The British Academy Film Awards 2026 delivered memorable wins and surprises at London’s Royal Festival Hall. One Battle After Another dominated with six awards, while Jessie Buckley claimed Best Actress and Robert Aramayo secured a shocking Best Actor win for I Swear. Host Alan Cumming kept the energy high with sharp humor, sparking viral reactions across social media.
Robert Aramayo’s Emotional Best Actor Victory
Audience members gasped as Robert Aramayo won Best Actor for his role in I Swear, the biopic about campaigner John Davidson’s life with Tourette Syndrome. Diagnosed young in Galashiels when awareness was low, Davidson’s story highlights his challenges with involuntary tics.
Aramayo’s father leaped from his seat, shouting and jumping in joy as the pair embraced. From the stage, Aramayo shared his disbelief: “I absolutely can’t believe this. I can’t believe I’m looking at people like you, never mind that I’m stood here.” He added, “Everyone in this category blows me away.” Aramayo also recalled Ethan Hawke’s inspiring talk at Juilliard on actor longevity.
Paddington Bear Steals the Spotlight
Paddington Bear made an unforgettable cameo, presenting the Children’s and Family Film award. The beloved character, pausing from his stage show, tipped his red hat to stars like Emma Stone, Kate Hudson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Timothée Chalamet.
Dressed in his blue duffle coat, Paddington swapped his suitcase and marmalade for the envelope at a miniature podium. He quipped, “You all look surprised to see me, I’m as surprised as you are,” mentioning his Peruvian aunt and adoptive Brown family. Fans on X called it “wholesome,” “epic,” and peak British charm, with comments like “Paddington steals the spotlight” and “Give that bear his own category.”
Alan Cumming’s Hilarious British Snack Segment
Host Alan Cumming delighted with a gag handing out UK snacks to puzzled American guests. Kylie Jenner received a giant Jammy Dodger biscuit, featuring shortcake and jam with a heart-shaped hole, looking bemused.
Timothée Chalamet got Scampi Fries, Emma Stone Hula Hoops crisps—she replied, “No but that sounds delightful.” Leonardo DiCaprio was offered an Oaty Hobnob Flapjack, Stormzy his favorite Skips, and Rose Byrne with Bobby Cannavale got Twiglets. Cumming joked, “I think you guys are Twiglets kind of people.”
Host Raises Tourette’s Awareness
Alan Cumming thanked the audience for their patience with involuntary shouts from I Swear‘s John Davidson during the event. The 54-year-old campaigner lives with Tourette Syndrome, affecting about one in 100 children per NHS England data.
Cumming explained, “You may have heard some strong offensive language tonight, but if you’ve seen the film I Swear, it’s about the experience of a person with Tourette’s syndrome. It is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary.”
Huntr/x Delivers Killer Performance
Stars from Netflix’s record-breaking KPop Demon Hunters—Rei Ami, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna of Huntr/x—performed hit “Golden” despite ineligibility for awards due to no UK theatrical release or Best Original Song category. Surrounded by dancers, their first non-US live show drew praise like “Stage on fire” and “They ate that BAFTA stage up.”
Alan Cumming’s Bold Opening Monologue
Cumming tackled politics in his opener, linking films like Marty Supreme (starring Timothée Chalamet), Hanet, and Zootropolis 2 to real-world events. He joked about Zootropolis 2: “Lies, corrupt leaders, poisoning, and persecution of a race. Too soon, Disney.” He prodded Americans: “It’s almost as though there are events going on in the real world influencing filmmakers.” Cumming led a collective primal scream for catharsis.
Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams’ Red Carpet Romance
Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams made their red carpet debut, sharing a cheek kiss and loving gazes. Abrams stunned in a backless black patterned dress. Mescal, nominated for Supporting Actor in Hamnet after an Oscar snub, pairs with Abrams since 2024. Fans raved: “Power couple vibes,” “Red carpet goals,” and “Effortless elegance.”
