The Royal Festival Hall in London shimmered with anticipation as the 2026 Baftas commenced, a celebration of cinematic brilliance and a gathering of the world’s most celebrated stars. The red carpet unfurled, ready to welcome those who’ve captivated audiences over the past year.
Leading the charge with an impressive 14 nominations was Leonardo DiCaprio’s gripping action thriller,One Battle After Another. Close behind, with 13 nods, cameSinners, whileMarty Supreme, poised to potentially earn Timothée Chalamet his first leading actor Oscar, and the emotionally resonant historical dramaHamnet, each secured 11 nominations.
Alan Cumming, taking over hosting duties from David Tennant, brought his signature flair to the evening, sporting a striking fringed ensemble. He prepared to guide the audience through a night honoring exceptional filmmaking, acknowledging the anxieties reflected in many of this year’s nominated works.
Chalamet, a frontrunner for further awards success, graced the carpet solo, having been a constant companion with Kylie Jenner throughout previous ceremonies. He exuded effortless style in a sleek black suit, while DiCaprio arrived later, a classic figure in a white shirt and bow tie.
A splash of vibrant color came from Jessie Buckley, radiant in an electric blue gown, representing her acclaimed performance inHamnet. Meanwhile, Cillian Murphy, fresh off a memorable cameo, arrived hand-in-hand with his wife, Yvonne McGuinness, a tender moment amidst the glamour.
Romance was also on display as Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams shared a sweet moment on the red carpet, and Stellan Skarsgård proudly stood with his wife of 17 years. Brotherly affection was evident between Jacobi and Noah Jupe, stars ofHamnet, as they embraced warmly.
Musician Jessie Ware, dressed in a striking yellow outfit, prepared to deliver a special performance – a cover of a Barbra Streisand classic for the In Memoriam segment. Kerry Washington, elegant in a flowing gown, was set to present a coveted award.
The fashion continued to impress with Sadie Sink’s ethereal sage green dress and Erin Doherty’s daringly wide pleated skirt. Kate Hudson, in a bold red gown, and Emma Stone, chic in black, added to the evening’s visual spectacle. Even at 76, designer Vera Wang captivated with her timeless style and dramatic sunglasses.
A touch of whimsy arrived in the form of Paddington Bear, a beloved figure who always adds a special charm to the event. The ceremony, broadcast on BBC One, promised a night of celebration, acknowledging both the artistry and the anxieties reflected in the year’s most impactful films.
Cumming, speaking before the event, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the world’s complexities while celebrating the power of creativity – a sentiment that resonated with the themes explored in many of the nominated films.
The coveted awards were presented across a wide range of categories, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor and Actress. The full list of nominees showcased a diverse and compelling collection of cinematic achievements.
Best Film:Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sentimental Value, Sinners
Best Director:Yorgos Lanthimos (Bugonia), Chloé Zhao (Hamnet), Josh Safdie (Marty Supreme), Paul Thomas Anderson (One Battle After Another), Joachim Trier (Sentimental Value), Ryan Coogler (Sinners)
Best Actor:Robert Aramayo (I Swear), Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme), Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), Michael B. Jordan (Sinners), Jesse Plemons (Bugonia)
Best Actress:Jessie Buckley (Hamnet), Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I'd Kick You), Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue), Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Another), Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value), Emma Stone (Bugonia)
Best Supporting Actor:Benicio del Toro (One Battle After Another), Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein), Paul Mescal (Hamnet), Peter Mullan (I Swear), Sean Penn (One Battle After Another), Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value)
Best Supporting Actress:Odessa A'zion (Marty Supreme), Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value), Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners), Carey Mulligan (The Ballad of Wallis Island), Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another), Emily Watson (Hamnet)
Outstanding British Film:28 Years Later, The Ballad of Wallis Island, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Die My Love, H is for Hawk, Hamnet, I Swear, Mr. Burton, Pillion, Steve
EE Rising Star Award:Robert Aramayo, Miles Caton, Chase Infiniti, Archie Madekwe, Posy Sterling
