Alan Cumming is the new host of the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026
Alan Cumming has been announced as the new host of the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026.Taking the reins from Doctor Who star David Tennant, Alan, 60, will present the ceremony from the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall in London on February 22.Appreciating the actor's 'sharp wit and vibrant energy', BAFTA bosses were delighted with the decision after he hosted the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards earlier this year.The glamorous affair, which celebrates the year's best films and their creative talent, will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer, as well as Britbox in the US and Australia.To announce the news, BAFTA shared a snap of Alan on their Instagram page holding their iconic golden mask trophy.In the picture, the actor wore a burgundy red blazer, which he layered over a black shirt and paired with purple nail polish. Alan Cumming, 60, has been announced as the new host of the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026. He will present from the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall in London on February 22 Appreciating the actor's 'sharp wit and vibrant energy', BAFTA bosses were delighted with the decision after he hosted the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards earlier this yearThe February 2025 ceremony attracted an average of 3 million viewers on the BBC One broadcast alongside over 64 million video views across BAFTA's social platforms.Alan is a multi-award-winning star, having won a Tony and an Olivier award for his performance in Cabaret.The Good Wife saw him with a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor, and he has also bagged an Emmy for his work as an executive producer.More recently, his signature charm has captivated TV audiences worldwide as host and producer of The Traitors US, for which he has won four Emmys and two Critics' Choice awards.Speaking about his new role, Alan said: '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!'Meanwhile executive director of Awards & Content at BAFTA, Emma Baehr said: '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 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!'The EE BAFTA Film Awards encompass 25 competitive categories, which are decided by BAFTA voting members. Alan will take over from David Tennant (pictured hosting the 2025 BAFTAs) after he hosted the event for two years following Richard E. GrantBAFTA continues to represent the UK's largest film, games, and TV voting body with almost 14,000 creative practitioners working across the screen industries from all corners of the UK and internationally.Round one of voting for the Film Awards opened on December 5, 2025.The longlists for the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards will be unveiled on Friday 9 January, with nominations to follow on Tuesday January 27.The EE Rising Star Award, the only category voted for by the public, will announce its nominees on January, 14, with the winner revealed at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards on February, 22.Alan will take over from David Tennant after he hosted the event for two years following Richard E. Grant.David proved to be a hit with fans after the actor received heaps of praise as he pulled off three outfit changes and opened the show with a surprise song to The Proclaimers' hot song, I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles).As well as a show-stopping performance, David opened the BBC show with a savage Donald Trump jibe and suffered an awkward wardrobe malfunction just minutes in.After arriving on the red carpet in a dazzling long suit, David returned to his Scottish roots and arrived on stage in a kilt, before changing into a checkered tuxedo to present the rest of the show.
