Entertainment

Where To Watch The BAFTAs On TV In America

by Caitlin Flynn

If you're a film buff and an anglophile, you're probably dying to watch the 2016 BAFTA awards ceremony. The nominee list is full of amazing films, including Carol, Spotlight, and Bridge of Spies. Plus, we can expect to see some of our favorite actors like Eddie Redmayne, Bryan Cranston, Cate Blanchett, Brie Larson, Saoirse Ronan, and (of course) Leonardo DiCaprio in the audience. Hosted by Steven Fry, the festivities will be held at 7 p.m. on Feb. 14 at the Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden, but those of us who live across the pond don't need to despair — because we can watch the 2016 BAFTAs on TV in America.

BBC America will broadcast the ceremony at 7:30 p.m. ET — since Britain is five hours ahead of us, the show won't air live, so you may want to avoid social media if you love the "surprise!" moments during awards shows. But, Americans shouldn't feel shortchanged about the fact that we don't get to watch live — BBC One in Britain will air the ceremony at 9 p.m., so, if it's any consolation, the only people who actually get to watch the show live are the lucky individuals in the audience at the Royal Opera House.

Some of us love to watch the red carpet arrivals just as much as the awards ceremony itself. Although red carpet festivities won't be broadcast on BBC America, they'll be streaming on the Academy's website starting at 12 noon ET. Laura Whitmore will host the arrivals ceremony and, although she's not a household name in the United States, she's the perfect person for the job. Not only does she have her own fashion line with the Irish label A|Wear, but Whitmore also hosted backstage coverage for the 2013 BAFTAs, so she's definitely well-prepared for this gig.

Although there's a lot of overlap between the Oscar and BAFTA nominees, the BAFTAs have a slightly more diverse nominee list and a "Rising Star" category. It's safe to assume that Room's Brie Larson (who is also nominated for Best Actress) will take home this award, but her fellow nominees include Taron Egerton, John Boyega, Dakota Johnson, and Bel Powley. Plus, the legendary Sidney Poitier will be honored with the prestigious 2016 Film Fellowship Award — previous winners include Dame Helen Mirren, Martin Scorsese, and Vanessa Redgrave.

So settle in with your tea and biscuits, tune into BBC America, and enjoy the show!

Image: Giphy