Another” leading the nominations with a total of 14 nods. For viewers eager to tune in, options abound, depending on location.
This year’s awards promise a star-studded evening, featuring performances from Jessie Ware and the KPop Demon Hunters – EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami – in their first UK performance. The awards will recognize talent across a range of categories, from Best Film and Director to leading and supporting actors. The event, held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, is a highlight of the film industry calendar.
Here’s how to watch the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, whether you’re in the UK or the US:
For UK Viewers
UK audiences can catch all the action live on BBC One starting at 7 p.m. GMT. The broadcast will as well be available to stream on BBC iPlayer, offering flexibility for those who prefer to watch online. According to the BBC, the awards will be an “unmissable night” with a celebration of the year’s biggest films.
For US Viewers
Viewers in the United States can watch the red carpet and the awards ceremony on E!, providing access to the glamour and excitement of the event. The BAFTA Awards will be broadcast at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT, allowing US audiences to experience the awards present in real-time. Previously, BritBox held the broadcast rights in the US, but E! is the network to tune into this year.
The Nominees
Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” is the frontrunner with 14 nominations, including Best Film and Best Director. Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” closely follows with 13 nominations, also vying for Best Film and Best Director. Other films in contention for the top prize include Chloe Zhao’s “Hamnet,” Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme,” and Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value.”
The competition for acting awards is equally fierce. Nominees for Leading Actor include Jesse Plemons (“Bugonia”), Robert Aramayo (“I Swear”), Timothée Chalamet (“Marty Supreme”), Leonardo DiCaprio (“One Battle After Another”), Ethan Hawke (“Blue Moon”), and Michael B. Jordan (“Sinners”). Leading Actress nominees are Jessie Buckley (“Hamnet”), Rose Byrne (“If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”), Kate Hudson (“Song Sung Blue”), Chase Infiniti (“One Battle After Another”), Renate Reinsve (“Sentimental Value”), and Emma Stone (“Bugonia”).
Chloe Zhao’s Historic Nomination
Director Chloe Zhao has received her seventh BAFTA nomination this year for “Hamnet,” making history as the director of the most-nominated film by a female director. She is also the only female director nominated in the category this year. Zhao previously won BAFTA awards for Best Film and Best Director for “Nomadland” in 2021, solidifying her position as a leading voice in contemporary cinema, as reported by BAFTA.
As the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards approach, anticipation builds for a night celebrating cinematic excellence. With Alan Cumming at the helm and a strong lineup of nominees, the event promises to be a memorable occasion for film enthusiasts worldwide. Following the awards, expect further discussion and analysis of the winners and the trends they represent in the evolving landscape of the film industry.
Share your predictions and thoughts on the nominees in the comments below!