Hannah Beachler Says Alan Cumming’s BAFTAs Apology Over N-Word Only Made Things Worse
The recent BAFTA Film Awards were clouded by controversy after multiple racial slurs were heard during the live broadcast, sparking a heated discussion about how the ceremony handled the situation.
Hannah Beachler, the acclaimed production designer for the film Sinners, spoke out on social media about her frustration, saying the host’s attempts to address the slurs ended up making things worse. Beachler, who attended the ceremony as a nominee, explained that the offensive language occurred several times throughout the night.
One of the most jarring moments involved John Davidson, a prominent Tourette’s campaigner and the subject of the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear. During the presentation of the Best Visual Effects award by Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo, Davidson’s condition caused him to vocalize the N-word.
The slur was clearly audible to both the live audience and viewers at home, even though the broadcast had a two-hour delay, leaving many shocked and uncomfortable. Alan Cumming, the host, addressed the situation twice during the evening.
He explained that the language was involuntary due to Davidson’s Tourette’s and urged the audience to show understanding and respect. However, it was his closing statement that drew the sharpest criticism. He said, We apologize if you are offended tonight.
I keep trying to write about what happened at the BAFTAs, and I can't find the words. The situation is almost impossible, but it happened 3 times that night, and one of the three times was directed at myself on the way to dinner after the show.
— HannahBeachler (@HannahEBeachler) February 23, 2026
Beachler found this phrasing dismissive and inadequate. She argued that a “throw-away apology” ignored the fact that the language was offensive, regardless of the medical circumstances.
It did not bounce off of me and was a heavy burden to carry during what should have been a celebratory night, she said, reflecting on the emotional toll the event took. While she acknowledged the difficulty of balancing awareness of disability with racial sensitivity, she emphasized that the institutional response failed the Black creators present.
Despite the controversy, the team behind I Swear experienced significant wins. Robert Aramayo, who portrayed Davidson in the film, won the Best Leading Actor award, beating out strong contenders including Leonardo DiCaprio and Michael B. Jordan.
The film has been widely praised for its raw and honest portrayal of Davidson’s life following his Tourette’s diagnosis at 25. However, the events of the ceremony cast a shadow over the celebration for many in attendance.
Beachler is widely recognized as one of Hollywood’s leading production designers, earning an Academy Award for her groundbreaking work on Black Panther. Her career continues to thrive, and she is reportedly reuniting with director Ryan Coogler for a secret project in pre-production for 2027.
Beyond her film work, she has become a vocal advocate for the fair treatment of artists on set and for creating inclusive environments in the industry. The BAFTA incident serves as a stark reminder of how complex issues of disability, race, and accountability can collide on a live stage.
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