Now this is what we actually call awards season momentum: the 2026 British Academy Film Awards (basically the UK’s Oscars) are happening tonight, Sunday, February 22, 2026, and for the first time ever, E! News is broadcasting the show in the United States. That’s a huge leap from the old days of relying on BritBox streams or dodging spoilers online. It feels like a win for fans who want to actually watch these glamorous British honors without a ridiculous workaround.
And in case you’re living for the host announcements as much as the fashion lineup? Fan‑favorite host Alan Cumming of “The Traitors,” is officially in charge of this year’s ceremony; taking over the BAFTA mic after a fantastic run by David Tennant in 2024 and 2025. Yep, Scottish hosts are still where it’s at.
Date & Time: When to Tune In
The live ceremony is happening in London at the Royal Festival Hall on Sunday, February 22, 2026. In the U.K., it airs on BBC One and iPlayer at 7:00pm GMT (which is early afternoon in the U.S.).
But for American viewers, this is the key info:
- Broadcast on E! at 8:00pm in both the Eastern and Pacific time zones, so you don’t have to do any math mid‑dinner. The E! coverage is taped/delayed, not live from London.
Where Americans Can Stream the BAFTAs
Previously, the BAFTA Awards could be streamed in the U.S. on BritBox, but this year’s mainstream U.S. coverage is officially on E!.
If you live by streaming, the ceremony still isn’t fully free; you need a subscription to services that carry E! like DirecTV or Hulu + Live TV (both of which often offer free trials). This means you can legitimately stream the whole thing tonight if you’re set up with one of those. DirecTV’s five‑day trial and Hulu + Live TV’s shorter trial are both routes people are choosing.
Note: E! also isn’t doing red carpet coverage in the U.S. this time, so if you’re here for that pre‑show glam, the official BAFTA YouTube channel is the place to watch for arriving stars.
Bonus: Why This One Matters
Beyond finally getting a proper TV home, this ceremony has real buzz. The awards cover a huge slate of categories (from Best Film and Original Screenplay to Supporting Acting, Cinematography, Special Visual Effects, and yes, the EE Rising Star Award; plus the usual nods to British short films and outstanding contributions). That kind of full‑spectrum celebration makes it fun for both casual viewers and cinematic obsessives alike.
And for royal watchers? Prince William, who regularly attends as BAFTA’s president, is often part of the starry guest list.
So grab your snacks and settle in; because this British film night is about to start.
