Alan Cumming used his BAFTA Film Awards opening monologue to invite the audience of film royalty to let out a “collective scream” at the state of the world.
The Traitors star joked that this year’s nominees were like a “nervous breakdown” via movie-making, which had more than a little echo of real-world events.
Listing nominees, he said watching Marty Supreme was like a “core workout” and bemoaned Hamnet’s story of child death.
“Do you know the plot of Zootropolis 2? Lies, corrupt leaders, poisoning, and persecution of a race. Too soon, Disney, come on,” he joked.
Cumming continued: “It’s almost as though, I don’t know, there are events going on in the real world that are influencing filmmakers. Anyone know what I’m talking about? No. Ring any bells for you Americans, particularly?”
“I think it’d be a good idea if we all just had one big collective primal scream. Ready?” he said, before letting out his “ahhhhhh” on stage. “That felt better, didn’t it?”
Cumming is hosting the BAFTA Film Awards for the first time, presiding over a ceremony taking place at London’s Royal Festival Hall.
The Good Wife star replaced fellow Scottish actor David Tennant, who hosted the BAFTA Film Awards for the past two years. Cumming hosted the BAFTA TV Awards in 2025.
In comments before the event, Cumming said he was looking forward to bringing some “mischief” to proceedings. Emma Baehr, BAFTA’s executive director of awards and content, hailed his “sharp wit, warmth and vibrant energy.”
English (US) ·