The BAFTAs 2026 kicks off with a glamorous red carpet event at London's Royal Festival Hall, where a host of celebrities are making their entrance ahead of the awards ceremony. Among the notable arrivals are Maura Higgins and Emma Watson, who are among the stars expected to feature prominently during the evening's proceedings. The BAFTAs are particularly significant this year as they come ahead of the Academy Awards, which are often influenced by the results at this event.

As the ceremony unfolds, the spirited atmosphere is accentuated by the presence of special attendees, including the much-loved character Paddington, who is making an appearance in support of the new musical stage adaptation of the classic children's story. The host of the evening, Scottish actor Alan Cumming, expressed his delight at the event, humorously noting his star-struck reaction to meeting Paddington the bear. This adds an engaging element of whimsy to what is otherwise a prestigious event.

This year’s BAFTAs showcase strong contenders, with the politically charged film "One Battle After Another" and the epic "Sinners" leading the nominations. Observers often regard the BAFTA outcomes as indicators of potential success at the Oscars, creating significant anticipation around who will take home the awards later this evening as the nominees and their fans await the results that could shape the future of many careers in the film industry.