Joanna Lumley to Host 2019 BAFTA Film Awards

We’re yet to find out which films will be competing at this year’s BAFTA Awards, but there’s at least one aspect of this ceremony that’s no longer a mystery. Joanna Lumley will return to host this event, for the second time in a row.

The upcoming ceremony will take place at London’s Royal Albert Hall on February 10. Emma Baehr, director of awards at BAFTA, said they’re excited to see Cirque du Soleil delivering a special performance during the ceremony and also announced the host for this year’s BAFTA Awards.

“We’re thrilled that Joanna has agreed to return as our host for a second year, she was fantastic and we’re looking forward to the ceremony with her once again at the helm,” said Baehr.

Joanna Lumley took over the hosting duties from Stephen Fry, who decided to “retire” after 12 years at the helm. Longtime host felt it’s finally time to let someone else have the privilege of enjoying all ups and downs of being in charge of this ceremony.

“Over the last two decades I have especially loved watching the emergence of new young film talent behind and in front of the camera. But after so long a time I felt it only right to stand down and let others take the BAFTAs on to new heights and greater glories,” explained Fry after leaving the post.