Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams Celebrate BAFTA Win with Romantic Kiss
Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams shared a sweet kiss at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards on Sunday night, celebrating the victory of Hamnet as Outstanding British Film. The intimate moment occurred at London's Royal Festival Hall after Stormzy announced the award, with cameras capturing the actor leaning in to kiss his girlfriend.
Red Carpet Debut for Private Couple
The couple, who have been in a relationship since 2024 but largely kept it private, made their official red carpet debut as a pair before the ceremony. Abrams, 26, stunned in a backless black patterned dress, giving Mescal, 30, a kiss on the cheek as they gazed lovingly at each other. This public display of affection marked a significant departure from their previously low-profile romance.
Fans erupted on social media with excitement over the romantic display. One Twitter user wrote, "I just know Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams are going to get married soon," while another praised their "effortless charm and chemistry." Many described the pair as a "power duo" and noted that their arrival made the red carpet feel "like a movie scene."
Mescal's BAFTA Nomination and Co-Star's Triumph
Mescal earned a Supporting Actor BAFTA nomination for his portrayal of William Shakespeare in Hamnet, though he ultimately lost to Sean Penn for One Battle After Another. His co-star Jessie Buckley, however, took home the Leading Actress award for her role as Shakespeare's wife Agnes Hathaway.
Buckley, already tipped as an Oscar favorite, delivered an emotional acceptance speech thanking her fellow nominees and the women who inspired her. She humorously recalled arriving at her agent's office with "nuclear bad fake tan" and expressing dreams of becoming like Judi Dench.
Major Winners at the 2026 BAFTA Awards
One Battle After Another emerged as the night's big winner, scooping six awards including Best Film, Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, and Adapted Screenplay. The film had received a record 14 nominations heading into the ceremony.
Other notable winners included Robert Aramayo, who beat out favorite Timothee Chalamet for Leading Actor for I Swear, and Wunmi Mosaku, who won Supporting Actress for Sinners. Zootropolis 2 claimed the Animated Film award, while Ludwig Göransson won Original Score for Sinners.
The EE Rising Star Award, voted for by the public, went to Robert Aramayo, completing his successful night. The ceremony showcased both established talent and emerging stars, with Hamnet's win for Outstanding British Film particularly celebrated by Mescal, Abrams, and the entire cast and crew.
