Inside the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards: Disclaimers, Dirty Jokes and Netflix’s All-Star Afterparty
Hollywood Reporter
by Lily FordFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards in London were a star-studded affair, filled with humor, unexpected moments, and tributes to industry legends. Host Alan Cumming kicked off the event with a lively primal scream challenge and kept the audience entertained with witty banter, particularly with actor Paul Mescal, who appeared flustered alongside his partner Gracie Abrams. The ceremony also saw notable cameos, including Paddington Bear himself, who presented an award to Lakshmipriya Devi’s *Boong*. A highlight was the performance by KPop Demon Hunters’ Huntrix, marking their first live show outside the U.S., with Chase Infiniti of *One Battle After Another* leading enthusiastic sing-alongs in the front row.
Behind the scenes, the event was marked by a series of touching tributes and unexpected disclaimers. John Davidson, a Tourette’s Syndrome advocate, caused an early stir when he loudly protested at the ceremony’s disclaimers about his condition, which were read out repeatedly to address potential language issues. Meanwhile, Paul Thomas Anderson dominated the evening with three major wins: best director, best adapted screenplay, and best film for *Barbie*. In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Anderson paid tribute to late producer Adam Somner, calling him his greatest influence and a unsung hero of British cinema.
The event also showcased the collaborative spirit of the film industry, with winners like Ryan Coogler and Joachim Trier repeatedly hugging each other in celebration. Coogler even thanked Trier as his mentor
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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/23/2026