BAFTAs 2023: Host Alison Hammond says she’ll get the stars to open up with champagne and Haribo
BAFTA host Alison Hammond says she plans to befriend Hollywood stars this Sunday with champagne and Haribo, while admitting she is nervous about her new role.
Hammond will be joining co-host Richard E Grant this Sunday night for the biggest night in British film. She will be in the BAFTA studio, a new area where the stars will be interviewed in an informal manner after picking up their awards.
This Morning host Hammond, 48, said she planned to ply her guests with “champagne and Haribo” to get them to open up - but added she was feeling the pressure and wanted to “do a good job.”
Talking about her role, Hammond said: “I will be giving television viewers an access-all-areas view of these awards.
“I will probably get them crying and thanking their mum. My secret [to getting people to warm up] will be champagne and Haribo. As long as I have those, they will be my best friend. Basically I won’t let them go.
On a more serious note, Hammond added: “I am really honoured and privileged [to be involved in the BAFTAs]. I just hope I do a good job, it is nerve-wracking. I don’t want to let anyone down.”
Richard E Grant will host the main ceremony - with Hammond joking the pair had “chemistry.”
“Richard E Grant is adorable,” she said. “He’s going to be amazing as he knows everyone. It’s all his mates in the audience. I pretend they are my buddies, but they are not at all.”
When asked which stars she particularly wanted to meet on Sunday night, Hammond said: “Colin Farrell. I am hoping to get close and personal with him. I can’t wait to see a bit of Colin Farrell. Emma Thompson, really want to meet her. Viola Davis – there is a lot.”
This year sees Netflix’s anti-war epic All Quiet On The Western Front with 14 nominations – while The Banshees Of Inisherin, starring Farrell, and Everything Everywhere All At Once, featuring Michelle Yeoh, follow closely behind with 10 nominations each.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Dame Helen Mirren will lead a special tribute to the late Queen at this year’s film Baftas.
The veteran actress, 77, has portrayed the monarch on the silver screen and on the stage, winning an Oscar and Bafta for her depiction in 2006’s biographical drama The Queen.
Bafta fellow Dame Helen will lead the Queen’s commendation at the 76th annual film awards ceremony at London’s Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall on Sunday.
The Queen had a close association with the Academy which spanned 50 years and saw her donate and support initiatives, as well as attend many events over the years.
EE BAFTA Film Awards will be broadcast on Sunday 19 February at 7:00pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
