A practical guide to streaming the 79th Bafta Film Awards in the u.s., plus a clear summary of nominations, standout performances and award winners
Who: The 79th BAFTA film awards, hosted by Alan Cumming, returned to London’s Royal Festival Hall. What: The ceremony recognised achievements in film across multiple categories. Where: The event took place at the Royal Festival Hall in London. How U.S. viewers watched: the broadcast was available to American audiences on E!.
The following guide explains the most reliable ways U.S. viewers could stream the live broadcast, outlines the ceremony’s principal nominees, and summarises the night’s winners and notable moments. The text preserves original facts while organising them for clarity and practical use.
The BAFTAs aired in the United States on E! on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 8 p.m. PT/ET. Cord-cutters could access the broadcast through several live-streaming services that included the network in their channel lineups. Each service offered distinct trial or discount options that allowed viewers to watch the ceremony without a long-term subscription.
DirecTV carried E! in its core packages — Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate and Premier — and provided a five-day free trial for new subscribers. That trial period enabled viewers who signed up shortly before the ceremony to stream the awards live at no charge. Base plans for assembling a channel lineup began at $19.99 per month, depending on selected add-ons and regional availability.
Sling and Hulu + Live TV were also listed among the common streaming alternatives. Each service presented different package configurations and promotional offers aimed at short-term viewers, including limited free trials or introductory rates that could cover the cost of watching the awards without committing to a year-long plan.
Some U.S. viewers accessed the E! telecast through subscription streaming services that included the network in their channel lineups. Sling carried E! on its Blue plan; at the time of the broadcast Sling ran a promotional rate that halved the first-month charge for combined Orange & Blue subscriptions, making E! available at a reduced introductory price.
Hulu + Live TV distributed E! as part of a bundle with Disney+ and ESPN+. That package offered a three-day free trial, permitting short-term access without a longer subscription commitment. Actual availability, pricing and promotional terms varied by region and by the timing of each provider’s offers.
What the nominees looked like going into the night depended largely on nomination tallies, which set expectations across major and technical categories.
The field was competitive. One Battle After Another led with 14 nominations, followed by Sinners with 13. Hamnet and Marty Supreme each collected 11 nods. Sentimental Value and Frankenstein earned eight apiece. Both Bugonia and I Swear appeared in multiple categories with five nominations each.
Those totals framed the narrative for the ceremony and influenced early predictions among critics and industry observers. Productions with broad technical recognition were seen as contenders in technical races, while films with concentrated major-category nominations drew attention for acting, directing and best picture discussions.
The ceremony confirmed expectations set by nomination totals, with One Battle After Another and Sinners consolidating their positions as the night’s leading winners. Votes across creative and technical branches aligned to reward the films’ direction, writing and craft elements.
Beyond the headline prizes, a range of smaller films and individual craftspeople were honoured in specialty categories. Winners spanned production design, costume, sound and visual effects, reflecting the industry’s emphasis on technical excellence behind major releases.
Speeches during the evening frequently referenced representation and industry change. The awards for Sinners marked a notable milestone for work by a Black filmmaker at the ceremony and were repeatedly framed by presenters and recipients as progress within a broader awards landscape.
Industry observers said the outcomes will shape the awards season narrative and influence next steps for studios and talent. Box-office and distribution plans for the most awarded films are expected to respond to the ceremony’s momentum.
Other notable victories included a surprise night for I Swear, which secured multiple honors.
Its lead, Robert Aramayo, won both the rising star award and best actor. The film also collected the prize for best casting.
Frankenstein dominated several craft categories, winning for production design, costume design and makeup & hair.
Hamnet was named outstanding British film, while Jessie Buckley received the best leading actress trophy for her performance.
Hamnet was named outstanding British film, while Jessie Buckley received the best leading actress trophy for her performance. The evening also featured live musical performances and tributes. K-pop performers EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami delivered a live set, marking the group’s first show outside the U.S. British singer-songwriter Jessie Ware performed a cover during the In Memoriam segment. Numerous presenters, from established stars to current nominees, helped sustain the ceremony’s pace and tone.
Beyond the competitive awards, the ceremony highlighted contributions to the film industry. The BAFTA Fellowship and Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema honours recognised figures for career-long impact and leadership in film distribution and studio management. Acceptance speeches referenced political and social issues, underscoring how cinema remains intertwined with wider global conversations. The programme closed with acknowledgements of those who shaped the industry behind the scenes.
The programme closed with acknowledgements of those who shaped the industry behind the scenes. For viewers who missed the live transmission, the same streaming platforms that carried the event commonly offer on-demand replays for subscribers.
Those replays are typically available through the platform’s library or the event’s dedicated page. Availability and retention periods vary by provider, so consult the platform’s listings for exact details.
If you plan to watch future ceremonies, check promotional windows such as free trials and introductory discounts offered by live TV services. These offers can provide single-night access without requiring payment for a full month.
Confirm whether an account or active subscription is required before the event. Doing so reduces the risk of being unable to access the replay when you log in.