How and when to watch the 2025 BAFTAs, whether you’re in the U.K. or the U.S.

The Oscars are less than a month away, but before Hollywood’s biggest night, the folks across the pond have their turn to celebrate. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards (BAFTAs) will take place on Sunday, February 16, at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Historically viewed as a strong predictor of the Oscars, this year’s BAFTAs just might offer a sneak peak of what’s to come—especially in this unconventional year of controversies, disasters, and shifting front-runners. Here’s everything you should know and how to tune in. What does Prince William have to do with it? As part of his royal duties, the Prince of Wales is the president of BAFTA. He and his wife, Kate Middleton, often attend the big event. But it was announced on Tuesday that neither will attend this year, opting instead for a Caribbean holiday with their family. William prerecorded a special video message that will be shown at the event. Who is hosting the 2025 BAFTAs? The Scottish actor David Tennant, best known for his turn on the BBC’s Doctor Who (as the 10th and 14th doctors) and many Shakespearean theatrical performances, will host for the second year in a row. The boy band Take That will perform their hit song “Greatest Day,” which was used in the opening scene of Best Film-contender Anora; and Jeff Goldblum, who plays the Wizard of Oz in Wicked and is an accomplished jazz pianist, will play a piano solo of the classic “As Time Goes By” on stage during the always-moving In Memoriam segment. Who are some of the stand-out nominees? The Edward Berger-directed Vatican thriller Conclave reigns supreme with 12 nominations. Jacques Audiard’s musical crime-drama offering Emilia Pérez is a close second with 11, while Brady Corbet’s immigrant story The Brutalist, scored nine nominations. Timothée Chalamet will be doing double duty, representing both Dune: Part Two and the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. After offensive tweets were brought to light, Emilia Pérez actress Karla Sofía Gascón is not expected to be in attendance. She is the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for a BAFTA. Last week, she issued a statement saying that she hopes her work can speak for itself. “My silence will allow the film to be appreciated for what it is,” concluding: “I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been hurt along the way.” Beyond the competitive categories, Warwick Davis will be honored with the BAFTA fellowship. This lifetime achievement award celebrates his impressive body of work in the film series, Star Wars and Harry Potter and the film Willow, among many other films. Check out the full list of nominees on the BAFTA website. How can I watch the 2025 BAFTA awards? If you live in the U.K., tune into BBC One or stream it on iPlayer at 7 p.m. local time. For those of us in the United States, BritBox has the exclusive streaming rights, and the ceremony begins at 2 p.m. ET. You can sign up directly with the streaming service and even take advantage of a seven-day free trial. If you have an Amazon Prime account, you can also catch the action by adding BritBox to your subscription. There’s a free trial-option there as well. Whatever way you decide to watch, a pot of tea and some biscuits (aka, cookies in British speak) would be excellent refreshment choices—or a gin and tonic, depending on your mood.

Feb 17, 2025 - 06:49

How and when to watch the 2025 BAFTAs, whether you’re in the U.K. or the U.S.

The Oscars are less than a month away, but before Hollywood’s biggest night, the folks across the pond have their turn to celebrate.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards (BAFTAs) will take place on Sunday, February 16, at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Historically viewed as a strong predictor of the Oscars, this year’s BAFTAs just might offer a sneak peak of what’s to come—especially in this unconventional year of controversies, disasters, and shifting front-runners. Here’s everything you should know and how to tune in.

What does Prince William have to do with it?

As part of his royal duties, the Prince of Wales is the president of BAFTA. He and his wife, Kate Middleton, often attend the big event. But it was announced on Tuesday that neither will attend this year, opting instead for a Caribbean holiday with their family. William prerecorded a special video message that will be shown at the event.

Who is hosting the 2025 BAFTAs?

The Scottish actor David Tennant, best known for his turn on the BBC’s Doctor Who (as the 10th and 14th doctors) and many Shakespearean theatrical performances, will host for the second year in a row. The boy band Take That will perform their hit song “Greatest Day,” which was used in the opening scene of Best Film-contender Anora; and Jeff Goldblum, who plays the Wizard of Oz in Wicked and is an accomplished jazz pianist, will play a piano solo of the classic “As Time Goes By” on stage during the always-moving In Memoriam segment.

Who are some of the stand-out nominees?

The Edward Berger-directed Vatican thriller Conclave reigns supreme with 12 nominations. Jacques Audiard’s musical crime-drama offering Emilia Pérez is a close second with 11, while Brady Corbet’s immigrant story The Brutalist, scored nine nominations.

Timothée Chalamet will be doing double duty, representing both Dune: Part Two and the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.

After offensive tweets were brought to light, Emilia Pérez actress Karla Sofía Gascón is not expected to be in attendance. She is the first openly transgender actress to be nominated for a BAFTA. Last week, she issued a statement saying that she hopes her work can speak for itself.

“My silence will allow the film to be appreciated for what it is,” concluding: “I sincerely apologize to everyone who has been hurt along the way.”

Beyond the competitive categories, Warwick Davis will be honored with the BAFTA fellowship. This lifetime achievement award celebrates his impressive body of work in the film series, Star Wars and Harry Potter and the film Willow, among many other films.

Check out the full list of nominees on the BAFTA website.

How can I watch the 2025 BAFTA awards?

If you live in the U.K., tune into BBC One or stream it on iPlayer at 7 p.m. local time.

For those of us in the United States, BritBox has the exclusive streaming rights, and the ceremony begins at 2 p.m. ET.

You can sign up directly with the streaming service and even take advantage of a seven-day free trial. If you have an Amazon Prime account, you can also catch the action by adding BritBox to your subscription. There’s a free trial-option there as well.

Whatever way you decide to watch, a pot of tea and some biscuits (aka, cookies in British speak) would be excellent refreshment choices—or a gin and tonic, depending on your mood.