Five backstage highlights from the Bafta Film Awards
BBC World
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Bafta Film Awards delivered a night filled with surprises, emotional moments, and unexpected twists. Among the highlights was the shocking upset of Timothée Chalamet at the Best Leading Actor category. Despite being the frontrunner for *Marty Supreme*, which also arrived at the ceremony with 11 nominations but left empty-handed, Chalamet lost to Robert Aramayo for his role in *I Swear*. The win was a significant and emotional moment, especially as Chalamet attended the event with his partner, Kylie Jenner. Meanwhile, the royal family added a touch of glamour to the proceedings. Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, made their first public appearance since Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest. They shared insights into the films they’ve been watching, including *F1*, which William praised for its music, and *Hamnet*, which Catherine admitted she hasn’t yet seen.
The event also featured a lighter moment when Paddington Bear himself made an unexpected appearance on the red carpet. Dressed in a black-tie outfit (minus the bow tie), the beloved character from *Paddington 3* presented the Children’s and Family Film Award, humorously noting that he was the first presenter to get marmalade on a Bafta trophy. Adding to the night’s unique moments, host Alan Cumming addressed the strong language heard from some audience members, explaining it was part of John Davidson’s experience with Tourette’s syndrome as portrayed in *I Swear*. The incident highlighted the importance of creating an inclusive and respectful space for such discussions.
The Bafta Film Awards also saw Prince William delivering a heartfelt speech about the power of storytelling. As president of Bafta, he emphasized how films can bring people together and tackle important social issues. The night’s blend of A-listers, royal guests, and quirky surprises, along with the unexpected wins and losses, made it a memorable event in British film history. For readers interested in world culture and entertainment, this year’s Baftas underscored the importance of inclusivity, storytelling, and the enduring appeal of both classic and modern cinema.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/22/2026