The British film industry’s biggest night is set to gain a little bit sweeter. BAFTA has announced that Paddington Bear will be in attendance at the 2026 Film Awards this weekend, taking on the role of presenter for the Best Children & Family Film award. The beloved bear’s appearance is a fitting tribute to a character deeply ingrained in British culture and comes as his stage musical continues to delight audiences.
Paddington’s presence at the awards ceremony underscores his enduring appeal and the significant impact he’s had on both film and stage. The Best Children & Family Film category boasts a strong lineup of nominees this year, including Arco, Boong, Lilo & Stitch, and Zootropolis 2. The announcement adds a touch of whimsy to an event celebrating cinematic achievement.
The inclusion of Paddington is particularly timely, given the ongoing success of Paddington The Musical, currently playing at London’s Savoy Theatre. The production features Arti Shah embodying the iconic bear on stage, complete with a bear suit, while James Hameed provides the voice and operates the character’s expressive animatronic facial features. This stage adaptation has undoubtedly contributed to the renewed enthusiasm surrounding the marmalade-loving bear.
Paddington joins a stellar roster of presenters at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, including Aimee Lou Wood, Bryan Cranston, Cillian Murphy, David Jonsson, Delroy Lindo, Gillian Anderson, Glenn Close, Olivia Cooke, Patrick Dempsey, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, Kate Hudson, Miles Caton, Emily Watson, and Stellan Skarsgård. The diverse group of stars highlights the global reach and influence of British cinema.
The ceremony will also feature performances by KPop Demon Hunters – the singing trio EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami – marking their first live show outside of the U.S. British singer-songwriter Jessie Ware is slated to perform a cover of Barbra Streisand during the In Memoriam segment, paying tribute to those the industry has lost.
Nominees and Industry Leaders to Attend
Beyond the presenters, a number of nominees are expected to attend the awards show, including Jacob Elordi, Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Chloé Zhao, Teyana Taylor, Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone, Benicio del Toro, Jesse Plemons, Odessa A’Zion, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Rose Byrne. The presence of these acclaimed actors and filmmakers underscores the prestige of the event.
Leading the pack in nominations is Anderson’s political thriller, One Battle After Another, with an impressive 14 nods. Ryan Coogler’s vampire film, Sinners, closely follows with 13 nominations. Chloé Zhao’s Shakespearean heartbreaker, Hamnet, and Josh Safdie’s ping-pong caper, Marty Supreme, have each earned 11 BAFTA nominations. Joachim Trier’s drama, Sentimental Value, and Guillermo del Toro’s gothic epic, Frankenstein, received eight nominations apiece, while Yorgos Lanthimos’ black comedy, Bugonia, and Kirk Jones’ dramedy, I Swear, garnered five nominations each.
Attendees and viewers can identify the full list of nominees ahead of the BAFTA Film Awards this weekend.
The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards promise to be a memorable evening, blending the celebration of cinematic excellence with a heartwarming dose of Paddington’s charm. As the U.K. Film industry gathers to honor its achievements, the inclusion of this beloved character serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of British cinema.
Share your predictions for the winners and your excitement for Paddington’s appearance in the comments below!