The 2026 British Academy Film Awards showcased Hollywood’s elite at London’s Royal Festival Hall, sparking widespread social media buzz with unexpected highlights. One Battle After Another secured six awards, Jessie Buckley took Best Actress, and Robert Aramayo claimed the surprise Best Actor honor for I Swear.
Robert Aramayo’s Father Celebrates Best Actor Win
Audience members gasped as Robert Aramayo won Best Actor for his role in the biopic I Swear, portraying campaigner John Davidson’s life with Tourette Syndrome in Galashiels. Beating favorites Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio, Aramayo’s father leaped from his seat, shouting and jumping in elation before embracing his son.
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, “I honestly cannot believe that I have won this award. Everyone in this category blows me away.” Aramayo also recalled Ethan Hawke’s school talk at Juilliard on actor longevity.
Paddington Bear Steals the Spotlight
Paddington Bear made an enchanting cameo, presenting the Children’s and Family Film award. Dressed in his blue duffle coat, the 4-foot-tall bear tipped his red hat to stars like Emma Stone, Kate Hudson, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Timothée Chalamet. Foregoing his suitcase and marmalade sandwich, Paddington stood at a miniature podium and quipped, “You all look surprised to see me, I’m as surprised as you are.”
He referenced his Peruvian aunt and adoptive Brown family. Social media users hailed the moment as wholesome, with fans calling it “peak British charm” and insisting Paddington “stole the spotlight.”
Alan Cumming’s British Snacks Gag Delights and Confuses
Host Alan Cumming distributed iconic UK snacks to the audience, eliciting bemused reactions from American guests. Kylie Jenner received a giant Jammy Dodger biscuit, featuring shortcake layers with jam and a heart-shaped hole. Timothée Chalamet got Scampi Fries, while Emma Stone was handed Hula Hoops crisps. Cumming asked Stone, “Do you know what a Hula Hoop is?” She replied, “No but that sounds delightful.”
Leonardo DiCaprio received an Oaty Hobnob Flapjack, Stormzy got Skips, and Rose Byrne with Bobby Cannavale shared Twiglets. Cumming joked, “I think you guys are Twiglets kind of people.”
Cumming Thanks Audience for Tourette’s Awareness
During the event, Cumming addressed involuntary tics from I Swear subject John Davidson, who has Tourette Syndrome—a condition affecting one in 100 children with uncontrollable noises and movements. Cumming stated, “You may have heard some strong offensive language tonight, but if you’ve seen the film I Swear, it’s about the experience of a person with Tourette’s syndrome. It is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary.”
Huntr/x Delivers Killer Performance
Members of Huntr/x—Rei Ami, EJAE, and Audrey Nuna—from Netflix’s record-breaking KPop Demon Hunters performed “Golden,” despite the film’s ineligibility due to lacking a UK theatrical release and no Best Original Song category. Surrounded by dancers, the trio’s high-energy set drew praise as “killer” and “fire” on social media.
Cumming’s Political Opening Monologue
Cumming opened with sharp commentary, linking nominated films to real-world events, including U.S. unrest. He quipped about Marty Supreme feeling like a “core workout,” Hanet‘s tragedy, and Zootropolis 2‘s plot of “lies, corrupt leaders, poisoning, and persecution.” He asked Americans if it rang bells, then led a collective primal scream, saying, “That felt better, didn’t it?”
Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams’ Red Carpet Romance
In their red carpet debut, Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams displayed affection. Abrams, in a backless black patterned dress, kissed Mescal’s cheek as they gazed into each other’s eyes. Nominated for Supporting Actor in Hamnet, Mescal hopes for success after Oscar snubs. Fans celebrated the couple’s chemistry as “power duo vibes.”
