BAFTAs host Alan Cumming opens the ceremony by asking 'whatever happened to escapism' and invites audience to join him in 'a collective scream' at the state of the world

2 weeks ago 14

By GERAINT LLEWELLYN, SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER

Published: 17:52 GMT, 22 February 2026 | Updated: 17:59 GMT, 22 February 2026

BAFTA host Alan Cumming invited the star-studded audience to join him in a 'collective scream' at the state of the world while opening Sunday's ceremony.

The Scottish actor, 61, took to the London's Royal Festival Hall and said he believed many of the movie's nominated had been inspired by difficult current events.

'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?'

BAFTA host Alan Cumming invited the star-studded audience to join him in a 'collective scream' at the state of the world while opening Sunday's ceremony

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