David Tennant Takes a Playful Jab at Donald Trump During 2025 BAFTA Opening Monologue
The 2025 BAFTA Film Awards kicked off with a bang as host David Tennant didn’t shy away from making headlines during his opening monologue. The beloved Doctor Who star, returning for his second consecutive year as host, took the stage to the upbeat tune of The Proclaimers’ I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), setting the tone for an evening filled with humor and a touch of controversy. Tennant, known for his wit and charm, wasted no time diving into topical commentary, with his sights set squarely on former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Tennant’s opening remarks included a clever nod to Trump’s re-election in November 2024, a topic that has remained polarizing. While discussing the film The Brutalist, which explores bold architectural designs, Tennant quipped, “It’s the boldest architecture in film this year, apart from Donald Trump’s hair in The Apprentice.” The jab drew laughter from the audience, which was packed with Hollywood elites and British A-listers. The reference to The Apprentice, a biographical film about Trump’s rise to prominence, was particularly pointed, as it stars Sebastian Stan as the former president. Tennant humorously speculated that Trump likely hadn’t seen the film, quipping, “It’s a 15, and it’s not on Nickelodeon.”
The host didn’t stop there. With a playful nod to the supernatural, Tennant joked, “Donald Trump… I’m worried. I’ve said his name three times. It’s like Beetlejuice—I’ve summoned him.” The audience erupted in laughter, and Tennant continued, “Talking of villains,” before pausing for effect, allowing the crowd to revel in the moment. The comment was a clear nod to Trump’s divisive persona, which has often been compared to that of a cinematic antagonist.
Tennant’s monologue also included a clever reference to the film Poor Things, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. Describing the movie’s premise, he said, “A child’s brain is put in an adult’s body,” before adding with a smirk, “And later this year, one of those may be reelected president.” The remark was a thinly veiled dig at Trump’s political resurgence, showcasing Tennant’s ability to blend humor with pointed social commentary.
The 2025 BAFTA Awards proved to be a night of both celebration and subtle critique, with Tennant’s opening monologue setting the stage for an evening that balanced glamour with thought-provoking humor. As the ceremony unfolded, it was clear that Tennant’s sharp wit and fearless approach to addressing controversial figures like Trump would be one of the night’s most talked-about moments. The BAFTAs, airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, once again demonstrated its ability to blend entertainment with timely cultural commentary, leaving audiences both entertained and reflective.