Paddington bear to present at 2026 BAFTA Film Awards

BAFTAs will be hosted by Scottish actor Alan Cumming on February 22

Paddington Bear is heading to one of the film industry’s most prestigious nights, with organizers confirming the beloved character will both attend and present at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards in London.

The appearance is set to bring a lighthearted moment to the ceremony, which honors the best films of 2025 and takes place on February 22 at the Royal Festival Hall.

BAFTA officials announced that Paddington will be part of the lineup of presenters for the ceremony, joining a host of major stars expected to take the stage during the evening. The 79th edition of the awards will be hosted by Scottish actor Alan Cumming and broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK, as well as internationally.

The inclusion of Paddington, the iconic British character created by Michael Bond, underscores the ceremony’s celebration of British culture and storytelling, while also appealing to family audiences and longtime fans of the franchise.

The BAFTAs remain one of the most influential stops in awards season, often seen as a key predictor of Academy Award winners. This year’s nominations are led by films including One Battle After Another and Sinners, as the ceremony prepares to spotlight the biggest achievements in global cinema.

Paddington’s presence at the ceremony marks a rare crossover between children’s entertainment and major film honors, promising a memorable and distinctly British moment during one of the industry’s biggest nights.