BAFTAs Most Shocking Moments Revealed!

This year's BAFTAs is just hours away with the biggest Hollywood stars set to descend to the Southbank's Royal Festival Hall on Sunday afternoon.

Timothee Chalamet and Jessie Buckley are two of the most talked about names going into this year's ceremony with the pair nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress respectively for Marty Supreme and Hamnet. 

Meanwhile Leonardo DiCaprio will be hoping to bag his second ever BAFTA for the already heavily decorated movie One Battle After Another.

However it wouldn't be an awards night without some drama and over the years the prestigious night has provided plenty of memorable moments. 

From awkward speeches, passionate snogs, embarrassing blunders, fashion faux pas and even physical fights, the BAFTAs have seen it all. 

So as we prepare for Britain's answer to the Oscars we take a look back at the most shocking and surprising moments from over the years.  

The countdown to this year's BAFTAs is almost up with the biggest Hollywood stars set to descend to the Southbank's Royal Festival Hall on Sunday night

Leonardo DiCaprio kissing Dame Maggie Smith - 2016

He may be famed for chasing younger ladies, but Leonardo DiCaprio had his eyes on a more mature woman when he planted a a huge kiss on Dame Maggie Smith.

The 2016 BAFTAs fell on Valentine's Day and show bosses decided to honour the holiday by setting up a kiss cam for the unsuspecting audience. 

When the camera panned to Leo he didn't hold back and pulled in a game Dame Maggie for a big smacker, which the actress later described as a 'real thrill.' 

They weren't the only pair to pucker up, with Julianne Moore planting a smooch on Brian Cranston and Eddie Izzard enjoying a steamy snog with Rebel Wilson all in the name of fun. 

 He may be famed for chasing younger ladies, but Leonardo DiCaprio had his eyes on a more mature woman when he planted a a huge kiss on Dame Maggie Smith in 2016

John Hurt swinging a punch - 1979

In his drinking days, John Hurt mixed with such hellraisers as Peter O’Toole, Richard Harris and Oliver Reed. 

He once said that to get into character for Midnight Express, he drank seven bottles of wine a day. 

After he won Best Supporting Actor for that role, he took a swing at a photographer. 

Yet his aim wasn't quite what he thought it was and he missed and ended up on sprawled on the floor. 

After he won Best Supporting Actor for that his role in Midnight Express, John Hurt took a swing at a photographer, missed and ended up on sprawled on the floor

Rebel Wilson takes it too far - 2022 

The BBC were forced to issue an apology after viewers were left offended by Rebel Wilson's opening monologue at the 2022 BAFTAs.

The Australian actress raised eyebrows with her outlandish comments and X-rated gags where she took aim at the likes of Harry and Meghan and Benedict Cumberbatch. 

One joke dubbed too crude for broadcast came at the expense of Daniel Craig as Rebel declared she'd like to 'sit on' the James Bond star. 

She also took a swipe at JK Rowling when discussing her weight loss as she joked the Harry Potter author would not approve of her physical 'transformation', referencing the writer's comments on transgender issues. 

The BBC were forced to issue an apology after viewers were left offended by Rebel Wilson's opening monologue at the 2022 BAFTAs 

Kylie Jenner meets David Tennant - 2025

Kylie Jenner fans joked she is 'not in Calabasas anymore' as BAFTAs host David interacted with her and boyfriend Timothée Chalamet.

David joked that the Wonka actor was actually the 'runner up' of the Timothée Chalamet lookalike competition which he turned up to himself back in October 2024. 

David said: 'We are very privileged tonight to be joined by the runner up in New York's recent Timothée Chalamet competition. Welcome to the BAFTAs. I can see it young man. There is a definite likeness isn't there. How long are you in London?' 

Timothée replied: 'Three days'.

David joked: 'You got to work on the voice, not quite got the voice yet. Lovely attention to detail though he is with a Kylie Jenner lookalike.'

Fans quickly rushed to X - formerly known as Twitter - to say they were 'losing their minds' over seeing Kylie interact with David and that the pair were definitely not on their 2025 bingo cards.  

They wrote: 'Kylie Jenner experiencing The Proclaimers and Take That in one night. She’s not in Calabasas anymore; David Tennant calling Kylie Jenner a lookalike TO HER FACE is sending me;

'Didn't ever think I'd see David Tennant and Kylie Jenner interact but here we are; Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner’s lookalikes at the BAFTAs;

Kylie Jenner fans joke she is 'not in Calabasas anymore' as host David Tennant interacted with her and boyfriend Timothée Chalamet during the star-studded ceremony last year

Michael J Fox  amid Parkinson battle - 2024 

In 2024 Michael J Fox moved BAFTA viewers to tears as he took to the stage in a wheelchair to present Best Film to Oppenheimer.

The actor, 64, who has battled Parkinson's since 1991, was helped to the podium to announce the winner and after entering the stage in a wheelchair, he earned a standing ovation from stars including Margot Robbie, Bradley Cooper and Barry Keoghan.

The legendary Eighties film star was visibly touched by the reaction, as he supported himself on the podium to reveal the nominees and eventual winner.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, fans shared: 'What an icon and inspiration Michael J Fox is. Nobody quite like it and so deserving of that standing ovation #BAFTAs'.

 In 2024 Michael J Fox moved BAFTA viewers to tears as he took to the stage in a wheelchair to present Best Film to Oppenheimer amid his battle with Parkinson's

Emma Stone bumping into the camera man - 2024

Emma Stone had an awkward moment when she collected her Best Actress award for her performance in Poor Things in 2024.

The Hollywood star, 35, suffered the embarrassment as she bumped into the cameraman when she leapt out of her seat when her name was announced.

The Cruella star could be seen gesturing at the camera before making her way up to the stage to collect her prize.

Emma Stone had an awkward moment when she collected her Best Actress award for her performance in Poor Things in 2024

Stephen Fry mocks costume designer - 2016

Longtime BAFTA host Stephen Fry came under fire at the 2016 BAFTAs when he mocked costume designer Jenny Beavan. 

Jenny won for her work on Mad Max: Fury Road and collected the honour in a leather jacket a baggy top and trousers.  

And Stephen couldn't help but comment on her outfit, quipping she was 'dressed like a bag lady', much to the shock of viewers. 

Despite Stephen revealing that the pair were friends, and Jenny insisting that she wasn't offended, the backlash was so great that Stephen ended up deleting his Twitter account. 

Longtime BAFTA host Stephen Fry came under fire at the 2016 BAFTAs when he mocked costume designer Jenny Beavan 

Mark Hamil's trousers fall down - 2025

Star Wars actor Mark Hamil was left scrambling after his suit trousers suddenly dropped to his knees while he was presenting the Best Film gong at last year's ceremony. 

While a lectern stopped him from flashing the millions of people who were tuning in to watch on TV, the first few rows, which were packed full of A-listers, seemingly saw more than they bargained for.

An insider who was allegedly amongst the stars in the front row, told The Sun: 'Mark started speaking then his suit trousers just dropped to his knees. It was like they were too big for him.

'All the big stars such as Timothée Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Adrien Brody would have seen it from their angle. Most guests looked horrified but said nothing.

The source added: 'They were turning to each other wide-eyed as if to say, did that just happen?’

 Star Wars actor Mark Hamil was left scrambling after his suit trousers suddenly dropped to his knees while he was presenting the Best Film gong at last year's ceremony

Tinie Tempah breaks royal protocol - 2014

As BAFTA President, the Prince of Wales is often seen rubbing shoulders with celebrities on the red carpet. 

Yet Prince William was thrown right into the action when Tinie Tempah performed at the 2014 ceremony. 

While a customary greeting for a prince would be to either bow or shake hands, rapper Tinie instead launched in for a high five as he involved the royal in his performance.  

Good natured William was happy to join in and Tinie later said it was a spur of the moment decision and he was glad to have delivered a fun and memorable performance.

Good natured William was happy to join in and Tinie later said it was a spur of the moment decision and he was glad to have delivered a fun and memorable performance. 

 Tinie Tempah launched in for a high five as he involved Prince William in his performance at the awards back in 2014

Zoe Saldana's expletive-laden speech - 2025 

Zoe Saldana couldn't hold back her tears or her foul language as she accepted Best Supporting Actress gong for Emilia Perez.

The actress was quickly pulled off camera for swearing as she shouted 'f***, f***, f***' when the countdown hurried her to finish her speech. 

Zoe was in floods of tears as she accepted the award, admitting it is 'so validating and a true honour' to received the gong after being previously told by dialect coaches that her British accent wasn't going to work.

Listing off her thank yous, Zoe said: 'Oh my god I'm getting a countdown. F*** f*** f***!'

Zoe Saldana couldn't hold back her tears or her foul language as she accepted Best Supporting Actress gong for Emilia Perez 

Meryl Streep has a Cinderella moment (and Colin Firth plays Prince Charming) - 2012

The typically unflappable Meryl Streep was left all a fluster when she suffered a wardrobe malfunction at the 2012 ceremony. 

While stepping onto the stage to collect Best Actress for The Iron Lady, the veteran actress stumbled and managed to lose a shoe. 

Luckily, Meryl's Mamma Mia co-star, Colin Firth, came to her aid, rushing over to pick up her black Jimmy Choo and place it gently on her foot. 

While Meryl pressed on she later confessed that she felt awful because in her flustered state she had forgotten to thank her longtime hair and make-up artist in her speech.

Meryl Streep had a Cinderella moment when she lost her shoe while walking to the stage at the 2012 ceremony, but luckily Colin Firth was on hand to play her Prince Charming 

Babe pigs out on the red carpet - 1996

Taking it right back to 1996, despite the likes of Kate Winslet, Emma Thompson and Tim Roth gracing the red carpet the most talked about guest on the evening was undoubtedly Babe the pig.  

The piglet was given their very own seat at the show and sat patiently throughout the lengthy ceremony. 

Sadly the little swine didn't get its moment on the stage as Babe failed to win any of the four awards it had been nominated for. 

The most talked about guest at the 1996 ceremony was undoubtedly Babe the pig as he took to the red carpet 

Jennifer Lawrence 'offends the whole of England'  - 2018

Jennifer Lawrence was forced to issue a grovelling apology in 2018 after she was accused of being 'rude' to host Joanna Lumley. 

Joanna had referred to the Hunger Games star as the 'hottest actress on the planet', prompting Jennifer to walk on, roll her eyes and declare 'That was a bit much.' 

Shocked viewers rushed to label Jennifer a 'spoiled brat', but the actress insisted it had been an 'inside joke' with Joanna because she'd told the presenter to 'big her up' on stage. 

Jennifer later apologised for 'offending the whole of England' and said she would never try and make a joke like that again. 

Jennifer Lawrence was forced to issue a grovelling apology in 2018 after she was accused of being 'rude' to host Joanna Lumley

Russell Crowe's hissy fit - 2002

Russell Crowe was named Best Actor for his performance in A Beautiful Mind back in 2002, but he saw red when his acceptance speech was cut by TV chiefs because of timing issues.

He later pinned producer Malcolm Gerrie up against a wall, jabbed him in the chest and screamed: 'I don't give a f*** who you are. Who on Earth had the f***ing audacity to take out the Best Actor's poem?' 

Afterwards he rang Malcolm to apologise, and admitted he had overstepped the line a little. He even offered to take him out for a pint to make up for it. 

But Malcolm told reporters: 'I told him I didn't get any satisfaction out of the whole situation, and if he wanted to make it up to any of my family he could speak to my son, who has been getting a bit of stick at school.' 

Russell Crowe was named Best Actor for his performance in A Beautiful Mind back in 2002, but he saw red when his acceptance speech was cut by TV chiefs because of timing issues

Tom Hanks causes chaos backstage - 2001 

Hollywood heavyweight Tom Hanks was on hand to present Best Supporting Actress in 2001, giving Julie Walters the award for Billy Elliot. 

After Julie's heartfelt acceptance speech the talk continued backstage, with Mariella Frostrup asking the star how she felt about winning the award.

Yet chaos ensued when Tom was invited over to join the chat, with the actor inadvertently labelling Julie 'old' and waving his cue cards across the screen. 

With Julie struggling to answer any questions. Mariella decided it would be best to end the interview, leaving the pair in hysterics. 

Hollywood heavyweight Tom Hanks was on hand to present Best Supporting Actress in 2001, giving Julie Walters the award for Billy Elliot

Foamy red carpet - 2002

A foam party was the last thing anyone expected when the 56th British Academy Film Awards got underway in 2002. 

But the prestigious ceremony very nearly turned into one after a torrential rain storm turned the red carpet into a treacherous mess of soap suds. 

Those attending the event in Leicester Square were forced to clean their shoes after walking through the unexpected thick layer of foam. 

The disaster prompted guest Kevin Spacey to joke that Dame Judi Dench had ruined her shoes and was holding BAFTA organisers personally responsible.  

In response, host Stephen Fry quipped: 'I think it's the years of greasy flattery given to actors which is finally bubbling up.' 

A foam party was the last thing anyone expected when the 56th British Academy Film Awards got underway in 2002 

Actress Samantha Bond's shoes were covered in soap suds as she posed for photos as the event 

Elizabeth Hurley steals the show - 1995

Just as no one thought she could top her safety-pin dress, Elizabeth Hurley rose to the challenge of upstaging her boyfriend Hugh Grant by hopping down the stairs to the BAFTA stage in a tight pink John Galliano frock in 1995 — leaving everybody in no doubt that she was braless.

Flustered compere Billy Connolly spluttered: ‘That should be an Olympic event: jiggling,’ then went off on a surreal tangent about attaching a hurdle to each breast. 

Hugh won the Best Actor gong that night for Four Weddings — but hardly anyone noticed as they were so busy gawping at Liz.

Elizabeth Hurley rose to the challenge of upstaging her boyfriend Hugh Grant by hopping down the stairs to the BAFTA stage in a tight pink John Galliano frock in 1995 

BAFTA blackout and the ongoing diversity debate - 2016

The ceremony was overshadowed by controversy in 2016 after protestors demonstrated outside Royal Opera House over a perceived lack of diversity among nominees. 

While Idris Elba and John Boyega - who subsequently won the Rising Star award - were both acknowledged for their respective roles in Beast Of A Nation and Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, questions were asked over the event's remaining contenders. 

The debate over its predominantly white list of nominees sparked a protest by the Creatives of Colour Network, who held a demonstration outside the venue with placards and banners.

The ceremony was overshadowed by controversy in 2016 after protestors demonstrated outside Royal Opera House over a perceived lack of diversity among nominees

'Time's up Theresa!' - 2018   

A group of female protesters wearing 'Time's Up' T-shirts invaded the red carpet at the 2018 ceremony. 

The women were dressed in black as part of the 'BAFTA blackout', chanting 'sisters, united, we'll never be defeated'. 

They hijacked the Time's Up movement - which came to the fore in the wake of the Hollywood sexual harassment scandal - by wearing 'Time's Up Theresa' t-shirts, a reference to then Prime Minster Theresa May. 

Protesting against domestic violence and calling on the Prime Minister to do more, they linked arms and lay on the red carpet, leading to them being ushered away by security guards.