SARA PUTT: Good evening, everyone, and a very warm welcome to the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards.
This is my final year as Chair of BAFTA. What a night to go out on.
When I first stood on this stage, the film industry was navigating profound post-pandemic uncertainty. It was a year of immense challenge. Thankfully, three years on, there are many reasons to be optimistic – and that is testament to the industry’s resilience and creativity.
Chairing BAFTA has been the privilege of my life.
More than anything, it has shown me the power of community and creativity.
BAFTA is an Academy and a community which believes passionately in the enormous value of film to our culture and our society. Our membership of 14,000 creative practitioners based across the UK, North America, and around the world reflect the breadth of talent and experiences of those working in film, games and television today.
BAFTA members commit their time and expertise to vote in our awards and drive progress in the screen arts, so that we remain a hallmark of excellence both in front of and behind the camera.
Then there is the remarkable network of BAFTA’s Trustees, committee members, advisors, patrons, partners, and donors, who volunteer their time so generously or support our work financially because they believe in our charitable mission.
This mission is to champion exceptional people and their storytelling in film, games and television. Wherever they are. No matter their background.
Our awards are indeed our window to the world, demonstrating that our industry is truly welcoming of all voices and all stories. Last year over 130 million people watched our 2025 ceremony on BAFTA and BBC’s social channels.
The work that takes place off this stage is equally important. Last year, we reached over one million people through our bursaries, Young BAFTA work and our career development programmes.
Tonight, we are delighted to be honouring Clare Binns with BAFTA’s Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award. From her days as an usher, to leading one of the UK’s most loved independent cinema chains, she has tirelessly put cinemas at the heart of local communities.
Our highest honour this evening will be presented to a titan of our industry, who has created extraordinary cultural impact through the films and filmmakers she has championed. Yes, we are thrilled to honour Dame Donna Langley with the BAFTA Fellowship.
Last but certainly not least, tonight’s nominees. Your films have entertained us and challenged us; they have provided windows into other worlds and sometimes a respite from this one.
Because in an increasingly fragmented world, tonight’s nominations show the power of film as a conduit for empathy, awareness and understanding.
Huge congratulations.
One thing is certain. More change is coming. The film industry is rapidly evolving, and the tectonic plates are shifting.
Our future success depends on ensuring that everyone who shapes our culture can actively contribute and have their voices heard.
Helping people to upskill and adapt has taken on new urgency.
Tonight’s films remind us that innovation must never come at the expense of the human creativity.
The great news is that there are many more human stories waiting to be told.
Excellence is our mantra here at BAFTA and I want to finish on a note about what this means to me.
Its very intangibility is what makes excellence such a wonderful, innately human concept.
The films honoured here this evening have been chosen because they are excellent. This excellence has been determined by the viewing and voting of our academicians. No algorithm involved. A truly human endeavour, and this humanity remains at the heart of all we do.
Before I hand over to our brilliant host Alan Cumming, and the business of awards giving begins, I want to say a few thank you’s.
I’m honoured to welcome BAFTA’s President – His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. Thank you for being here and for all your support all year round.
Thank you to our CEO Jane Millichip and the entire BAFTA team who have worked tirelessly, passionately and diligently to make tonight a success. And to our wonderful BAFTA Film Committee led by Emily Stillman.
To the generous patrons and partners of BAFTA’s Film Awards including EE, the BBC and co-producers Penny Lane.
And to all of you, our wonderful guests, thank you for being here to celebrate tonight’s brilliant nominees, for your support of BAFTA, and sharing our passion for filmmaking.
Have a fabulous evening.
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