Scottish actor and presenter Alan Cumming has been announced as the host of the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards, which will take place at the Royal Festival Hall in London on February 22, 2026. Cumming takes over from David Tennant, who hosted the awards in both 2024 and 2025. The ceremony is a significant event in the film industry, celebrating outstanding talent both on and off screen.
Cumming has a distinguished career that spans television, film, and theater. He is well-known for his award-winning performance in Cabaret, as well as his role in the acclaimed series The Good Wife, which earned him a Golden Globe and an Emmy for his work as an executive producer. Recently, Cumming has further endeared himself to audiences as the host and producer of The Traitors U.S., for which he has won four Emmys and two Critics’ Choice Awards.
In a statement regarding his new role, Cumming expressed his excitement, saying, “How exciting to be back in the BAFTA fold. This time hosting the EE BAFTA Film Awards, a night like no other when we celebrate and honour creativity and craftsmanship, and also hopefully have a laugh and create some mischief as we do so!”
BAFTA’s Commitment to Celebrating Film Talent
The EE BAFTA Film Awards feature 25 competitive categories, with winners determined by votes from BAFTA members. The organization is the largest voting body for film, games, and television in the UK, comprising nearly 14,000 creative professionals from various sectors. The first round of voting for the 2026 awards began on December 5, 2025.
The longlists for the awards will be revealed on January 9, 2026, while the nominations will follow on January 27, 2026. The EE Rising Star Award, which is unique in that it is voted for by the public, will announce its nominees on January 14, 2026. The winner of this category will be disclosed during the BAFTA ceremony on February 22.
Emma Baehr, Executive Director of Awards and Content at BAFTA, expressed enthusiasm about Cumming’s appointment. “With his sharp wit, warmth, and vibrant energy, we are beyond excited that Alan Cumming will be hosting this year’s EE BAFTA Film Awards. As we honor the outstanding talent in film that brings stories to life on screen, we know that Alan will give us an unforgettable night full of laughter, magic, and plenty of surprises, and maybe some extraordinary outfits!”
As anticipation builds for the awards, Cumming’s return to the BAFTA stage promises an evening filled with celebration, creativity, and entertainment.
