BAFTA 2026: Dharmendra Honoured in Emotional Tribute Alongside Global Legends
Trigger Warning: This article mentions someone’s passing, which could be sensitive for some readers.
The 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) in 2026 was a night of glitz, glamour, and heartfelt moments — especially for India. While Alia Bhatt made her debut as a presenter and charmed the audience by beginning her speech in Hindi, India’s Manipuri-language film Boong took home the award for Best Children’s and Family Film, produced under Farhan Akhtar’s banner.
But the evening also carried a deeply emotional moment: the In Memoriam segment, which paid tribute to cinema’s legends who passed away, including the beloved Bollywood icon Dharmendra.
Remembering Dharmendra
Dharmendra, one of India’s most celebrated actors, passed away in November 2025 at the age of 89. Over decades, his charismatic performances and timeless films won the hearts of audiences worldwide. At BAFTA, the academy honoured his immense contribution to cinema with a moving tribute, placing his image alongside global stars like Brigitte Bardot and Udo Kier.
The tribute was accompanied by singer Jessie Ware, who performed Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were”, leaving the audience touched and emotional.
Alongside Dharmendra, BAFTA also remembered icons including Diane Keaton, Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Catherine O’Hara, Terence Stamp, Gene Hackman, Val Kilmer, and many more. The segment extended beyond actors to honour casting directors, production designers, composers, musicians, make-up artists, editors, directors, screenwriters, and set decorators — celebrating the full spectrum of creative talent behind the films we love.
India Shines on the Global Stage
The night was also a proud moment for Indian cinema. Alia Bhatt impressed with her graceful presence as a presenter, awarding Film Not in the English Language. Meanwhile, director Laxmipriya Devi’s Boong marked a significant milestone for regional cinema, showcasing Manipuri storytelling to a global audience.
BAFTA 2026 was a night of celebration, emotion, and recognition — honoring both the legends who shaped the world of cinema and the emerging talents bringing new stories to life.