BBC executives are keeping a watchful eye on this Sunday’s Bafta Film Awards amid concerns about politically-charged acceptance speeches, according to sources familiar with the production.
The heightened vigilance follows last summer’s Glastonbury Festival scandal, when the broadcaster faced widespread criticism for streaming Bob Vylan’s performance featuring chants of “death to the IDF.”
That incident has featured prominently in contingency planning for the ceremony, with both BBC staff and external producers at Penny Lane Entertainment determined to avoid broadcasting similarly controversial moments.
“They can’t have another Glastonbury — that’s the thing they keep talking about,” one person with knowledge of preparations told Deadline.
Bob Vylan sparked a criminal investigation for their singer’s chanting at Glastonbury | PA
The corporation apologised following the Glastonbury debacle and committed to pre-recording “high-risk” music events in future.
Unlike the Glastonbury broadcast, the Bafta ceremony is not shown live, giving the BBC a two-hour window to edit down the three-hour event.
This provides producers with the opportunity to trim content before transmission.
Acceptance speeches are routinely shortened, though the broadcaster maintains it preserves the core message of what winners say on stage.
Alan Cumming presenting last year’s Bafta awards
|
GETTY
Bafta’s own guidelines permit attendees to express themselves freely.
Sources indicate there is particular “nervousness” surrounding potential anti-Donald Trump comments from winners, though this has reportedly not been explicitly raised in planning meetings.
The broadcaster previously removed a David Tennant joke about Trump from last year’s ceremony — a decision that would likely attract greater scrutiny now given the BBC’s ongoing legal dispute with the US president.
Many attendees are expected to hold pro-Palestinian views, including nominee Emma Stone, who has signed a boycott protesting Israel.
Ariana Grande attending the 2025 Baftas
|
GETTY
Producers are also monitoring potential issues around swearing at the ceremony.
The film I Swear, which tells the story of Tourette syndrome campaigner John Davidson portrayed by Robert Aramayo, is considered a strong contender for Outstanding British Film.
Mr Davidson, whose condition causes him to swear involuntarily, is anticipated to attend the Royal Festival Hall event.
Any acceptance speech involving him would require careful observation if broadcast before the 9PM watershed.
Sources indicate there is particular “nervousness” surrounding potential anti-Donald Trump comments from winners
|
GETTYMatters relating to Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew may also be watched closely. The Duke of York was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
It remains unclear whether the Prince and Princess of Wales will attend the awards. Prince William currently serves as Bafta’s president.
Despite the heightened awareness, those involved in organising the ceremony describe the approach as standard practice.
A BBC spokesperson told Deadline: “As is always the case, the show’s content must be appropriate for the slot and in line with BBC editorial guidelines, as well as Ofcom-compliant.”
One insider added: “We are mindful [of controversy], but this stuff is our bread and butter.”