The countdown is finally over for movie fans around the world. The 79th British Academy Film Awards, better known as the BAFTAs, are taking over London this weekend, bringing together the biggest names in cinema for a night of celebration. With Hollywood heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, and Emma Stone competing for top prizes, and a host of star-studded presenters including India’s own Alia Bhatt, the 2026 ceremony is shaping up to be one of the most memorable yet. If you are wondering how to catch all the action live from the Royal Festival Hall, here is your complete guide on where to watch the BAFTA Awards 2026, no matter where you are in the world.
When and Where Are the 2026 BAFTA Awards Happening?
The prestigious ceremony is being held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the iconic Royal Festival Hall within London’s Southbank Centre . This venue has been the home of the BAFTAs since 2023. The event is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM GMT in the UK, with the main broadcast running for approximately two hours .
For fans who want to see the glamour before the awards begin, red carpet coverage will be available starting at 6:00 PM GMT on BBC iPlayer and the official BAFTA YouTube channel .
How to Watch the BAFTA Awards 2026 in the UK
Viewers in the United Kingdom have the easiest access to the ceremony. The BBC is the official broadcaster for the event. You can watch the entire show live on BBC One television. For those who prefer to stream on their devices, the ceremony will also be available live on BBC iPlayer .
The broadcast begins at 7:00 PM GMT. It is important to note that while the event starts at 5:00 PM GMT, the televised broadcast on the BBC is on a two-hour delay, beginning at 7:00 PM . This allows the network to edit the show for a smooth viewing experience.
Streaming Options for the United States and North America
Audiences in North America have a couple of exciting options this year. For the first time, the E! Network will air the BAFTA Film Awards in the United States. You can tune in to the broadcast on cable TV starting at 8:00 PM ET .
If you prefer streaming, the event will also be available on BritBox . Additionally, viewers can catch live moments, winner announcements, and speeches on BAFTA’s official social media channels throughout the night .
How to Watch BAFTA 2026 Live in India
For Indian fans, the timing means staying up late, but the excitement is worth it. The 79th BAFTA Awards will be streamed live in India in the early hours of Monday, February 23, 2026. The broadcast is expected to begin around 12:30 AM IST .
Indian viewers can watch the ceremony live on the streaming platform SonyLIV . As an added bonus, the event will also be streamed live on BAFTA’s official YouTube channel, making it easily accessible for everyone with an internet connection . This is perfect for fans who want to watch Alia Bhatt walk the red carpet and present an award on the global stage.
Streaming and Broadcast Details for Other Global Regions
Fans living in other parts of the world are not left out. According to multiple sources, the 2026 BAFTA Awards can be streamed live on HBO Max in various international territories . For the most accurate local listings, viewers are advised to check their local entertainment guides or the official BAFTA website. The red carpet and key moments will also be clipped and shared widely across YouTube and social media platforms shortly after they happen.
Who Is Hosting the Ceremony?
Taking over hosting duties from David Tennant is the multi-talented Scottish actor Alan Cumming. Known for his roles in The Good Wife, X-Men, and as the host of The Traitors US, Cumming promises a night of fun. He previously hosted the BAFTA TV Awards in 2025 and mentioned that the goal is to “have a laugh and create some mischief” . His opening monologue already had the room laughing with jokes about “daddy issues” in films like Pillion and Sentimental Value, and a playful jab at Timothée Chalamet’s intense preparation for roles .
Performers and Presenters to Watch
The night will not just be about handing out trophies. Jessie Ware is scheduled to perform a tribute to Barbra Streisand during the “In Memoriam” segment . In a major global moment, the hit song “Golden” from the fictional K-Pop group HUNTR/X in Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters will be performed live for the first time outside the US by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami .
The list of presenters is packed with stars. Alia Bhatt represents India alongside a lineup that includes Cillian Murphy, Bryan Cranston, Michael B. Jordan, Glenn Close, Patrick Dempsey, and Riz Ahmed . Even Paddington Bear is listed among the presenters, adding a touch of British charm to the evening .
Leading Nominees for the 2026 BAFTAs
This year’s race is incredibly competitive. Leading the pack is Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, with a whopping 14 nominations, including Best Film . This is the second-highest nomination total in BAFTA history.
Hot on its heels is Ryan Coogler’s vampire thriller Sinners, which secured 13 nominations, setting a record for the most nominations ever for a film directed by a Black filmmaker . Other major contenders include Hamnet and Marty Supreme with 11 nods each . The Best Film category features a tough fight between Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sentimental Value, and Sinners .
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Key Moments from the Ceremony
As the winners are announced live from the Royal Festival Hall, some key moments have already emerged. Wunmi Mosaku won the first acting award of the night, taking home the BAFTA for Supporting Actress for her role in Sinners . In her acceptance speech, she thanked director Ryan Coogler and dedicated the award to her daughter. Sean Penn won the Supporting Actor award for One Battle After Another, though he was not present to collect it . The award for Special Visual Effects went to Avatar: The Way of Water .
Prince William, the President of BAFTA, and Princess Catherine also attended the ceremony, speaking with nominees on the carpet. The Princess praised the drama Hamnet, while the Prince admitted he found One Battle After Another to be “weird” but good .
With the Oscars set for March 15, the results from the BAFTAs often provide the final big hint at who might be holding gold statues next month. For now, fans around the world can sit back, tune into their local broadcast or stream, and enjoy the celebration of cinema.
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