The Bafta Film Awards Open with a Hilarious Sketch Featuring Sheen’s Pet and a Star-Studded Cameo Line-Up

The 2024 Bafta Film Awards kicked off in a unique way as host David Tennant introduced the ceremony with a comedic sketch featuring Michael Sheen’s dog, Bark Ruffalo. The Royal Festival Hall in London became the stage for this Staged-inspired bit, where Tennant, alongside his co-star Sheen, engaged in a lighthearted Zoom call.

The sketch began with Tennant calling Sheen, who was in his kitchen with a grey kilt hanging in the background. Sheen, ever the playful character, dismissed pleasantries, remarking: “I don’t have time for pleasantries, David, some of us are big in America.” The conversation quickly turned to the subject of Bark Ruffalo, Sheen’s dog, who needed a sitter for the weekend after an unfortunate incident where the dog had peed in the neighbour’s kitchen.

Tennant’s wife, Georgia, joined the call, sarcastically asking if they were “desperate” for Bark Ruffalo to pee in their kitchen, leading to more amusing back-and-forths. As Sheen’s plea for help continued, Tennant tried reaching out to other celebrities for assistance. Stanley Tucci initially agreed to help but soon mocked Tennant for his absurd request, joking, “And the Bafta for catching on very quickly goes to…”

The skit continued with calls to other stars like Himesh Patel, who pretended his video was frozen, and Tom Hiddleston, who mistakenly thought Tennant was pitching a film rather than asking for a dog-sitting favour. Finally, Dame Judi Dench made an appearance, humorously suggesting she should be enjoying the awards with a glass of Champagne rather than watching the dog, Bark Ruffalo.

The fun culminated when Tennant entered the ceremony wearing the kilt and carrying Bark Ruffalo, with a few pet-related props in tow. The audience erupted in laughter as Tennant and Sheen shared a playful argument over who would look after the dog, before Sheen relented, allowing Tennant to begin his hosting duties—dog-free.