The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards promise a collision of cinematic titans where historic records may be shattered under the bright lights of London. This year's ceremony transcends mere celebration, acting as a pivotal battlefield for the most prestigious names in modern filmmaking. How can viewers enjoy the film awards sitting in the USA?

The evening promises an electric atmosphere as the global film industry gathers in the heart of the United Kingdom.

The BAFTA Film Awards will take place today (Sunday, 22 February) at the Royal Festival Hall in London, serving as the epicenter of cinematic excellence. Viewers in the United Kingdom can witness the festivities live on BBC One and iPlayer starting at 7:00 PM GMT. Meanwhile, audiences in the United States may stream the event on the E! network.

The broadcast begins at 8:00 PM ET for North American fans, ensuring a wide reach for the global audience. For those located in Australia, the ceremony streams live on HBO Max on Monday morning. This scheduling allows film enthusiasts worldwide to participate in the excitement simultaneously.

Hosting the prestigious gala is the charismatic Alan Cumming. The official BAFTA YouTube channel will also provide extensive coverage of the Red Carpet Show, offering real-time updates throughout the night and an amazing group of presenters. With various platforms available, the 2026 awards are more accessible than ever before. It is a night dedicated to honoring the very best in British and international cinema.

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While the logistics are set, the true intrigue lies within the fiercely competitive list of nominees.

Paul Thomas Anderson dominates the 2026 field as One Battle After Another leads the pack with an impressive fourteen nominations. Ryan Coogler follows closely with Sinners, which earned thirteen nods, including Best Film and Best Director. The competition remains stiff with Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet and Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme also vying for the top prizes.

Chloé Zhao has made history this year as Hamnet became the most-nominated film by a female director in BAFTA history. Though she is the only woman nominated for Best Director this cycle, her previous wins solidify her legendary status.

The acting categories are equally crowded with talent, featuring heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, and Michael B. Jordan. The leading actress race is just as competitive, highlighting stellar performances by Emma Stone, Jessie Buckley, and Kate Hudson. As the ceremony approaches within a few hours, viewers should get ready to see which of these artists will take home the mask.

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What do you think about watching BAFTA 2026 and guessing who will win what? Let us know in the comments.