David Tennant returned to the spotlight as the host of the 2025 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAS), showcasing not only his charisma but also his knack for humor, which captivated viewers and guests alike during the prestigious event held on February 16, 2025, at the Royal Festival Hall, London.
The Doctor Who star opened the ceremony with enthusiasm, performing the iconic song "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers. His rendition featured vocal cameos from well-known celebrities including James McAvoy and Anna Kendrick, setting the stage for what turned out to be an unforgettable night filled with laughter and cinematic celebration.
Despite his energetic start, Tennant experienced some hiccups during his monologue. An amusing slip-up occurred when he fumbled over introducing Adam Scott to the audience, a moment reportedly left out of the live broadcast. Drawing laughs from the VIP guests, Tennant quickly recovered, humorously telling the audience, "Pretend the bit didn’t just happen… I just read what's put in front of me!" This witty remark from the beloved actor revealed his ability to handle unexpected situations with grace.
Throughout the evening, Tennant wasn't shy about voicing his opinions, particularly when it came to controversial figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump. During his opening speech, he humorously compared Trump's hairstyle to the architecture depicted in the film The Brutalist, saying, "It’s the boldest architecture in film this year, apart from Donald Trump’s hair in ‘The Apprentice.'" Following this jab, he expressed mock concern about summoning Trump by mentioning his name three times, likening the situation to the character Beetlejuice from the famous film. His commentary on Trump accompanied several chuckles from the audience as he smoothly transitioned from one topic to another.
The BAFTAS celebrated exemplary achievements within the film industry, and the night was filled with significant wins. The top award, Best Film, was claimed by Conclave, which also secured accolades for Outstanding British Film and Best Adapted Screenplay. The Brutalist followed closely, with Brady Corbet winning Best Director and Adrien Brody being named Best Leading Actor. The evening's vibrancy was also seen through appearances from numerous stars, including Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet, who made headlines together at the event.
One would be remiss not to mention the diverse performances and heartfelt speeches delivered by winners. Tennant provided comedic insight with quips like, "If you do win, please keep your speeches the opposite to your films, nice and short," before urging the audience to enjoy their time at the ceremony. Reactions across social media platforms were overwhelmingly positive, with fans and attendees alike echoing praise for Tennant. Comments like, "David Tennant makes the BAFTAS so enjoyable!!" were prevalent, along with sentiments celebrating him as "a national treasure we must protect at all costs."
The ceremonial glitz and glamour of the red carpet attracted numerous A-list celebrities, including Zoe Saldana, who took home the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Perez, and Mikey Madison, who won Best Leading Actress for Anora. The attendance of Hollywood heavyweights also highlighted the night's importance and its global reach.
With the BAFTAS bringing together the very best of film talent and the overall celebratory atmosphere emphasized by Tennant's humor, this year's ceremony proved once again to be not only about the awards but also about the entertainment value presented through lively performances and notable speeches.
Concluding the ceremony, Tennant reaffirmed his reputation as one of the most entertaining hosts the BAFTAS have seen. The blend of laughter, musical performances, and Hollywood glamour encapsulated the celebration's essence, making the 2025 BAFTAS another memorable chapter in the annual tradition of honoring cinematic excellence.