The BAFTA Awards 2025 kicked off with a dazzling display of talent and glamour at London’s Royal Festival Hall on May 11, 2025. Celebrities like Joseph Fiennes and Jessie J led the red-carpet arrivals, setting the tone for an evening celebrating the best in British television. Hosted by the charismatic Alan Cumming, the ceremony promises a mix of heartfelt moments, fierce competition, and show-stopping performances. With Netflix’s Baby Reindeer and ITV’s Mr Bates vs The Post Office vying for top honors, the stakes are high, and the excitement is palpable.
BAFTA Awards 2025: Red Carpet Glamour
Joseph Fiennes, known for his roles in The Handmaid’s Tale and Dear England, turned heads alongside singer Jessie J, who stunned in a chic ensemble before her much-anticipated performance. Jessie, marking her first TV appearance in six years, will perform The Award Goes To, joined by Tom Grennan’s Full Attention. The red carpet buzzed with stars like Danny Dyer, Emily Atack, and Jessica Gunning, the latter a strong contender for Supporting Actress for Baby Reindeer. Comedians Suzi Ruffell and Tom Allen hosted the pre-show stream, capturing candid moments as nominees arrived.
| Star | Notable Role/Nomination |
|---|---|
| Joseph Fiennes | Presenter, Dear England |
| Jessie J | Performer, The Award Goes To |
| Jessica Gunning | Supporting Actress, Baby Reindeer |
| Emily Atack | Best Moment, Rivals |
BAFTA Awards 2025: The Contenders
Baby Reindeer leads with eight nominations, including Best Actor for Richard Gadd and Supporting Actress for Gunning and Nava Mau. The dark comedy faces stiff competition from Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which earned six nods and a special BAFTA for its impact on the Horizon IT scandal. Other nominees include Slow Horses and Rivals, each with six nominations, while The Traitors and Gavin & Stacey: The Finale are up for Memorable Moment. ITV’s Kevin Lygo and Polly Hill will accept the special award, and journalist Kirsty Wark is set to receive the BAFTA Fellowship for her decades-long contribution to broadcasting.
Why This Year’s BAFTAs Matter
The BAFTA Awards 2025 arrive amid industry challenges, from declining terrestrial ratings to US president Donald Trump’s proposed 100% tariff on international films, prompting BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip to call for dialogue. Despite these concerns, the ceremony celebrates television’s power to inspire and inform. Mr Bates vs The Post Office exemplifies this, having influenced policy and fast-tracked justice for victims. Meanwhile, Baby Reindeer’s raw storytelling has resonated globally, already securing an Emmy for Best Limited Series.
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What to Expect Tonight
Alan Cumming, known for hosting the US version of The Traitors, brings his signature wit and charm to the stage. Expect a few cheeky jibes and perhaps a musical number, as he aims to keep the audience entertained. The In Memoriam tribute, accompanied by violinist Esther Abrami, will offer a poignant moment. Viewers can tune in on BBC One and iPlayer at 7 PM or stream on BritBox internationally. For real-time updates, BAFTA’s YouTube channel offers red-carpet action, ensuring fans don’t miss a beat.
As the night unfolds, the question on everyone’s mind—echoed by Jessie J herself—is, “Who will the award go to?” Whether it’s Baby Reindeer’s emotional depth or Mr Bates’s real-world impact, the BAFTA Awards 2025 will crown deserving winners while celebrating TV’s enduring magic. Stay glued to your screens; this is one night you won’t want to miss.