David Tennant’s Trump Tirade: A Scathing Commentary at the 2025 BAFTAs

A Night of Wit and Scathing Barbs

The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) held its annual ceremony in 2025, and the spotlight was once again on David Tennant, the renowned actor hosting the event for the second consecutive year. Known for his sharp wit and penchant for satire, Tennant did not disappoint, unleashing a barrage of comedic jabs at former US President Donald Trump.

Architecture and Hair: A Trumpian Comparison

During his opening monologue, Tennant turned his attention to the film "The Brutalist," a period piece showcasing architectural marvels. With a sly grin, he quipped, "It’s the boldest architecture in film this year, apart from Donald Trump’s hair in ‘The Apprentice.’" The remark sent ripples of laughter through the audience, referencing the biographical drama starring Sebastian Stan as Trump.

The Apprentice: A PG-Rated Mystery

Tennant continued his Trump-themed banter, expressing mock concern that Trump might have missed "The Apprentice" due to its age rating. "Donald Trump, he says he hasn’t seen ‘The Apprentice,’ because it’s a [British rating] 15," Tennant said, his voice dripping with feigned seriousness. "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."

From Beetlejuice to Dracula: A Villainous Comparison

Tennant’s Trump takedown didn’t stop there. He went on to draw parallels between Trump and Nosferatu from the 2024 Dracula film of the same name, as well as Hugh Grant’s character from the horror film "Heretic." These comparisons were met with laughter and applause from the audience, who seemed to appreciate Tennant’s unflinching mockery of the controversial politician.

BBC’s Selective Editing: What Hit the Cutting Room Floor

It was later revealed that the BBC had edited some of Tennant’s Trump jokes out of its broadcast of the award ceremony to keep the show within a two-hour time frame. While Tennant’s jab at Trump’s hair made it to air, his comparison of Trump to Beetlejuice and other villains was left on the cutting room floor.

BBC’s Justification: Time Constraints and Editorial Decisions

A BBC spokesperson justified the edits, stating, "The nature of the show is that it’s broadcast with a short delay, and edits have to be made due to time constraints." Despite the explanation, Tennant’s full monologue was later uploaded online by the BBC.

Hollywood’s Reaction: A Mixed Bag

Tennant’s Trump mockery was met with mixed reactions from Hollywood insiders. Some praised his boldness, while others expressed concerns about the potential for such public criticism to influence the film industry. Nevertheless, Tennant’s performance at the 2025 BAFTAs will undoubtedly be remembered as a memorable night of wit and satire.

A Legacy of Trump Trolling

Tennant’s Trump-themed jokes at the 2025 BAFTAs were not his first foray into political mockery. The previous year, during the 2024 BAFTAs, he had taken aim at Trump with another cutting remark. "Poor Things’ is nominated," Tennant said during his monologue, "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."

Conclusion

David Tennant’s Trump jokes at the 2025 BAFTAs showcased his sharp wit and unwavering willingness to use humor to criticize those in power. Despite the BBC’s partial censorship of his monologue, the full version has since been released online, ensuring that Tennant’s memorable performance will continue to be enjoyed by fans and critics alike. Whether one agrees with his political views or not, it’s undeniable that Tennant’s blend of humor and satire has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.