Alicia Vikander made a striking appearance alongside her husband Michael Fassbender at the prestigious BAFTA Invest in Talent Gala in London on Thursday evening. The Swedish actress, aged 37, captivated onlookers in a sophisticated grey off-the-shoulder gown as she graced the red carpet at The Chancery Rosewood venue.
Elegant Fashion and Star-Studded Event
Vikander's chic ensemble featured a ruffled off-the-shoulder neckline, a meticulously fitted waist with intricate seam detailing, and a dramatic flared skirt that swept elegantly as she moved. Opting for minimalist accessories, she complemented the gown with simple silver stud earrings, allowing the dress to command attention. Meanwhile, Fassbender looked impeccably sharp in a classic black-and-white tuxedo, affectionately wrapping an arm around his wife for photographs.
BAFTA's Biennial Fundraising Mission
The gala serves as a crucial biennial fundraising initiative dedicated to supporting emerging creative talent across film, gaming, and television industries. This star-studded gathering not only celebrated artistic achievement but also underscored BAFTA's commitment to nurturing future generations of storytellers and innovators.
2026 BAFTA Nominations Unveiled
Coinciding with the gala, the 2026 BAFTA nominations were formally announced, revealing a highly competitive field. One Battle After Another emerged as the frontrunner with an impressive 14 nominations, including a nod for lead actor Leonardo DiCaprio. This follows the film's recent success at the Academy Awards, where it garnered significant recognition.
Record-Breaking Achievements and Notable Contenders
Hamnet, Chloe Zhao's adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's acclaimed novel about William Shakespeare's family life, made history by securing the most nominations ever for a female-directed film in BAFTA's records. The film earned 11 nominations, tying with Marty Supreme, while Sinners followed closely with 13 nods.
In the Best Film category, the competition is fierce with Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sinners, and Sentimental Value vying for the top prize. Irish actress Jessie Buckley, already a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award winner for her lead role in Hamnet, is considered a strong contender for the Leading Actress award.
Acting Categories and First-Time Nominees
The acting categories feature a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting newcomers. The Leading Actress race includes Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Chase Infiniti, Renate Reinsve, and Emma Stone alongside Buckley. For Leading Actor, Leonardo DiCaprio faces competition from Timothée Chalamet, Robert Aramayo, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, and Jesse Plemons.
Notably, several performers 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
- Teyana Taylor
Directorial Recognition and Industry Impact
In the Best Director category, two first-time nominees—Ryan Coogler for Sinners and Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme—highlight the fresh talent being celebrated. Sinners particularly stands out, having recently broken the record for the most Academy Award nominations ever with 16 nods, surpassing previous benchmarks set by iconic films like Titanic and La La Land.
Notable Snubs and Rule-Based Exclusions
While many films celebrated multiple nominations, some faced disappointments. Wicked: For Good, completely overlooked at the Oscars, managed to secure two BAFTA nominations for costume design and makeup. Conversely, The Secret Agent received only half its Oscar nomination count at the BAFTAs. Additionally, K-Pop Demon Hunters was excluded from consideration due to Netflix's decision to stream the film in the UK before theatrical release, violating BAFTA's eligibility rules.
EE Rising Star Award and Public Participation
The EE BAFTA Rising Star Award, uniquely voted on by the British public, features nominees Archie Madekwe, Chase Infiniti, Miles Caton, Posy Sterling, and Robert Aramayo. This award has historically served as a predictor of future Hollywood success, with past winners including Tom Holland, Daniel Kaluuya, and Kristen Stewart.
Selection Process and Industry Commentary
From an initial submission of 221 films, the BAFTA judges narrowed the field to 82 longlisted entries before finalizing the shortlist. Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, praised the nominated films, stating, "This year's nominated films are full of bold storytelling and exquisite craft. The breadth of narrative, genres, and styles is spellbinding." She expressed enthusiasm for welcoming both newcomers and veterans to the awards ceremony in London.
The 79th EE BAFTA Film Awards are scheduled to be broadcast on BBC, BBC iPlayer, and internationally on February 22, 2026, with Alan Cumming set to host the ceremony. This event promises to be a celebration of cinematic excellence, highlighting the diverse and dynamic landscape of contemporary filmmaking.
