Ellie Goulding and Beau Minniear Headline Celebrity Departures from BAFTA's Prestigious Gala
Ellie Goulding and her partner Beau Minniear were at the forefront of celebrity exits from BAFTA's Invest in Talent Gala 2026, held at The Chancery Rosewood in London on Thursday evening. The singer, aged 39 and expecting the couple's first child, made a stylish departure wrapped in a voluminous white duvet coat layered over a figure-hugging satin and lace dress.
Red Carpet Elegance and Performance Highlights
Earlier in the evening, Ellie graced the red carpet without her coat, stunning attendees in a pale pink ensemble. The dress featured a plunging neckline that accentuated her cleavage, and she added a tight-fitted sheer tulle overlay that delicately highlighted her blossoming baby bump. Meanwhile, Beau Minniear, aged 28, opted to skip the red carpet but looked impeccably dapper in a tailored suit paired with a crisp white shirt and black tie.
During the gala, Ellie took to the stage to perform some of her biggest hits for an A-list audience. This performance comes as she prepares to launch a new album inspired by her marriage breakdown, adding a personal touch to the evening's entertainment.
BAFTA's Biennial Fundraising Event and Record-Breaking Nominations
The Invest in Talent Gala is a biennial fundraising initiative dedicated to supporting emerging creative talent in film, games, and television. The event followed the announcement of the 2026 BAFTA nominations last month, presented by 2025 Rising Star nominee David Jonsson and Aimee Lou Wood.
One Battle After Another led the nominations with an impressive 14 nods, including one for lead star Leonardo DiCaprio. Close behind, Sinners secured 13 nominations, while Marty Supreme and Hamnet each earned 11. Notably, Hamnet, Chloe Zhao's adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's award-winning novel about William Shakespeare's family life, set a new record for the most nominations for a female-directed film in BAFTA history.
Star-Studded Attendees and Fashion Statements
The gala attracted a host of celebrities, each making their own fashion statements. Downton Abbey's Joanne Froggatt exuded sophistication in a halterneck black gown with a structured bodice, while Rolling Stones rocker Ronnie Wood, 78, arrived hand-in-hand with his glamorous wife Sally, 48, who dazzled in a silver sequinned dress.
Oscar-winning actress Alicia Vikander was spotted heading home in an elegant off-the-shoulder grey gown, accompanied by her husband Michael Fassbender. Other notable exits included Lenny Henry with partner Lisa Makin, Gwendoline Christie shielded from the rain by security, comedian Jimmy Carr, and actor Russell Tovey.
Key Award Categories and Contenders
The Best Film category features a tight competition among Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sinners, and Sentimental Value. Irish star Jessie Buckley, nominated for her lead role in Hamnet after winning the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award, is a frontrunner for both the Oscar and SAG Award next month.
In the Leading Actress category, contenders include Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue, Chase Infiniti for One Battle After Another, Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value, and Emma Stone for Bugonia. Paul Mescal, despite an Oscar snub, earned a Supporting Actor BAFTA nod for his role in Hamnet.
Notable Snubs and Surprises in the Nominations
One Battle After Another has achieved nods in all four acting categories at the BAFTAs, with double hopes in Supporting Actor thanks to Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro. The film also received nominations in Adapted Screenplay, Casting, Cinematography, Editing, Original Score, Production Design, and Sound.
In contrast, Wicked: For Good, which was completely shut out of the Oscars, managed two BAFTA nominations for costume design and make-up and hair. Meanwhile, the Brazilian thriller The Secret Agent received only two BAFTA nominations, half of its Oscar tally, which included major categories like best actor and best picture.
The EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026 promise an exciting night with fierce competition across categories, celebrating the best in cinematic achievement while supporting future talent through events like the Invest in Talent Gala.
