Monday 14th September 2026: New venue. Red carpet glamour. A little Bonfire Night sparkle. And a familiar face back at the helm.
Ayo Akinwolere will return to host the BASE Awards 2026 on Thursday 5 November, as the Awards make their debut at The Londoner in Leicester Square. This year’s dress code takes its cue from movie-premiere glamour and Bonfire Night sparkle – but it is entirely optional, and guests are invited to interpret it however they like.
The British Association for Screen Entertainment (BASE) is thrilled to welcome the award-winning broadcaster and presenter back to the stage, where he’ll once again lead a night celebrating the people, creativity and achievements powering the Home Entertainment industry.
For those who want to embrace the theme, think red-carpet style, sequins and shimmer, understated elegance or full leading-role energy. It is a suggestion, not an obligation: the aim is simply for everyone to feel comfortable and enjoy the night.
Ayo returns to the BASE Awards stage bringing the warmth, wit and quick-fire energy that have made him such a brilliant part of the night.
An award-winning broadcaster, journalist and producer, Ayo has become an increasingly prominent voice in sports broadcasting. He hosts Premier League Today for Premier League Productions and The Athletic FC Podcast. His wider broadcasting career spans the BBC, Channel 4, CBS Sports and Amazon Prime, alongside his work as co-founder of MilkFirst Productions.
Ayo said:
“It’s always such a brilliant night and I’m genuinely excited to be back hosting the 2026 BASE Awards. It’s always good energy and we’re in a new home in the heart of Leicester Square, it feels like we’re turning things up another notch. I’m looking forward to celebrating the people and creativity behind an industry that never stands still. As it’s Fireworks Night, I’m expecting a little extra sparkle to the proceedings!”
The 46th BASE Awards will bring 500 guests from across the major studios, distributors, platforms, retailers, agencies and creative partners together at The Londoner for the flagship celebration of UK Home Entertainment.
The BASE Awards celebrate excellence across Home Entertainment – the part of the screen-content lifecycle that connects audiences with film and television beyond the cinema, across digital and physical formats. The Awards recognise the creativity, innovation, commercial impact and people shaping how entertainment is discovered, accessed, owned and enjoyed.
The 46th BASE Awards are made possible by the generous support of the event’s sponsors and partners. BASE would like to extend a huge thank you to BDS West10, BIFA, Birra Moretti, Boxtails, Disney, DP World, JustWatch, Lionsgate, OC, Official Charts Company, PREMIER, Scanavo, Silk Factory, Sony Pictures, Spirit Entertainment, STUDIOCANAL, The Yummy Yank and TiVo. Their support enables BASE to bring the industry together and give its outstanding people, creativity and achievements the celebration they deserve.
A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are still available for organisations looking to be part of this standout industry occasion and the last few remaining tickets for the 46th BASE Awards are available via the BASE Awards website.
