Alan Cumming Scolds Paul Mescal on Live BAFTAs Stage for Checking His Phone

The BAFTA Film Awards may have concluded, but the ceremony left audiences with several viral, cringeworthy highlights that are still trending across social media. Actor Paul Mescal found himself at the center of one such moment when host Alan Cumming playfully reprimanded him from the stage.

Mescal, who was in attendance as a nominee for his work in the historical drama Hamnet, was caught completely off guard while distracted by his mobile device. The awkward exchange occurred just as Cumming was preparing to introduce the category for Outstanding British Film.

Noticing the Irish star was looking down, the host called out, Paul, Paul, oh, he is on his phone! A visibly confused Mescal looked up only to be met with a witty jab from Cumming, who joked, You were supposed to do the gag, don’t you worry! The actor was seen laughing and covering his face in genuine embarrassment as the audience roared.

Mescal was not the only high-profile guest to find themselves in the host’s crosshairs during the broadcast. Kylie Jenner, who traveled to London to support her partner Timothée Chalamet, appeared to squirm during an interactive segment involving traditional British snacks.

Cumming approached the couple with a basket of treats, initially offering them a packet of Scampi Fries before directing a suggestive double entendre toward the reality star. The host asked Jenner if she had ever had your gums around a giant Jamie Dodger, a remark that left the mogul looking notably unimpressed.

While she maintained her composure and mouthed a polite Thank you after accepting the biscuit, the tension in the room was palpable. Chalamet, who was sitting beside her, managed an awkward smile as the host moved on to the next row of celebrities.

The evening provided a massive professional upset for Chalamet, who lost the Best Actor trophy to British performer Robert Aramayo. Aramayo’s victory for his role in I Swear was considered a significant surprise, as he managed to beat out both the Marty Supreme star and industry veteran Leonardo DiCaprio.

The win was an emotional one for the 33-year-old, whose parents were seen celebrating tearfully in the audience as his name was announced. During a humble acceptance speech, Aramayo admitted that he honestly cannot believe that I have won this award while acknowledging the talent of his fellow nominees.

He took a moment to single out Ethan Hawke, recalling a pivotal lecture Hawke gave at Juilliard years prior. He noted that the veteran actor’s advice on protecting your instrument and avoiding self-destructive behaviours had a great impact on everyone in the room, making the win even more sentimental.

The night also celebrated Irish talent, as Jessie Buckley took home the Best Actress award for her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare in Hamnet. Her performance as the wife of the legendary playwright has been a critical juggernaut throughout the awards season.

Buckley’s win solidified her status as one of the most formidable leading ladies in modern cinema, further cementing the film’s legacy as a major artistic achievement. Paul Mescal, despite the lighthearted ribbing from Cumming, remains one of the most sought-after actors in the industry following his breakout success in Normal People.

Have something to add? Share your thoughts in the comments.