Graham Norton to host BAFTA Film Awards for first time

Norton has already presented the BAFTA TV Awards several times 
Debut: It will be Norton's first time as presenter of the Film Awards
Dave Benett

Graham Norton will host the British Academy Film Awards in 2020, marking his first time at the helm of the ceremony.

Norton, 56, has hosted the BAFTA Television Awards several times over the past 15 years but is now set to make his presenting debut at the film ceremony, which will take place on February 2, 2020.

He will take over from Joanna Lumley, who presented the show for two years and followed in the footsteps of long-standing presenter Stephen Fry.

“I’m delighted to be taking the helm of the biggest night in British film, the audience at the Royal Albert Hall will be the biggest sofa I’ve ever faced,” Norton said.

Honoured: Norton joked that the audience would be "the biggest sofa [he's] faced"
Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images

“I’m honoured to be following in the fabulous footsteps of Stephen Fry and Joanna Lumley.”

Norton is best known as the host of his eponymous chat show, which has won six BAFTA Television Awards to date.

BAFTA Chief Executive Amanda Berry said: “I am absolutely delighted that Graham Norton will host the EE British Academy Film Awards on Sunday 2 February, 2020.

BAFTA Awards 2019 - In pictures

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“He will bring his brilliance and unique brand of humour to the role. 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.”

The ceremony will be held at the Royal Albert Hall and will feature a special performance from Cirque du Soleil.

It will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

BAFTA nominations will be revealed on January 7, 2020, following the EE Rising Star nominations on January 6.