All articles tagged with #baftas 2026
Alan Cumming criticized the BBC for not editing out a racial slur from the Baftas telecast and for censoring free speech, after John Davidson’s on-stage interruptions and the use of the N-word during the ceremony; some of Davidson’s tics were edited while the slur remained, prompting Bafta to launch a review and the BBC to apologize; a re-edited version exists, and Cumming suggested Bafta may consider a new host.
Alan Cumming apologized for last week’s BAFTAs, saying the ceremony turned into a “trauma triggering” night and acknowledging pain caused to Black people and the Tourette’s community after an onstage incident in which a guest shouted the N-word (a Tourette’s tic). He urged that words matter, that judgment should be measured, and that trauma must be recognized, while criticizing broadcast decisions around slurs and free speech.
John Davidson, a Tourette’s advocate linked to the film I Swear, apologized for involuntary tics that appeared on the BAFTA Awards broadcast, saying the tics were not intentional and applauding BAFTA for warning the audience in advance. He also briefly uttered a racial slur during a presenter moment with Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, after which he left the ceremony; BAFTA did not edit that segment. Davidson said he remains committed to supporting the Tourette’s community and empowerment efforts.
Robert Aramayo unexpectedly won the BAFTA Lead Actor award for I Swear, beating frontrunners Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, and Timothée Chalamet. In his speech, he expressed disbelief at winning and thanked fellow nominee Ethan Hawke for an inspirational talk on longevity as an actor at Juilliard. The ceremony also highlighted Tourette’s-related moments, including Alan Cumming addressing language use and John Davidson’s attendance before stepping out due to tic-related issues.
At the BAFTAs in London, Kate Middleton wore a blush-pink Gucci gown paired with the Queen Mary Choker Bracelet, a rare 1920s diamond piece created for Mary of Teck. The heirloom, long hidden in the royal vault, has been worn by Queen Elizabeth II and, in recent years, Kate at various royal events; this 2026 appearance marks her first BAFTA outing since 2023 and her first Gucci red-carpet look at the ceremony.
Baftas 2026 live coverage spotlights William and Kate on the red carpet, a recurring Paddington appearance, and a parade of fashion moments from stars like Timothée Chalamet, Erin Doherty, Paul Mescal and Cillian Murphy, as reporters warn of a lull before the ceremony and tease the winners to come.