BAFTA Awards 2026: Paul Mescal left red-faced following host Alan Cumming’s phone callout in monologue


Paul Mescal has become the unwitting recipient of a scolding at the 2026 BAFTAs after being caught red-handed using his phone.

Scottish actor Alan Cumming manned the helm of host for the titular awards show this year, and made a playful quip at Mescal, 30, after spotting him scrolling in the middle of his monologue.

As Cumming began to introduce the next presenter, Stormzy, to the stage, the host suddenly interrupted his speech to address the Irish actor, who appeared preoccupied by his device.

Watch the video above.

Paul Mescal Baftas call out Alan Cummings phone 2026
Paul Mescal was left mortified following an unexpected callout at the BAFTA Awards. (BBC)

Cumming initially attempted to get the star’s attention, repeating his name multiple times before offhandedly commenting, “Oh, he’s on his phone,” to a smattering of laughter from attendees.

Mescal was clearly caught off-guard by the unexpected callout, immediately turning beet-red and shielding his face from the cameras with one hand.

The decidedly flustered star then rushed to put away the phone, appearing to mouth an apology as Cumming waved him off.

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Alan Cumming attends the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 22, 2026 in London, England.
Host Alan Cumming called the actor out mid-monologue for being on his phone. (Getty)

“Don’t worry,” Cumming told the best actor nominee good-naturedly, before continuing on with his introduction.

Earlier in the evening, Mescal made waves as he stepped out on the red carpet with singer-songwriter girlfriend Gracie Abrams, 26.

The pair appeared loved-up as they posed for the cameras, with Mescal’s arm slung around Abrams’ Chanel-clad waist.

The couple were the picture of elegance in complimentary ensembles, with Abram’s embellished gown perfectly offset by Mescal’s sharp flared suit.

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Despite having been notoriously low-key with their relationship in the past, the pair even went as far as sharing a kiss as they embraced.

Though the pair have attended public events prior to this latest appearance – it marks their biggest joint event to date.

Mescal and Abrams officially took their relationship to the next level just last week, making their long-awaited red carpet debut after two years of dating.

The That’s So True singer and the Gladiator II star were spotted at a special screening of Man on the Run, which follows Paul McCartney’s life after The Beatles’ break-up.

Gracie Abrams and Paul Mescal attend the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 22, 2026 in London, England.
Earlier in the evening, Mescal made a joint red carpet appearance with girlfriend Gracie Abrams. (Gareth Cattermole/BAFTA/Getty Im)

Mescal had been invited to the screening event owing to his upcoming role as Paul McCartney in the hotly anticipated The Beatles – A Four-Part Cinematic Event.

The film series is set to chronicle each respective member’s journey during, and after the Beatles’ disbandment.

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