The British Short Film Awards Announce Claudia Winkleman as 2026 Host

By Natalia Albin Legorreta

BBC/Ray Burmiston

Claudia Winkleman, host of Strictly Come Dancing and BAFTA-winning series The Traitors, has been announced as the host of the 5th British Short Film Awards. The ceremony will take place on 1st November 2026. 

Bringing new mainstream attention to the awards, Winkleman will present across 30 categories including Best British Short, Best International Short, Best Student Short and Best Unproduced Screenplay. The British Short Film Awards were acquired by filmmaker platform and community CenterFrame earlier this year in the hope of furthering BSFA’s mission to launch careers. Many previous BSFA winners have gone on to get BAFTA nominations and streaming commissions. 

BSFA

"The British Short Film Awards exists for one reason: to give filmmakers the recognition they've earned and the platform they deserve,” says Bernhard Pucher, CEO of CenterFrame. “Having Claudia host isn't about us. It's about all the filmmakers who submit, the emerging talent breaking through, and the industry finally paying attention to where all the best work begins. Claudia hosting takes us to the next level. This November, when she takes the stage, it won't just be an industry moment; it'll be a cultural one."

Submissions are now open for the BSFA until June 30th, 2026. More information can be found on their website.