Alan Cumming to Host 2026 BAFTA Film Awards

Alan Cumming is to host the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards, a move that’ll likely see the star bring some of his flamboyant tartan outfits from “The Traitors” to London’s Royal Festival Hall on Feb. 22.

Cumming — an actor, writer and producer whose career has spanned stage, film and television on both sides of the Atlantic, earning him Emmy, Golden Globe, Olivier and Tony awards (plus a BAFTA Scotland honor for outstanding contribution) — takes over from fellow Scot David Tennant, who was on hosting duties in both 2024 and 2025.

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Earlier this year, Cumming hosted the BAFTA TV Awards and he has overseen numerous awards shows in the U.S.. But this marks his first time hosting the U.K.’s biggest night in film.

“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!,” said Cumming in a statement.

Cumming’s selection continues BAFTA’s recent tradition of choosing hosts who can balance irreverence with reverence, as the ceremony seeks to maintain its prestige while remaining accessible to a global audience. Last year’s broadcast of the awads on BBC One attracted an average of 3 million viewers alongside more than 64 million video views across BAFTA’s social platforms.

“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,” said BAFTA’s executive director of awards and content, Emma Baehr. “As we honour 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!”

Across a career spanning 40 years, Cumming’s own film credits include the likes of “GoldenEye,” “X2: X-Men United,” “Eyes Wide Shut” and “Emma,” while he’ll soon appear in “Avengers Doomsday.” On TV, he won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for “The Good Wife,” while he’s recently been enjoying a renewed moment of pop-culture prominence following the success of the U.S. edition of “The Traitors.” As host and executive producer of the hit reality show, he’s won four Emmys and two Critics’ Choice awards.

Round one of voting for the BAFTA film awards opened on Dec. 5, with the longlists due to be unveiled Jan 9. and nominations to follow on Jan. 27.