

AWARDS season is in full swing, and film enthusiasts are surely thriving. Pinoy cinephiles won’t need to miss a thing, because once again, the glitz and glamor of the annual British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) is streaming exclusively on Lionsgate Play, live from London’s Royal Festival Hall on February 22, Sunday at 7 p.m.
Filipino audiences can join the festivities through Lionsgate Play’s real-time stream on February 23, Monday, 1:30 a.m. (Philippine time). The full program will also be available for streaming on demand, so viewers can revisit the highlights anytime they want.
Each year, the BAFTAs gather the most brilliant talents for a night of celebration, high-stakes competition and tributes. Similar to the United States’ Academy Awards, the BAFTAs celebrate and honor the best in British and international film industry.
This year, the prestigious awards ceremony is set to recognize many notable works in the world of film. Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another” leads with 14 nominations, followed by Ryan Coogler’s genre-defying supernatural thriller “Sinners,” with 13 nods and Chloe Zhao’s haunting historical drama “Hamnet,” with 11 nominations.
Josh Safdie’s directorial debut for “Marty Supreme” comes strong, with his high-voltage sports comedy drama starring Timothee Chalamet, earning 11 nominations, including Best Film and Director.
It’s a big year for gothic films, as Guillermo del Toro’s gothic epic “Frankenstein,” earns eight nods, with Jacob Elordi nominated for Best Supporting Actor and Dan Laustsen for Best Cinematography.
After hosting the BAFTAs for two consecutive years, David Tennant bids goodbye to the stage. This year, viewers can look forward to Alan Cumming’s charisma and bold fashion choices.
Making the glamorous event more special, the award-winning British singer-songwriter Jessie Ware will be taking the stage to perform a special tribute during the In-Memoriam Segment.
The 2026 BAFTAs are a must-watch. The excitement of the glamorous night doesn’t stop there as the singing stars of K-pop Demon Hunters will perform outside the US for the first time. Ejae (Rumi), Audrey Nuna (Mira) and Rei Ami (Zoey), the singing voices behind Huntr/X, will perform the record-breaking anthem “Golden.”
The 2026 BAFTA Fellowship award will be given to NBC Universal Entertainment’s chairman, dame Donna Langley DBE, who championed some of the most influential films in the last two decades, including “Oppenheimer,” “The Holdovers,” “Jurassic World,” “Bridesmaids” and the record-breaking 2024 adaptation of “Wicked.”
To watch the 2026 BAFTAs in the Philippines, tune in for all the excitement this February 23, Monday, as the BAFTAs will be livestreamed in real time in the Philippines exclusively on Lionsgate Play. Here’s the schedule: 1:45 a.m. (Philippine time) – red carpet coverage begins and see British and international stars donning the most fashionable suits and gowns; 3 a.m. (Philippine time) – the main broadcast starts.
Lionsgate Play is the home of global awards. Beyond streaming the 2026 British Film Academy Awards exclusively, Lionsgate Play is a sanctuary for cinephiles, housing award-winning titles you can stream year-round.
Get started with Michael B. Jordan’s 13-time nominated “Sinners” or Celine Song’s indie darling “Past Lives.” If you missed Christopher Nolan’s 2024 BAFTA champion “Oppenheimer” in the cinemas, learn about its gripping story and see Cillian Murphy’s stellar performance.
Lionsgate Play also hosts award-winning series such as “Sherlock,” “Normal People” and “Gangs of London.”
Set your alarms and get ready to witness cinematic excellence when you stream the 2026 BAFTAs on Lionsgate Play. Don’t worry if you miss it or simply want to relive one of the film industry’s biggest nights, as the magic of the silver screen is just one tap away.
Get front-row seats to the BAFTAs when you sign up for Lionsgate Play via PLDT Home, Smart and Cignal.
Lionsgate Play, a premium streaming service from Lionsgate India and Starz, offers bespoke quality content to its users. It boasts premium and curated content including Premieres, billion-dollar franchise movies and binge-worthy box sets.
A curated selection of Lionsgate Play titles is also available on Cignal Super, the Philippines’ first and only streaming aggregator app.
PLDT Home is the Philippines’ leading digital services provider, delivering reliable, future-ready internet that powers smart home living through PLDT Home Life. Designed to enable moments that bring families closer together, PLDT Home Life offers unli-entertainment, including
Lionsgate Play and its library of award-winning and critically acclaimed titles – bringing world-class stories straight into Filipino homes.
MTRCB Oath-Taking Ceremony
MOVIE and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto led the oath-taking ceremony of two newly-appointed Board Members on February 9 at the MTRCB Liezl Martinez Hall in Quezon City.
Sarah-Ingrid Aurelia B. Sia and Atty. Jerico A. Antonio were appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., succeeding board members Mark Anthony Andaya and Glenn Patricio, whose respective terms of office have concluded.
Pursuant to Section 2 (composition; qualifications; benefits) of Presidential Decree No. 1986, members of the Board shall hold office for one year. However, they are eligible for re-appointment after the expiration of their term.
Based on their appointment signed by the President on January 30, Sia and Antonio will serve until September 30, 2026.
Sia brings with her extensive professional experience in marketing, financial planning and organizational operations, with a background in treasury product marketing involving cash management, foreign exchange and investment solutions.
Antonio is a film and television actor and producer, as well as a member of the Philippine Bar equipped with a strong academic foundation and formal legal training.
Sotto expressed confidence in the newly-appointed members’ professionalism, emphasizing the value they bring to the Agency’s mandate and mission.
“Their professional experience, integrity and fresh perspectives will further strengthen the MTRCB’s commitment to promoting responsible and values-oriented media for Filipino audiences,” Sotto said.
She likewise extended her gratitude to former board members Andaya and Patricio for their dedicated service.
“Their contributions have helped advance our mission, and we wish them continued success in their future endeavors,” Sotto said.
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