After being confirmed as a presenter at the ceremony, Paddington Bear is set to bring a marmalade-tinted flourish to this weekend’s EE BAFTA Film Awards.
Paddington Bear is set to bring a marmalade-tinted flourish to this weekend’s EE BAFTA Film Awards after being confirmed as a presenter at the ceremony.
The beloved Peruvian teddy – currently appearing on stage in Paddington the Musical in London’s West End – will present the award for best children’s and family film at the 79th EE BAFTA Film Awards, which take place on 22 February at the Royal Festival Hall and will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Paddington’s most recent big-screen outing, Paddington in Peru, was absent from last year’s nominees in the category he will now present.
His involvement is expected to mark the first time a four-pawed presenter has handed out a BAFTA on stage.
Human presenters on the night are set to include Aaron Pierre, Aimee Lou Wood, Alicia Vikander, Alia Bhatt, Bryan Cranston, Cillian Murphy, David Jonsson, Delroy Lindo and Emily Watson among many others.
The ceremony will also feature the first performance outside the US of Golden from the animation Kpop Demon Hunters, sung by Jae, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami.
Jessie Ware is to perform a cover of a Barbra Streisand song during the In Memoriam segment.
Hosting duties fall to Alan Cumming.
The nominations for the awards have been announced by David Jonsson and Aimee Lou Wood.
One Battle After Another leads with 14 nominations, including one for Leonardo DiCaprio, while Sinners follows with 13.
Marty Supreme and Hamnet have 11 apiece.
Frankenstein and Sentimental Value earned eight each, with further nominations for I Swear, Bugonia, The Ballad of Wallis Island, Pillion and F1.
Jane Millichip, BAFTA’s chief executive, said: “Huge congratulations to the teams behind the 46 superb films nominated… they showcase the very best of storytelling and its ability to engage, entertain and provoke debate.”
She added: “This year’s nominated films are full of bold storytelling and exquisite craft.
“And the breadth of narrative, genres and styles is spellbinding.
“Whether newcomers or veterans, I hope our first-time nominees enjoy this much deserved spotlight, and I look forward to welcoming them and all our returning nominees to London.
“As the UK’s leading arts charity and academy, it’s a real privilege to showcase this year’s brilliant films and the talent in the 79th EE BAFTA Film Awards.”
The awards will be broadcast on BBC, BBC iPlayer and across the world on 22 February.
Paddington Bear confirmed as first four-pawed presenter at BAFTA awards
