BAFTA 2026 Celebrates with Vegan Feast and Major Film Wins
The 2026 British Academy Film Awards concluded with a lavish dinner at London's Royal Festival Hall, where stars embraced a predominantly plant-based menu as part of BAFTA's ongoing commitment to reduce environmental impact. Aimee Lou Wood, aged 32 and known for her role in The White Lotus, kicked off her silver stilettos to stroll barefoot while juggling her shoes, a water bottle, and her phone, still looking stunning in a pale pink floral gown. She was seated alongside her boyfriend, Adam Long, at the event.
Star-Studded Attendees and Fashion Choices
Emma Stone, 37, who had been nominated for Best Actress, swapped her daring awards gown for a more relaxed Louis Vuitton mini dress after the ceremony. Kate Hudson, 46, also a nominee in the same category, remained in her red satin dress and appeared in high spirits despite losing the award to Jessie Buckley. Other notable guests included Kirsten Dunst, Robert Aramayo, and Hannah Waddingham, who shared laughs and swapped shoes during the evening.
Vegan Menu Highlights Environmental Focus
BAFTA reinforced its dedication to sustainability by serving a menu centered around seasonal vegetables. Guests enjoyed vegan canapes such as roasted maple pumpkin rolls and woodland mushroom toast, followed by a starter of celeriac and apple mille-feuille. For the main course, options included a truffle chicken dish or a vegan caramelised leek and pumpkin pithivier. Desserts, presented on usherette trays, featured items like a popcorn sundae with chocolate mousse. BAFTA described the menu as designed to be both indulgent and inclusive, with only a third of desserts being vegan.
Major Award Winners and Surprises
One Battle After Another emerged as the big winner of the night, securing six awards including Best Film, Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, and Supporting Actor for Sean Penn. The film had received a record 14 nominations. In a surprising turn, Robert Aramayo won Best Actor for I Swear, beating out favourites Timothee Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio. Jessie Buckley took home the Best Actress award for her role in Hamnet, thanking her fellow nominees in an emotional speech.
Campaigns and Additional Highlights
Ahead of the dinner, a giant billboard near the venue featured vegan host Alan Cumming in a PETA campaign parodying Marlon Brando, urging fans to ditch animal skins. The evening also saw fashion mishaps, with designer Pegah Pourmand landing on the worst-dressed list. Despite some losses, the atmosphere remained celebratory, with Paul Thomas Anderson expressing gratitude and plans to find a bar to continue the festivities.
