David Tennant’s BAFTA Hosting Sparks Laughter, Controversy, and BBC Censorship
The 2025 BAFTA Film Awards were meant to be a night celebrating cinematic excellence, but it was host David Tennant’s sharp political humor—particularly his jabs at President Donald Trump—that stole the spotlight.
Taking the stage at London’s Royal Festival Hall, the beloved Scottish actor kicked off the evening with a lively and humor-filled monologue that quickly made headlines. However, his comments about Trump not only delighted the audience but also sparked controversy, social media buzz, and even last-minute censorship by the BBC.
Tennant’s Trump Jokes Ignite Applause—and Backlash
Known for his roles in Doctor Who and Good Omens, Tennant wasted no time in delivering some of the night’s most talked-about moments, opening his speech with:
“Speaking of villains…”
The crowd immediately erupted in laughter and applause, knowing exactly where the joke was headed.
Tennant went on to poke fun at Trump’s infamous hair, comparing it to “the boldest architecture in film”, joking that even the elaborate designs in The Brutalist—one of the evening’s nominated films—couldn’t rival the former president’s signature hairstyle.
Another quip referenced Trump’s past as host of The Apprentice:
“Donald Trump says he hasn’t seen The Apprentice—because it’s a 15. It’s not on Nickelodeon.”
Perhaps his most biting remark came with a Beetlejuice reference:
“If you say Donald Trump’s name three times, does he appear? No, but apparently, you do get a subpoena.”