At the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards, Scottish actor David Tennant took center stage as the host, delivering a lively and humorous opening monologue that quickly made headlines—particularly for his sharp remarks about President Donald Trump. The annual event, held at the Royal Festival Hall in London, celebrated the biggest achievements in cinema over the past year, but Tennant’s jabs at Trump became one of the night’s most talked-about moments.
Tennant’s Trump Remarks: A Controversial Moment
Tennant, widely known for his role in Doctor Who and Good Omens, made several references to Trump, introducing him with the phrase “Speaking of villains…”, which immediately drew applause and laughter from the audience.
One of his most pointed jokes compared Trump’s hair to “the boldest architecture” in film, humorously suggesting that even the elaborate designs seen in The Brutalist, one of the evening’s nominated films, couldn’t rival the former president’s famous hairstyle.
He also quipped about Trump’s past as the host of The Apprentice, saying:
“Donald Trump said he hasn’t seen The Apprentice—because it’s a 15. It’s not on Nickelodeon.”
Tennant then made a “Beetlejuice” reference, joking that saying Trump’s name three times in a row might summon him, playing off the superstitious trope from the classic Tim Burton film.
The audience at the Royal Festival Hall responded with enthusiastic laughter and applause, but the joke soon sparked controversy, as some of Tennant’s remarks were edited out of the broadcast by the BBC.
BBC Edits Out Tennant’s Jokes
The BAFTAs are broadcast on a two-hour delay, which allows the BBC to edit content for timing and appropriateness. While Tennant’s monologue was well-received in the room, reports later surfaced that certain Trump-related remarks had been removed from the television airing.
The Independent reported that the cuts were made due to “time constraints,” though some critics suspected the edits were an attempt to avoid political controversy—a concern that has become more prominent in awards show broadcasts following past high-profile incidents like Will Smith’s infamous slap at the 2022 Oscars.
Despite the edits, the audience in attendance was quick to react on social media, with many sharing their admiration for Tennant’s comedic timing and political satire.
One viewer tweeted:
“David Tennant saying ‘talking of villains’ after saying Donald Trump… oh, I do adore him.”
Another joked:
“Trump’s hair in The Apprentice… talking about villains! Oh, David Tennant, the man that you are.”
The Role of Politics at the BAFTAs
This year’s BAFTAs, like many recent awards shows, featured a number of political statements from presenters and winners. Hollywood and British cinema have often used these platforms to highlight political and social issues, and with the return of Donald Trump to the White House, many expected there to be comments directed at his administration.
Over the years, Trump has remained a polarizing figure in the entertainment industry, with actors, filmmakers, and musicians frequently criticizing him in award speeches.
At the 2020 Academy Awards, Brad Pitt took a swipe at Trump’s first impeachment trial, and at the 2021 Golden Globes, Sacha Baron Cohen called him “a racist tangerine”. Tennant’s comments at this year’s BAFTAs continued this tradition of awards show hosts using their platform for political satire.
Tennant’s Hosting Highlights
Aside from his Trump jokes, Tennant’s energetic and engaging performance as the host was widely praised. The actor opened the ceremony with a surprise musical number, performing a lively rendition of 500 Miles by The Proclaimers, alongside a series of celebrity cameos.
Tennant’s charismatic presence kept the audience entertained throughout the night, and many viewers on social media praised him as one of the best BAFTA hosts in years.
One fan wrote:
“David Tennant is absolutely smashing this BAFTA hosting gig. Can we just have him every year?”
Another added:
“Give David Tennant ALL the hosting gigs. The man is a treasure.”
Reaction from Trump Supporters and Right-Wing Media
While Tennant’s remarks were largely well-received in the BAFTA audience, they didn’t sit well with Trump supporters and some right-wing commentators.
Following the event, several conservative pundits criticized the BAFTAs, accusing them of pushing an anti-Trump agenda. Some Trump supporters took to social media to express their frustration, with one user tweeting:
“Another awards show, another celebrity bashing Trump. Why can’t they just stick to movies?”
Conservative news outlets, including Fox News and Newsmax, also commented on the situation, with some analysts suggesting that Hollywood’s ongoing hostility toward Trump is part of a broader cultural divide between entertainment and conservative America.
The BAFTAs as an Oscars Predictor
Beyond the Trump controversy, this year’s BAFTAs were particularly significant as one of the last major award shows before the Academy Awards.
Films such as Conclave, A Real Pain, Emilia Perez, and Anora saw major wins and nominations, solidifying their status as top contenders for Oscars recognition.
Hollywood insiders often look to the BAFTAs as a predictor for Oscar success, and with actors and directors making bold political statements, it’s likely that this year’s Academy Awards will be just as politically charged.
Final Thoughts
David Tennant’s BAFTA hosting debut was a major success, combining humor, musical performances, and sharp political commentary. His Trump jokes drew both praise and controversy, showcasing once again how awards shows remain a battleground for political expression in the entertainment world.
While some of his remarks were edited from the BBC broadcast, their impact was already felt, with social media buzzing about the moment long after the show ended.
As Trump’s second term in office unfolds, it’s likely that Hollywood’s relationship with his administration will continue to be a dominant theme in pop culture—and if awards shows are any indication, entertainers like David Tennant won’t be holding back.
