Alan Cumming's hosting of the BAFTA Film Awards received a mixed response, with many viewers openly criticizing his opening monologue as 'toe-curlingly awkward.' Cumming attempted to address the serious themes of last year's films, joking about how real-world events influenced these narratives. He encouraged the star-studded audience to participate in a 'primal scream' as part of his act, which elicited some laughter in the room. However, the laughter from the audience did not translate to the viewers at home who expressed discomfort at the awkwardness of the moment.

The negative reaction from viewers highlights the divide between live audience reactions and home viewers’ expectations during award ceremonies. Social media exploded with remarks about Cumming’s performance, indicating that many felt his humor missed the mark and was not appropriate for the prestigious event. Comments ranged from confusion to outright disappointment, with viewers questioning the decision to let Cumming lead the ceremony this year.

This criticism poses challenges for future hosts of major award shows, as they must navigate between humor and the gravitas of the occasion while appealing to both the attendees and television audiences. Cumming's attempt at humor showcased the risks involved in live performances where the audience's mood can swing dramatically depending on the delivery of the jokes and the nature of the event itself.