David Tennant Critiques Donald Trump During BAFTA Monologue

David Tennant Critiques Donald Trump During BAFTA Monologue

During the 2025 British Academy Film Awards, David Tennant took a bold stand against former President Donald Trump, humorously comparing him to various cinematic villains. The event celebrated outstanding achievements in film, but Tennant’s opening monologue quickly turned into a platform for political commentary.

Host with a Mission

This year marked Tennant’s second consecutive year as the host of the BAFTAs. As he discussed the nominations, he spotlighted the film ‘The Brutalist’, praising its remarkable architecture. He humorously noted that, aside from the film, the boldest architectural feature this year appeared to be Trump’s iconic hairstyle.

Witty Remarks and Villain Comparisons

Tennant quipped, “In fact, it’s the boldest architecture in film this year, apart from Donald Trump’s hair in ‘The Apprentice’.” This comment followed a reference to the biographical drama featuring Sebastian Stan as Trump, which has attracted both viewers and critics alike.

In a playful tone, Tennant expressed his concerns about mentioning Trump multiple times, likening it to summoning a villain from a horror film. He said, “Donald Trump, he says he hasn’t seen ‘The Apprentice,’ because it’s a [British rating] 15. It’s not on Nickelodeon. Donald Trump. I’m worried. I’ve said his name three times. It’s like Beetlejuice – I have summoned him. And talking of villains…”

Linking Trump to Classic Villains

Continuing the theme, Tennant tied Trump to Nosferatu, a character from the new adaptation of ‘Dracula’, and to a character played by Hugh Grant in the horror movie ‘Heretic’. These jokes resonated with the audience, highlighting Trump’s larger-than-life persona as a source of entertainment and controversy.

However, Tennant’s jibes were not fully showcased. The BBC edited parts of his speech for time constraints, resulting in some comments being omitted from the official broadcast. While his comparison of Trump’s hair did make the cut, the quips involving Beetlejuice and other villain references were left out.

Editing for Time

A spokesperson for the BBC later explained, “The nature of the show is that it’s broadcast with a short delay, and edits have to be made due to time constraints.” Meanwhile, the full version of Tennant’s monologue has since been made available online, allowing fans and critics a chance to hear the complete presentation.

Recurrent Themes of Critique

Tennant’s critiques of Trump are not new. During his hosting of the 2024 BAFTA Awards, he made similar jabs, humorously highlighting the absurdity of political scenarios. He remarked, “‘Poor Things’ is nominated, ladies and gentlemen, where a child’s brain is put into an adult’s body. And later this year, one of those may even be re-elected president.” This statement drew parallels between the themes of the film and the political landscape, showcasing Tennant’s unique blend of humor and social commentary.

What Lies Ahead for Hollywood

The film industry remains watchful of Trump’s impact, with insiders expressing concerns about his influence on Hollywood’s creative landscape. As Tennant navigates the intersection of entertainment and politics, his commentary raises questions about the role of public figures in addressing societal issues through humor and satire.

As awards season continues, this year’s BAFTA ceremony exemplifies how entertainment can reflect and critique contemporary politics. David Tennant’s choice to speak candidly about Trump reflects a growing trend where artists use their platforms to engage with pressing topics.

Sparking Conversations Through Comedy

The responses to Tennant’s monologue highlight the fine line comedians walk when discussing political figures. The interplay of humor and critique can inspire discussions and challenge perceptions trends within society. Tennant’s remarks resonate with both supporters and detractors, underscoring the power of comedy in shaping cultural narratives.

In summary, Tennant’s jests represent the continuing dialogue between politics and entertainment. Whether hailed as courageous or criticized as divisive, his comments reflect an engagement with pressing cultural issues that resonate beyond the walls of the BAFTAs. As the lines between art and activism blur, audiences remain captivated by how artists choose to address the complexities of their societies.