• Published: Feb 18 2026 05:09 PM
  • Last Updated: Feb 18 2026 05:30 PM

Alia Bhatt confirmed as a presenter for the 2026 BAFTA Awards in London. Join the star-studded 79th EE BAFTA Film Awards with Cillian Murphy & more.



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The world of cinema is buzzing with excitement as Bollywood's very own Alia Bhatt is set to take the global stage once again. In a major update today, February 18, 2026, it has been officially confirmed that Alia will be a guest presenter at the 79th EE BAFTA Film Awards in London.

Alia Bhatt BAFTA 2026 Announcement Timeline

The buzz started building in late January 2026. On January 25, Alia teased fans with a fun social media challenge. She posted a group photo of presenters and dared everyone to find her hidden among the stars. That post exploded online, racking up millions of likes and shares. It was her way of hinting at something huge without spilling all the beans right away.​

Fast forward to February 16. BAFTA made it official. News outlets like India Today, NDTV, and Hollywood Reporter India lit up with headlines. Alia reposted BAFTA's announcement, keeping the playful vibe alive. By February 17 and 18, Indian media like Jagran and Republic World were buzzing about her as the sole Indian presenter. Social media clips from February 18, like ScoopWhoop's Facebook post, called her a "global stage icon." No major changes reported as of February 18, 2026 – it's all systems go for the big night.

Alia Bhatt

Star-Studded BAFTA 2026 Presenters List with Alia Bhatt

Alia isn't walking alone. She's sharing the spotlight with Hollywood heavyweights. Here's the full lineup announced on February 16:

Presenter Name

Known For

Fun Fact

Cillian Murphy

Oppenheimer, Peaky Blinders

Recent Oscar winner turning heads i

Kate Hudson

Glass Onion, Almost Famous

Back on awards scene after a break

Glenn Close

8 Oscar noms, Hillbilly Elegy

Legend with timeless charm

Riz Ahmed

Sound of Metal, The Night Of

British-Pakistani star, close to Indian roots

Alicia Vikander

The Danish Girl, Tomb Raider

Oscar winner for heartfelt roles

Bryan Cranston

Breaking Bad, Trumbo

TV icon crossing to film glory

Sadie Sink

Stranger Things

Young breakout making waves

And more: Patrick Dempsey, Delroy Lindo, Emily Watson, Ethan Hawke, Gillian Anderson, Hannah Waddingham, Monica Bellucci, Regé-Jean Page, Stellan Skarsgård

Various hits

Powerhouse mix from TV and film

India at BAFTA 2026: More Than Just Glitz

While Alia is there to present, there is another reason for India to cheer. The Manipuri-language film "Boong", directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, has been nominated in the Best Children’s and Family Film category.

  • The Story of Boong: It follows a young boy from Manipur who travels to find a special gift for his mother.
  • The Competition: It’s a "David vs. Goliath" battle as Boong competes against Disney’s Zootopia 2 and Lilo & Stitch.
  • The Support: The film is backed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Excel Entertainment.

Timeline of Events: How We Got Here

To give you a clear picture, here is the journey of the 79th BAFTA Awards so far:

  • January 27, 2026: Official nominations were announced. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another led with 14 nods, followed by Ryan Coogler’s Sinners with 13.
  • February 17, 2026: BAFTA officially announces Alia Bhatt as a guest presenter.
  • February 18, 2026 (Today): Global media confirms Alia's travel plans to London and her viral Instagram "spot me" challenge.
  • February 22, 2026: The main event! The awards will take place at the Royal Festival Hall, London.

Where to Watch BAFTA 2026 in India?

If you want to catch Alia Bhatt’s big moment live, you don't need to fly to London. In India, the ceremony will be streamed live on Lionsgate Play starting at 12:30 AM IST on February 22. You can watch the red carpet arrivals followed by the main awards ceremony.

Alia Bhatt’s Global Dominance in 2026

2026 is shaping up to be the "Year of Alia." Aside from her BAFTA appearance, she is making waves with:

  • Alpha: Her upcoming female-led action film in the YRF Spy Universe.
  • Love & War: A massive project with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, co-starring Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.
  • International Brand Deals: Her continued success as the face of major global luxury brands.

How BAFTA 2026 Boosts Careers Like Alia Bhatt's

Awards nights change paths. Past presenters land dream roles overnight. For Alia, this could mean invites to Cannes or Venice next. Studios scout her for leads that mix cultures—think action with heart. Her production house grows too, backing stories from India's corners.

Numbers tell the tale: her Instagram followers spiked 2 million post-announce. Brands line up for deals. It's smart business wrapped in stardom.

Other Articles to Read:

FAQ

No, she follows in the footsteps of stars like Priyanka Chopra (2021) and Deepika Padukone (2024). However, her inclusion continues the trend of strong Indian representation at the British Academy Awards.

The ceremony will take place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Royal Festival Hall in London’s Southbank Centre.

The Manipuri film "Boong," directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, is nominated for Best Children’s and Family Film. It is produced by Excel Entertainment.

The 79th EE BAFTA Film Awards will be hosted by the famous Scottish actor Alan Cumming.

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