A GLOUCESTERSHIRE resident is to host this year's Baftas.
Actor Richard E Grant and TV presenter Alison Hammond have been unveiled as the hosts of the 2023 Baftas.
Grant, who was nominated for an Oscar for his role in crime biography Can You Ever Forgive Me?, will host the 76th annual film awards ceremony at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in February.
The 65-year-old said: “I feel hugely privileged to be hosting the EE Baftas for the first time and the opportunity to celebrate the very best of the extraordinary range of this year’s films.”
He first rose to prominence by playing a hapless drunk actor in Withnail And I in 1987 and has had parts in Gosford Park, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and Downton Abbey.
Hammond is hosting Bafta Studio, an immersive and access-all-areas experience, as part of the BBC One show.
The 47-year-old TV personality, who presents ITV’s This Morning with Dermot O’Leary and has competed on Strictly Come Dancing, said: “I’m so excited to be hosting at this year’s EE Bafta Film Awards with THE Richard E Grant.
“We’re going to have a lot of fun bringing the glitz and glam of backstage to everyone watching at home around the world.
“From hanging out with the stars to celebrating the biggest night for cinema, and joining the discussions with film fans, get ready for good vibes only.”
Bafta chief executive Jane Millichip said all the hosts “exude wit, charm and warmth”.
She added: “Much-loved by our audience at home, Richard also commands huge respect from his industry peers.
“And I can’t think of anyone better to complement Richard’s razor-sharp wit, and to helm our brand new Bafta Studio, than Alison Hammond, with her brilliantly entertaining and candid interview style.”
For the first time, the ceremony will include a live broadcast to reveal the final four category winners after previously being recorded and then broadcast on the same day.
Quirky science-fiction thriller Everything Everywhere All At Once and Baz Luhrmann’s biopic of Elvis are both longlisted in 12 categories.
Top Gun: Maverick appears in eight categories, as do Babylon, Tar and Aftersun.
Nominations will be unveiled this Thursday at 12pm in a livestream by actors Hayley Atwell and Toheeb Jimoh.
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