BAFTAs 2026 Delivers Unforgettable Viral Highlights
The British Academy Film Awards brought Hollywood’s elite to London for the prestigious gold masks. One Battle After Another dominated with six awards, Jessie Buckley claimed Best Actress, and Robert Aramayo secured a surprising Best Actor win for I Swear. The ceremony sparked a social media frenzy with heartfelt reactions, charming surprises, and bold humor.
Robert Aramayo’s Father Erupts in Joy Over Best Actor Win
Audience gasps filled the Royal Festival Hall as Robert Aramayo won Best Actor for his role in the biopic I Swear, portraying campaigner John Davidson’s life with Tourette’s syndrome. Diagnosed young in Galashiels when the condition was little understood, Davidson’s story resonated deeply.
Aramayo’s father leaped from his seat, shouting and jumping in elation 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 [Leonardo DiCaprio], never mind that I’m stood here.” He added, “Everyone in this category blows me away. When I was in school, Ethan Hawke spoke at Juilliard about longevity as an actor, protecting your instrument, and avoiding self-destructive behaviors—it impacted everyone.”
Paddington Bear Steals the Spotlight with Epic Cameo
Paddington Bear captivated the crowd, pausing his stage show to present the Children’s and Family Film award. Tipping his red hat to stars like Emma Stone, Kate Hudson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Timothée Chalamet, the bear swapped his suitcase and marmalade for the envelope.
At his miniature podium, the 4-foot-tall icon quipped, “You all look surprised to see me—I’m as surprised as you are.” He referenced his Peruvian aunt and adoptive Brown family. Fans on X hailed the “wholesome” moment, calling it “peak British charm” and insisting Paddington “stole the spotlight.”
Alan Cumming’s British Snacks Gag Baffles A-Listers
Host Alan Cumming handed out iconic UK treats, puzzling American guests. Kylie Jenner received a giant Jammy Dodger, its shortcake layers and jam-filled heart hole drawing a bemused look. Timothée Chalamet got Scampi Fries, while Emma Stone took Hula Hoops crisps.
Cumming asked Stone, “Do you know what a Hula Hoop is?” She replied, “No, but that sounds delightful.” Leonardo DiCaprio fielded 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—Rose said, ‘I’m starving,’ I’ve covered her needs.”
Host Raises Tourette’s Awareness Amid Ceremony
Alan Cumming thanked the audience for their understanding after involuntary shouts from I Swear‘s John Davidson, who lives with Tourette’s syndrome—a condition affecting one in 100 children with tics and noises, per NHS England.
Cumming explained, “You may have heard some strong offensive language tonight, but if you’ve seen I Swear, it’s about living with Tourette’s. It is a disability, and the tics are involuntary—the person has no control. We apologise if it caused offence.”
Huntr/x Ignites Stage with ‘Golden’ Performance
Netflix’s record-breaking KPop Demon Hunters inspired a live set by Huntr/x members Rei Ami, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna, performing “Golden” despite ineligibility for awards due to lacking a UK theatrical release and no Best Original Song category.
The trio, backed by dancers, delivered powerhouse vocals in their first non-US live show. Fans raved on social media: “Stage on fire,” “Power vocals, killer energy,” and “They ate that BAFTA stage up.”
Alan Cumming’s Opening Monologue Tackles Timely Themes
Cumming kicked off with sharp commentary, linking nominated films to real-world events like U.S. political unrest. He called watching Marty Supreme a “core workout,” lamented Hanet‘s child’s death, and jabbed at Zootropolis 2: “Lies, corrupt leaders, poisoning, persecution of a race—too soon, Disney.”
“It’s almost as though events in the real world influence filmmakers. Ring any bells for you Americans?” he pressed, leading a collective primal scream: “That felt better, didn’t it?”
Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams Share Red Carpet PDA
In their red carpet debut, Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams displayed affection. The singer in a backless black patterned dress kissed the Irish actor’s cheek as they gazed lovingly. Mescal, nominated for Supporting Actor in Hamnet after an Oscar snub, keeps their 2024 romance private—fans adored the “power couple” chemistry, dubbing it “red carpet goals.”
