BAFTA 2026 live on OTT in India: Here's when and where you can stream, host, nominations, presenters – all you need to know

The 79th BAFTAs, hosted by Alan Cumming, air Feb 23, 2026. One Battle After Another leads nominations. Alia Bhatt presents, while Dame Donna Langley receives the Fellowship. Streams on Lionsgate Play.

Alan Cumming hosts BAFTA 2026

On February 23, 2026, the 79th British Academy Film Awards will be held. These awards are generally considered the highest accolades in British cinema. The event will be streamed live online on Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium) for Indian viewers. The ceremony, staged annually at the Royal Festival Hall in London's Southbank Centre since 2023, will honour the best in domestic and international filmmaking.

Who is hosting this year’s BAFTA ceremony?

The esteemed Scottish actor, writer, and producer, Alan Cumming, made his long-awaited hosting debut at this year's ceremony, signalling a major leadership transition. After David Tennant's two years at the helm, Cumming takes over. He is well-known for his dynamic stage presence and diverse career and has promised an evening that would include both the celebration of filmmaking art and lively entertainment.

The 2026 nominees, announced in late January, highlighted a diverse and competitive year for global film. Of all the films nominated, Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another has the most, 14, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Next on the list is Sinners by Ryan Coogler, which broke a record by becoming the most nominated Black director in BAFTA history with 13 nods.

ALSO READ: BAFTA 2026: Alia Bhatt joins Cillian Murphy, Michael B. Jordan in elite international presenter lineup

Which movies are competing for the Best Picture award?

Both Hamnet and Marty Supreme received 11 nominations apiece, making them formidable competitors. Five films—Hamnet Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sentimental Value, and Sinners—are in close competition for Best Picture.

Both long-running legends and up-and-coming actors compete in the various acting categories. Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Michael B. Jordan (Sinners), and British actor Robert Aramayo (I Swear) are all in the running for Leading Actor. Amidst competition from Emma Stone (Bugonia), Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue), and Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value), leading female actor Jessie Buckley's role in Hamnet has made her a heavy favourite.

Which filmmakers are up for Best Director?

Chloé Zhao, Yorgos Lanthimos, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Ryan Coogler are among the prominent contenders vying for the bronze mask in the Best Director category.

The 79th British Academy Film Awards will have a heavy dose of Indian cinema thanks to the confirmation of Alia Bhatt as a presenter. The actor is the third Indian star to attend the ceremony, joining Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Deepika Padukone. Along with Riz Ahmed, Glenn Close, Bryan Cranston, Kate Hudson, and Cillian Murphy, she is part of an international lineup of presenters. Moreover, Ritesh Sidhwani is also attending the ceremony, as the Manipuri coming-of-age film Boong co-produced by Farhan Akhtar and him, received a nomination for Best Children's & Family Film.

Who will receive the special honorary awards this year?

That evening will also honour achievements that define a career. The academy will present British NBCUniversal chairperson Dame Donna Langley with the BAFTA Fellowship, the highest accolade. Also receiving an award for her Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema is Clare Binns, who is the creative director of Picturehouse Cinemas.

The K-Pop group Demon Hunters will be performing their song Golden for the first time ever outside of the US as part of the evening's musical entertainment. During the yearly "In Memoriam" section, British singer Jessie Ware will also be performing a version of a Barbara Streisand song.

How and when can viewers watch the ceremony?

The main awards show is set to stream at 7:00 PM GMT, while the red carpet begins at around 5:00 PM GMT in London. Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium) will begin streaming the live coverage in India at around 12:30 AM IST on Monday, February 23, due to the time difference. The official BAFTA YouTube channel will also be available to stream extra content.

BAFTA 2026 FAQs:

Q: Where can I watch BAFTA 2026 live in India?

A: The 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA 2026) will be available for live streaming in India exclusively on the OTT platform Lionsgate Play (OTTplay Premium). Additionally, viewers can catch segments and live updates on the official BAFTA YouTube channel.

Q: What is the date and time for the BAFTA 2026 livestream in India?

A: BAFTA 2026 ceremony takes place in London on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Due to the time difference, Indian audiences can stream the event live starting at 12:30 AM IST on the morning of Monday, February 23, 2026.

Q: Who is hosting the BAFTA Awards 2026?

A: Acclaimed Scottish actor, writer, and producer Alan Cumming is the host for the BAFTA 2026 ceremony. He takes over the mantle from David Tennant, who hosted the awards for the previous two consecutive years.

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