Emma Stone made a stunning entrance at the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026, held at The Royal Festival Hall in London on Sunday evening. The 37-year-old actress, nominated for the Leading Actress award for her role in the dark comedy 'Bugonia', captivated onlookers in a daring black Louis Vuitton gown that featured a bold cut-out design, revealing a hint of sideboob.
Elegant and Minimalist Style
Her form-fitting dress boasted an elegant meter-long train and a sophisticated crossed halterneck, ensuring all eyes were on her as she walked the red carpet. Emma kept her accessories understated, complementing the ensemble with a simple diamond bracelet and matching earrings. She appeared in high spirits throughout the event, laughing and posing happily for photographers.
Behind the Scenes of 'Bugonia'
'Bugonia' marks the fourth collaboration between Emma Stone and Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, following their work on the 2018 film 'The Favourite', which earned Stone a Best Supporting Actress nomination. In 'Bugonia', Stone plays the CEO of a major pharmaceutical company who is kidnapped by two conspiracy-obsessed men convinced she is an alien plotting to destroy Earth. The film also stars Jesse Plemons, Alicia Silverstone, and comedian Stavros Halkias.
For this role, Emma underwent a dramatic transformation, shaving her head on camera, which she described as triggering a real-life emotional reaction. The film has garnered five BAFTA nominations, adding to the competitive atmosphere of the ceremony.
Star-Studded BAFTA Ceremony
The 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards, hosted by Alan Cumming, attracted a glittering array of celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elordi, and Michael B. Jordan. The red carpet featured a DJ set by Magic FM presenter Neev Spencer, with live reporting from Clara Amfo and Ali Plumb. Presenters included Aimee Lou Wood, Alicia Vikander, Cillian Murphy, and Stormzy, among others.
Entertainment highlights included a performance of the track 'Golden' by K-pop group Demon Hunters, marking its first show outside the United States, and a moving tribute by British singer Jessie Ware during the In Memoriam segment.
Record-Breaking Nominations
This year's awards saw fierce competition, with Paul Thomas Anderson's 'One Battle After Another' leading the pack with fourteen nominations. Close contenders included the supernatural horror 'Sinners' with thirteen nods and 'Hamnet', directed by Chloé Zhao, which broke the record for the most nominations for a female-directed film in BAFTA history with eleven.
Other notable nominees included 'Marty Supreme' and 'Timothée Chalamet' with eleven nominations each, while 'Frankenstein' and 'Sentimental Value' each earned eight. The Leading Actress category features strong competition, with Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Chase Infiniti, Renate Reinsve, and Emma Stone all vying for the award.
Special Awards and Charity Mission
Dame Donna Langley, Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, received the BAFTA Fellowship, the charity's highest accolade, in recognition of her influential career. Clare Binns, Creative Director of Picture House Cinemas, was honoured with the BAFTA Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award for championing diverse and independent films across the UK.
BAFTA, as a charity, aims to support the screen arts through awards, talent initiatives, and educational programs. The ceremony was broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK, and internationally on various networks, celebrating excellence in global cinema.
