The 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards, held at London's Royal Festival Hall on Sunday, saw a glittering array of stars, with Irish actor Paul Mescal taking centre stage alongside his girlfriend Gracie Abrams and co-star Jessie Buckley. The event, hosted by Alan Cumming, celebrated the finest achievements in contemporary cinema, featuring nominees such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, and Emma Stone.
Paul Mescal's Red Carpet Moments
Paul Mescal, aged 30, looked deeply affectionate with his girlfriend Gracie Abrams, 26, who wore a stunning black patterned dress. The couple, who have been together since 2024, typically keep their relationship private but shared a sweet kiss on the red carpet. Mescal also posed with his Hamnet co-star Jessie Buckley, 36, who dazzled in a bright blue velvet dress, and the pair shared a warm hug, highlighting their on-screen chemistry.
BAFTA Nominations and Highlights
Mescal earned a Supporting Actor BAFTA nomination for his role in Hamnet, despite being overlooked in the recent Oscar nominations. The film, directed by Chloé Zhao, broke records with eleven nominations, making it the most-nominated female-directed film in BAFTA history. Jessie Buckley received a Leading Actress nod for her performance, adding to her accolades from the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards.
Other major contenders included Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another, which led with fourteen nominations, and the supernatural horror Sinners with thirteen. The ceremony also honoured special awards, with Dame Donna Langley receiving the BAFTA Fellowship and Clare Binns awarded for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema.
Star-Studded Performances and Presenters
The evening featured diverse entertainment, including a performance of the track Golden by KPop Demon Hunters, marking its debut outside the United States. British singer Jessie Ware delivered a moving tribute with a Barbara Streisand cover during the In Memoriam segment. A lengthy list of presenters included Aimee Lou Wood, Alicia Vikander, Cillian Murphy, and Stormzy, adding to the glamour of the event.
First-time BAFTA nominees this year included Robert Aramayo, Odessa A'zion, and Michael B. Jordan, reflecting the ceremony's commitment to recognising emerging talent. Emma Baehr, Executive Director of Awards and Content, emphasised the event's role in championing creativity and collaboration in global cinema.
Broadcast and Charity Mission
The ceremony was broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK, with international coverage on E! and other networks. BAFTA, as a charity, aims to support screen arts through awards, talent initiatives, and educational programmes, fostering excellence and innovation in film, games, and television.
With a full list of nominations spanning categories from Best Film to Supporting Actor, the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards showcased a vibrant celebration of cinematic achievement, set against the iconic backdrop of London's Southbank Centre.
