The 18th Empire Awards ceremony, presented by the British film magazine Empire, honored the best films of 2012 and took place on 24 March 2013 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, England. During the ceremony, Empire presented Empire Awards in 13 categories as well as four honorary awards. The honorary Outstanding Contribution to British Film Award was renamed Outstanding Contribution. The Art of 3D Award as well as the honorary Empire Legend Award and Outstanding Contribution Award were presented for the last time. The ceremony was televised in the United Kingdom by Sky Movies on March 30. Irish comedian Ed Byrne hosted the show for the first time. The awards were sponsored by Jameson Irish Whiskey for the fifth consecutive year.

Ted is a 2012 American fantasy comedy film directed by Seth MacFarlane and written by MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin, and Wellesley Wild. The film stars Mark Wahlberg and Mila Kunis, with Joel McHale and Giovanni Ribisi in supporting roles, and MacFarlane providing the voice and motion capture of the title character. The film tells the story of John Bennett, a Boston native whose childhood wish brings his teddy bear friend Ted to life. However, in adulthood, Ted and John's friendship begins to interfere with the progression of John's relationship with his girlfriend, Lori Collins.