All the viral moments from BAFTAs 2026: From Robert Aramayo’s father’s elation at his Best Actor win and Paddington’s ‘epic’ cameo to Alan Cumming’s toe-curling snacks gag

The British Academy Film Awards typically see some of Hollywood’s finest descend on the capital to receive one of the coveted gold masks.

But with viewers watching at home, it’s no surprise that some moments, intentional or otherwise, can spark the beginnings of a wild social media frenzy. 

One Battle After Another proved to be the big winner with six gongs, while Jessie Buckley won Best Actress, and Robert Aramayo earned a surprise honour for Best Actor for I Swear.

And as ever the ceremony was littered with moments that will become fixtures of the occasion for years to come.

Some came just minutes after the ceremony had started, as host Alan Cumming earned a mixed reaction with some of his gags during his stint as the host.

Here’s a look at some of the most viral moments at this year’s BAFTAs…

Robert Aramayo’s father elation at his win

There were gasps in the audience when it was announced that Robert had been awarded the BAFTA for Leading Actor for his performance in I Swear, beating out favourites Timothee Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio.

As his name was announced, Robert’s father jumped to his feet and was shouting as he expressed his delight and the pair embraced in a hug.

Robert bagged the award for his role in the biopic centred on campaigner John Davidson’s life amid his Tourette’s diagnosis. 

John was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at a time when little was known about the condition and the film depicts his younger years living in Galashiels , when he was first diagnosed.

Overcome with emotion, Robert told the crowd: ‘I absolutely can’t believe this. I can’t believe I’m looking at people like you [Leonardo DiCaprio] never mind that I’m stood here.

He added: ‘I honestly cannot believe that I have won this award I really cannot. Everyone in this category blows me away.

‘When I was in school Ethan Hawke came to speak to us at Juillard and he gave an amazing talk on longevity as an actor, protecting your instrument and avoiding self destructive behaviours, it had an incredible impact on every one in that room.’

Paddington Bear’s ‘epic’ cameo

Paddington Bear’stole the spotlight’ with an ‘epic’ cameo during the awards, as he took time away from his stage show to present the honour of Children’s and Family Film.

As he made his way on stage, Paddington tipped his iconic red hat to the A-list crowd, which included the likes of Emma Stone, Kate Hudson, Leonardo Dicaprio and Timothee Chalamet.

Dressed in his blue duffle coat with toggles, the bear ditched his battered brown suitcase and marmalade sandwich for the winning envelope.

Standing behind his very own minature podium, Paddington, who stands at 4 feet tall, said: ‘You all look surprised to see me, I’m as surprised as you are.’ 

The bear went on to mention his beloved elderly aunt, who raised him in Peru, and his family the Browns, who adopted him when he came to London. 

Viewers rushed to X to comment on the ‘wholesome’ and ‘charming’ moment as fans insisted Paddington Bear ‘stole the spotlight’ from the Hollywood A-listers. 

They wrote: ‘I always become 10 years old with excitement at moments like this. Adorable; Paddington Has My Heart; Epic;

‘They should invite Paddington Bear to every single red carpet from now on; Paddington Bear steals the spotlight at the #EEBAFTAs;

‘Paddington Bear making a cameo at the BAFTA Film Awards is peak British charm—marmalade and movie magic in one moment;

‘Paddington stealing the BAFTAs with pure charm and that iconic “first bear ever” line is peak wholesome chaos. Give that bear his own category already!;

‘Love it! Paddington making history—and hearts—at the BAFTAs. Even a bear can inspire courage and charm! Paddington Bear steals the spotlight at the #EEBAFTAs’.

Alan Cumming’s biscuit gag

As the host of this year’s ceremony, it’s no surprise that Alan Cumming threw in a few gags that may have gone over the American’s guest’s heads.

This year, it was a nod to some of the UK’s famous snacks, that have likely never been seen in a Walmart or Wholefoods shelf.

In particular, Kylie Jenner seemed bemused as she was handed one of the ‘very British snacks’ that Alan was giving out to members of the audience.

The billionaire make-up mogul was handed a giant Jammy Dodger from Alan.

Kylie was left looking confused by the iconic British biscuit, which features two shortcake layers sandwiched with a raspberry or strawberry-flavoured jam filling and a heart-shaped hole in the middle. 

Sitting next to Kylie was her boyfriend and BAFTA nominee Timothée Chalamet who was given a packet of the British pub snack, Scampi Fries.  

Meanwhile host Alan handed Emma Stone a packet of Hula Hoops crisps, he asked: ‘Do you know what a Hula Hoop is?’

She replied: ‘No but that sounds delightful’. 

Moving on, Alan said: ‘Leo how do you like the sound of an Oaty Hobnob Flapjack’, as he passed the Leonardo DiCaprio a packet of biscuits from his woven picnic basket.  

Rapper Stormzy was given his ‘favourtie snack’, a bag of Skips, while Hollywood actor Rose Byrne and Bad Neighbours actress wife Bobby Cannavale were handed Twiglets during the segment. 

Alan added: ‘I think you guys are Twiglets kind of people, Rose said I’m starving, I’ve covered her needs’, he joked. 

Alan Cumming thanks the audience for their Tourette’s understanding 

During the ceremony, host Alan thanked the audience for their understanding after I Swear’s John Davidson let out involuntary shouts due to his Tourette’s.

I Swear details the life of campaigner John, now 54, who was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at a time when little was known about the condition.

The neurological condition, characterised by a combination of involuntary noises and movements called tics, affects roughly one in 100 children, according to NHS England. 

And addressing the audience at London’s Royal Festival Hall, Alan continued to raise awareness for the condition after some strong language and involuntary shouts were heard from John. 

He told the crowd: ‘You may have heard some strong offensive language tonight, but if you’ve seen the film I Swear, it’s about the experience of a person with Tourette’s syndrome. 

‘It is a disability and the ticks you have heard tonight are involuntary that means the person who has Tourette’s syndrome has no control over their language and we apologise if it has caused offence.’ 

KPop Demon Hunters stars’ ‘killer’ performance

Given it was the biggest film in Netflix’s history, its no surprise that BAFTA wanted to cash in on KPop Demon Hunters’ success.

Despite the film being ineligible for an award, Rei Ami, EJAE and Audrey Nuna from the group Huntr/x performed their smash hit Golden with viewers branding their set ‘killer’.

Due to BAFTAs failing to have a Best Original song category, unlike the Oscars, and the film failing to meet the mandatory theatrical release requirements in the UK they have not received any nominations.

The trio looked sensational as they belted out the catchy tune for the star-studded audience surrounded by a huge group of dancers. 

This marks their first live performance together outside the US and as clips hit social media ahead of the TV broadcast, fans went wild. 

One fan said: ‘Even at award shows it’s not eligible for, #KPopDemonHunters is winning. #BAFTA’.

While another gushed: ‘Stage on fire. EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami lighting up the BAFTA Film Awards with Golden. Power vocals, killer energy what a performance.’

And: ‘This performance was lowkey fire, they ate that bafta stage up.’ 

Alan Cumming’s opening monologue

Winning over audiences with the opening speech is never an easy task, and host Alan Cumming didn’t shy away from touching on some of the political topics of the day.

During his opener, Alan said he believed many of the movie’s nominated had been inspired by difficult current events – hinting at the political unrest in the United States. 

He joked watching Marty Supreme, which stares Timothée Chalamet, had felt like a ‘core workout’ before bemoaning Hanet’s tragic story of a child’s death. 

‘Do you know the plot of Zootropolis 2? Lies, corrupt leaders, poisoning, and persecution of a race. Too soon, Disney, come on,’ 

‘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?’.

He then suggested everyone joining him in ‘one big collective primal scream’ before letting out a huge yell, and asking: ‘That felt better, didn’t it?’ 

It comes after Trump ended his immigration crackdown in Minnesota following the fatal shootings of two Americans by federal agents. 

Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams’ red carpet PDA

Given it was their red carpet debut, Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams didn’t shy away from packing on the PDA at this year’s awards.

The singer-songwriter wowed in a backless black patterned dress as she gave the Irish actor a kiss on the cheek before they both looked lovingly into each other’s eyes. 

Paul, who was was snubbed during Oscar nominations, will be hoping for an award tonight after earning a Supporting Actor BAFTA nod for his role in Hamnet.  

The couple have been in a relationship since 2024 but largely keep their relationship out of the spotlight, so fans have gone wild for the romantic display. 

Taking to Twitter they penned: ‘i just know paul mescal and gracie abrams going to get married soon <3’;

‘Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams making a stunning red carpet debut together—power duo moment!’;

‘omg gracie abrams and paul mescal finally did their red carpet debut!!’

‘Paul Mescal walking in with Gracie Abrams like that… my parents are officially dating fr red carpet debut done RIGHT’;

‘Gracie Abrams and Paul Mescal just walked in and suddenly the red carpet feels like a movie scene.’;

‘Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams are giving red carpet goals ❤️ Effortless charm and chemistry, the #EEBAFTAs just got a lot more captivating with their arrival.’;

‘Paul Mescal’s charm and Gracie Abrams’ grace..Red carpet perfection’; ‘Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams slaying the BAFTA red carpet—total power couple vibes!’;

‘Effortless elegance Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams absolutely owned the red carpet.’

Paul Mescal is called out for being on his phone during the ceremony 

Paul was left very red faced as host Alan Cumming called him out for being on his phone during the star-studded ceremony. 

The Irish actor, 30, who missed out on the Supporting Actor gong to Sean Penn, was caught in the act of scrolling through his phone as Scottish host Alan attempted to get his attention. 

Oblivious Paul completely messed up Alan’s gag as he introduced the next award, leaving the A-lists crowd in hysterics. 

Alan said: ‘The next award is for Outstanding British Film in honour of Alexander Korda, Paul, Paul, oh he is on his phone’.

Paul looked up from his phone in complete shock and confusion before bring his hands over his face in embarrassment and laughter. 

‘You were suppose to do the gag, don’t you worry’, laughed Alan.