Fashion icon Vera Wang made a spectacular appearance at the BAFTA Awards Nominees Party in London on Saturday, captivating onlookers with her impeccable style. The celebrated designer, aged 76, joined a glittering array of stars at the prestigious event held at the National Portrait Gallery, just one day before the main award ceremony.
Vera Wang's Show-Stopping Ensemble
For the occasion, Vera Wang dazzled in a sophisticated black co-ord set that perfectly highlighted her toned physique. The ensemble featured a chic bandeau cropped top paired with a matching maxi skirt, creating a timeless and elegant silhouette. She elevated the look with long leather gloves, an oversized black hat, and a dark grey fur hand muff, exuding confidence and grace as she posed on the red carpet. Her age-defying appearance drew widespread admiration, reinforcing her status as a style legend.
2026 BAFTA Nominations Overview
The 2026 BAFTA nominations were officially announced last month by 2025 Rising Star nominee David Jonsson and actress Aimee Lou Wood. Leading the pack is One Battle After Another, which secured an impressive 14 nominations, including a nod for lead star Leonardo DiCaprio. Close behind is Sinners with 13 nominations, followed by Marty Supreme and Hamnet, each earning 11 nods.
Notable Achievements and Records
Hamnet, Chloe Zhao's adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's award-winning novel about William Shakespeare's family life, has made history by breaking the record for the most nominations for a female-directed film in BAFTA's storied history. Meanwhile, One Battle After Another has achieved nods across all four acting categories, with double hopes in Supporting Actor thanks to performances by Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro.
Key Contenders in Major Categories
In the Best Film category, the five nominees are Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sinners, and Sentimental Value. The Leading Actress race features Irish star Jessie Buckley, who adds this BAFTA nod to her already impressive awards season haul, having previously won a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award. She competes against Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Chase Infiniti, Renate Reinsve, and Emma Stone.
Acting Categories and First-Time Nominees
Leonardo DiCaprio could secure his second BAFTA award after receiving his seventh nomination, this time for Leading Actor in One Battle After Another. He faces stiff competition from Timothee Chalamet, Robert Aramayo, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, and Jesse Plemons. The Supporting Actress field offers hope for a British win, with Nigerian-British actress Wunmi Mosaku nominated for Sinners, alongside Carey Mulligan and Emily Watson.
Several performers have received their first BAFTA Film nominations this year, including Robert Aramayo, Odessa A'zion, Rose Byrne, Chase Infiniti, Michael B. Jordan, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Stellan Skarsgård, and Teyana Taylor. In the Best Director category, two of the six directors are first-time nominees: Ryan Coogler for Sinners and Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme.
Differences from Oscar Nominations
The BAFTA nominations reveal some notable contrasts with the recent Academy Awards announcements. While Wicked: For Good was shut out at the Oscars, it managed to secure two BAFTA nods for costume design and make-up and hair. Conversely, the Brazilian thriller The Secret Agent received only two BAFTA nominations, half its Oscar tally. Additionally, K-pop Demon Hunters was excluded from BAFTA consideration due to Netflix streaming the film in the UK before a cinematic release, violating BAFTA rules.
Rising Star Award and Ceremony Details
The nominees for the EE BAFTA Rising Star Award, the only prize voted for by the British public, were announced earlier this month. The contenders are Archie Madekwe, Chase Infiniti, Miles Caton, Posy Sterling, and Robert Aramayo. The winners will be revealed at the EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony on Sunday, February 22, hosted by Alan Cumming and broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, praised the nominated films, stating, 'Huge congratulations to the teams behind the 46 superb films nominated today. They showcase the very best of storytelling and its ability to engage, entertain and provoke debate.' With 221 films initially submitted and 82 making the longlist, this year's nominations highlight a diverse range of narratives and exceptional craftsmanship in cinema.
