Bear in mind: this is Paddington's first time at an award show.

But nevertheless, the beloved bear projected nothing but confidence when he took to the stage at the 2026 British Academy Film and Television Arts Awards—broadcast on E! and hosted this year by Alan Cumming—to present the award for Children's & Family Film category.

Dressed in his signature blue toggle coat (see every star's look here), Paddington Bear admitted to the audience he was just as "surprised" to be onstage as they were to see him, noting, "I don't usually talk in front of lots of people, and there are rather a lot of you."

However, he referred to his Aunt Lucy's advice that it's always better to face your fears. Unless, of course, "it's a snake," he said. "Then you have to walk away very slowly."

But excitingly, Paddington shared that his foster mother Mrs. Brown had informed him his time on stage would mark a historic moment at the award show: "I am the first ever bear to present an award," he revealed, before nodding to his favorite snack, "and also the first presenter to get marmalade all over a BAFTA. Sorry about that."

And while he had a plan to "lick it off," he quipped, "Apparently that's not very good manners."

As for which of the nominees in the Children's & Family Film category—which included Boong, Arco, Lilo & Stitch and Zootropolis 2—it was Boong, a 2024 Indian Manipuri-language coming-of-age drama film, that took home the award. 

Soon after Paddington wrapped up his time on stage, fans quickly flooded social media to share their love for his big moment. 

"This is healing something in me," one user wrote on the BAFTA Instagram page, while another added, "This was actually so cool and wholesome."

Another fan noted just how poignant the bear's moment of bravery truly was.

"It’s really a beautiful thing to fire the imagination of children everywhere with this presentation," they wrote. "There are few moments of wonder in life. I’m glad BAFTA invested in this."

"Also," they added, "always have a marmalade sandwich in case of emergencies."

Source : E News