There are celebrity moments, and then there are moments. Alia Bhatt’s appearance at the 79th BAFTA Awards on February 22, 2026, was firmly the latter. The actress didn’t just show up — she made history by opening her presenter speech entirely in Hindi on one of the world’s most prestigious film stages. The internet, predictably, lost its mind.
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What Happened at BAFTA 2026?
Alia was invited to present the award for Film Not In The English Language at the British Academy Film Awards, held at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London. As she took the podium, instead of the expected polished English opener, she greeted the global audience with a warm “Namashkar” — and continued entirely in Hindi.
Her line roughly translated to: “The next award is for a film that is not in English.” After leaving the audience visibly confused, she broke into a grin and said, “Don’t reach for the subtitles just yet” — before switching seamlessly to English. The crowd erupted.
Host Alan Cumming introduced her as “one of India’s most loved and critically acclaimed actors” — a fitting tribute for a debut BAFTA appearance that nobody will forget.
BAFTA Key Highlights at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | 79th BAFTA Film Awards |
| Date | February 22, 2026 |
| Venue | Royal Festival Hall, London |
| Alia’s Role | Presenter – Film Not In English |
| Outfit | Custom silver Gucci sequined backless gown |
| India Winner | Boong (Manipuri film) – Best Children’s & Family Film |
The Look That Matched the Moment
Alia didn’t just deliver verbally — she dressed for the occasion too. Her custom silver Gucci sequined halter-neck backless gown, paired with diamond earrings and a cocktail ring, was both elegant and bold. No heavy makeup, just effortless confidence. In one evening, she managed to represent Indian cinema both on screen and on the red carpet.
It’s also worth noting that India had a strong showing at the BAFTAs this year — the Manipuri-language film Boong, produced by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, won the Best Children’s and Family Film award, making it a proud night all around.
Want more Bollywood and awards coverage? Check out our BAFTA 2026 full coverage on TechnoSports and our roundup of best Bollywood moments at global award shows to relive every iconic instant.
FAQs
Q: What award did Alia Bhatt present at BAFTA 2026?
She presented the award for Film Not In The English Language at the 79th British Academy Film Awards held in London on February 22, 2026.
Q: Which Indian film won at BAFTA 2026?
The Manipuri-language film Boong, backed by Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment, took home the Best Children’s and Family Film award — a proud win for Indian cinema.
