Paul Mescal was left red-faced after being caught scrolling his phone during the Baftas, with host Alan Cumming calling him out on stage. The incident occurred as Cumming announced the award for outstanding British film in honour of Alexander Korda, noticing the Irish actor distracted by his screen.
'The next award is for outstanding British film... Paul, Paul, oh he is on his phone,' Cumming said, prompting Mescal to look up shocked and cover his face in embarrassment. Cumming reassured him, 'You were supposed to do the gag, don’t you worry,' as Mescal mouthed an apology and put his phone away.
The moment sparked amusement on social media, with users posting comments like 'HELP PAUL MESCAL ON HIS PHONE AT THE BAFTAS IS SO FUNNY' and 'Paul Mescal getting called out at BAFTAs for being on his phone? That’s awkward.'
Earlier in the evening, Mescal made his red carpet debut with girlfriend Gracie Abrams. The couple, who have been dating for two years, posed for photos at the event. Mescal has previously spoken about keeping his private life out of the public eye, telling GQ that 'there’s certain lines in the sand now for me that just are going to be impenetrable for the benefit of my own sanity.'
Despite being nominated for supporting actor for his role in Hamnet, Mescal did not win. The film, which dramatises the life of William Shakespeare, won outstanding British film, and co-star Jessie Buckley took home the leading actress award. Mescal rose to fame with Normal People and has since starred in Aftersun, All of Us Strangers, and Gladiator II.
