With a different awards show taking place every weekend for the Oscars in Los Angeles, it can be easy to forget that there is another awards season taking place across the Atlantic. This Sunday is the biggest night of British film, as the British Academy Film Awards take place at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The BAFTAs, as they are commonly known, are England's equivalent of the Oscars, and the event should be equally star-studded.
Rebel Wilson is hosting the BAFTAs, making her debut as the Emmys of the ceremony. The broadcast will feature Emilia Jones performing a song from "CODA" as well as Dame Shirley Veronica Bassey's James Bond tribute to mark the franchise's 60th anniversary. Lady Gaga, nominated for Best Actress, will present the Rising Star Award.
The BAFTAs will take place on Sunday, March 13 at 9 a.m. ET/12 p.m. ET. PT, on the British Academy's Facebook page with red carpet coverage an hour ago. If you live in the United States, the best way to watch BAFTAs is on Britbox, the new streaming service from BBC Studios and ITV. Britbox, which recently signed a deal to become the exclusive home of the BAFTAs in North America, is available as a standalone subscription service for $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year, or as a payment in addition to your Amazon Prime membership. Is. Amazon Prime members are also eligible for a seven-day free trial of the channel.
The BAFTAs are notable for often serving as an early indicator of Oscar success. Last year's BAFTAs were an "nomadic" sweep, with the British awards foreshadowing the film's eventual wins for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress in a Leading Role. 'Doon' has received the most BAFTA nominations for any film this year, with 11 categories approved. This was followed by "The Power of the Dog" with eight, and "Belfast", which garnered six nominations. Many of the top Oscar nominees will compete in the same categories at the BAFTAs, so the show will be a preview of the major matchups that will feature Will Smith and Benedict. Cumberbatch will face off for Best Actor.
Sunday's broadcast will focus only on the film, but the British Academy Television Awards will take place on Sunday, 8 May.