Film fans in the U.S. and around the world are preparing for the 79th British Academy Film Awards, or BAFTAs, which celebrate achievements in cinema. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at London’s Royal Festival Hall, with actor Alan Cumming hosting, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts said in a press release.
The awards honor outstanding performances, technical achievements, and films from the past year. U.S. viewers often watch the BAFTAs to spot early Oscar contenders and see red carpet fashion from global stars.
The BAFTAs are one of the first major awards shows of the season and often highlight early favorites for the Oscars, according to Variety. For viewers in the U.S. and internationally, multiple options exist to watch the ceremony live or stream it online.
Watch the BAFTAs Live in the U.S.
U.S. audiences can watch the BAFTAs on E! Network at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Sunday, Variety reported. The broadcast includes red carpet coverage, acceptance speeches, and behind-the-scenes highlights.
For viewers who want to watch closer to the London live broadcast, BritBox, a subscription streaming service, offers both the main ceremony and pre-show content, Deadline reported. The BAFTA YouTube channel will also feature live interviews, red carpet moments, and clips from the ceremony for viewers across the country.
Subscription services carrying E!, including Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV, allow audiences to stream the ceremony on multiple devices. Fans can also watch on smartphones, tablets, or smart TVs for convenience anywhere.
Global Streaming Options: From London to Your Living Room
In the United Kingdom, the BBC reported that the BAFTA Awards will air live on BBC One at 7 p.m. GMT and stream for free on BBC iPlayer. Fans can tune in early for pre-show coverage featuring interviews and fashion highlights.
International audiences also have options. According to The Hollywood Reporter, viewers in Australia can watch the ceremony on HBO Max Australia, while viewers in India can stream it on Lionsgate Play or via the official BAFTA YouTube channel. Many platforms also post highlights after the ceremony for those unable to watch live.
The 2026 BAFTA Awards promise a celebration of creativity, talent, and cinematic achievement. From red carpet fashion to award-winning performances, the event gives audiences worldwide a chance to experience one of film’s most prestigious nights. Whether watching live or streaming later, viewers can cheer for their favorite films and enjoy a night of cinematic excellence.
