The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards broadcast has sparked debate after the BBC cut part of an acceptance speech delivered by Akinola Davies Jr.. Davies Jr., alongside his brother Wale Davies, won Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for their film My Father’s Shadow.
During his speech, Davies Jr. dedicated the award to “all those whose parents migrated to obtain a better life for their children,” expanding the message to include “the economic migrant, the conflict migrant, those under occupation, dictatorship, persecution, and those experiencing genocide.” He added: “You matter. Your stories matter more than ever. Your dreams are an act of resistance.” Closing his remarks, he said: “Archive your loved ones. Archive your stories yesterday, today, and forever. For Nigeria, for London, the Congo, Sudan, free Palestine.”
That final portion of the speech — including the phrase “free Palestine” — was not included in the televised version aired by the BBC. Instead, the broadcast edit showed Davies Jr. thanking his family and his brother Wale for “nurturing this spark.” The omission quickly drew attention online, prompting discussion about editorial decisions and political messaging at major cultural events.
In a statement, a BBC spokesperson explained that the live ceremony ran three hours but had to be reduced to a two-hour slot for television. “The same happened to other speeches made during the night and all edits were made to ensure the programme was delivered to time,” the spokesperson said, adding that full speeches would be available on BAFTA’s YouTube channel.
Watch the full speech below.
Education: Computer Network Engineering, Computer Desktop Administration
Fave Song: Destiny's Child 'Dangerously in love'
Fave Colour: Grey.
With £1m what would you do: I would do my part to provide opportunities to the less fortunate. Then do my best to change the world in my own way through sports and talent building.
