At the 2026 BAFTAs, Paddington Bear wins the spotlight via a paw-sitively historic moment.
Remember, this is Paddington's first time attending an awards ceremony. However, the cherished bear exuded confidence when he presented the Children's & Family Film category award at the 2026 British Academy Film and Television Arts Awards, which were televised on media stations and hosted this year by Alan Cumming.
Paddington Bear, wearing his trademark blue toggle coat, told the crowd that he was as "surprised" to be there as they were to see him, saying, "I don't usually talk in front of lots of people, and there are rather a lot of you."
He did, however, cite his Aunt Lucy's counsel that it's always preferable to confront your concerns. If "it's a snake," of course, he added. "Then you have to walk away very slowly."
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"I am the first ever bear to present an award," he said, nodding to his favorite snack, "and also the first presenter to get marmalade all over a BAFTA. Sorry about that." Paddington additionally disclosed that his foster mother, Mrs. Brown had told him that his appearance on stage would be a historic moment at the prestigious show.
Additionally, even though he intended to "lick it off," he joked, "Apparently that's not very good manners."
The 2024 Indian Manipuri-language coming-of-age drama film Boong was the winner of the Children's & Family Film category, which also includes Arco, Lilo & Stitch, Zootropolis 2, and Boong.
Fans flocked to social media shortly as Paddington finished his performance to express their admiration for his momentous occasion.
"This is healing something in me," on the BAFTA Instagram site, one user posted, and another stated, "This was actually so cool and wholesome."
Another admirer remarked on how moving the bear's act of courage was.
"It’s really a beautiful thing to fire the imagination of children everywhere with this presentation," they penned. "There are few moments of wonder in life. I’m glad BAFTA invested in this."
"Also," they continued, "always have a marmalade sandwich in case of emergencies."
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