2020 BAFTA Awards Announces Graham Norton As Host

Comedian and television host Graham Norton is all set to host the 2020 BAFTA Awards, replacing Joanna Lumley.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, this is the first time Norton will host the film awards ceremony, though he has hosted the television version of the awards, doing so 15 years ago. The new gig will be held at Royal Albert Hall, February 2, 2020.

BAFTA CEO Amanda Berry commented on Norton hosting next year's film awards ceremony with great enthusiasm, commenting on his “brilliance” and “unique brand of humour.”

"The film awards is transmitted around the world, and those audiences know him too. With Graham as our host, I have no doubt we will deliver a very special celebration of the very best in film, and pay tribute to the most talented and creative people both in front of and behind the camera," she added.

The Irish comedian himself has won several BAFTA awards in television for “The Graham Norton Show,” a casual celebrity talk show that has featured hundreds of actors and performers.

"I’m delighted to be taking the helm of the biggest night in British Film,” said Norton. "I’m honoured to be following in the fabulous footsteps of Stephen Fry and Joanna Lumley"

Lumley is likely not hosting this year due to some unfortunate jokes that did not land at the 2019 BAFTA Awards ceremony. According to The Guardian, one of those jokes involved Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman” film surprisingly doing well at a “Klan film festival.”

The jokes were met with near-unanimous silence amongst the evening’s celebrities. One close up of comedian Steve Coogan’s face revealed an uncomfortable, wincing expression.

The brunt of the criticism was given to the ceremony’s joke writers and not so much on Lumley. Nevertheless, she is not returning to host.

Aside from Norton hosting, the ceremony will also include a performance from Cirque Du Soleil, according to Deadline. This will be the 4th time the group performs at the BAFTAs.

We can expect the film award nominations to be announced on January 7, 2020.