Film fans in the Philippines will not have to miss one of the biggest nights in British cinema this awards season.
The 2026 British Academy Film Awards, more popularly known as the BAFTAs, will stream live in the country exclusively on Lionsgate Play, giving Pinoy cinephiles a front-row seat to the glitz and glamour straight from London’s Royal Festival Hall.
When can Filipinos watch the BAFTAs?
The ceremony airs live from London on Feb. 22, 2026 at 7 p.m. GMT. In the Philippines, viewers can tune in via Lionsgate Play on February 23 (Monday) at 1:30 a.m. (Philippine time).
Here’s the full schedule for local viewers:
- 1:45 a.m. (PH time) – Red carpet coverage begins
- 3 a.m. (PH time) – Main awards broadcast
For those who can’t stay up late, the full program will also be available on-demand on the platform.
What to expect at the 2026 BAFTAs
Each year, the BAFTAs gather some of the most celebrated names in film for a night of recognition and high-stakes competition. Similar to the Academy Awards in the United States, the BAFTAs honor the best in British and international cinema.
Leading this year’s nominations is Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” with 14 nods. Close behind is Ryan Coogler’s supernatural thriller “Sinners” with 13 nominations, and Chloe Zhao’s historical drama “Hamnet” with 11.
Josh Safdie’s sports comedy-drama “Marty Supreme,” starring Timothée Chalamet, also earned 11 nominations, including Best Film and Best Director.
Gothic cinema is having a strong year as Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” received eight nominations, including a Best Supporting Actor nod for Jacob Elordi.
READ: Factbox: Key nominees for the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards
Hosting duties would also see a change this year. After two consecutive years, David Tennant steps aside, with Alan Cumming taking over the stage. Meanwhile, British singer-songwriter Jessie Ware will perform a special tribute during the In Memoriam segment.
The singing stars behind K-pop Demon Hunters, Ejae (Rumi), Audrey Nuna (Mira), and Rei Ami (Zoey), will also add excitement as they are set to perform the record-breaking anthem “Golden” outside the US for the first time.
The prestigious BAFTA Fellowship will also be awarded to NBCUniversal Entertainment Chairman Dame Donna Langley DBE, recognized for championing influential films such as “Oppenheimer,” “The Holdovers,” “Jurassic World,” “Bridesmaids,” and the 2024 adaptation of “Wicked.”
More than just the BAFTAs
Beyond the live ceremony, Lionsgate Play also streams award-winning films and series year-round. Viewers can catch “Sinners,” Celine Song’s “Past Lives,” and “Oppenheimer,” which previously dominated the BAFTAs. The platform also features acclaimed series such as “Sherlock,” “Normal People” and “Gangs of London.”
How to access Lionsgate Play
Filipino viewers can sign up for Lionsgate Play via PLDT Home, Smart, and Cignal to stream the BAFTAs live and on demand.
—With Rosette Adel
