Los Angeles, Jan 5 (IANS): Actor David Tennant is set to host the BAFTA Film Awards for the first time. The actor, who is best known for playing Doctor Who, will oversee proceedings during the U.K.’s biggest night for film on February 18, at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

He said: “I am delighted to have been asked to host the EE BAFTA Film Awards and help celebrate the very best of this year’s films and the many brilliant people who bring them to life,” reports Variety.

Tennant’s career across film, TV and stage also includes ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’, ‘Good Omens’ and ‘Broadchurch’. He can currently be seen playing Macbeth at the Donmar Warehouse.

“We are over the moon that David Tennant will be our host for the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards,” added BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip. “He is deservedly beloved by British and international audiences, alike. His warmth, charm and mischievous wit will make it a must-watch show next month for our guests at the Royal Festival Hall and the millions of people watching at home.”

As per Variety, Tennant follows previous hosts Richard E. Grant and Rebel Wilson, who helmed the ceremony in 2023 and 2022, respectively, with the British Academy — which long relied on the services of Stephen Fry — now appear to go with new faces each year.

The news comes just ahead of the revealing of the BAFTA longlists, covering all 24 categories, which will be announced on January 5. The final nominations will be unveiled on January 18 by former Rising Star award nominees Naomi Ackie and Kingsley Ben-Adir.

The BAFTA Film Awards will be broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer in the U.K., and on BritBox International in the U.S., Canada, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway and South Africa.