The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards brought Hollywood to the banks of the Thames on Sunday night, as the industry gathered at London’s Royal Festival Hall to honour the most acclaimed films of the past year. While millions watched the ceremony unfold on screen, much of the evening’s energy played out beyond the cameras — from red carpet rituals to emotional celebrations behind closed doors.
Held just weeks ahead of the Academy Awards, the ceremony marked a major milestone for several projects. Sinners and One Battle After Another emerged as headline winners, with Ryan Coogler becoming the first Black filmmaker to claim victory in his category. Hamnet secured two awards, including Outstanding British Film, cementing its status as one of the year’s standout domestic productions.
Red Carpet Rush
The approach to the venue was a spectacle in itself. The sprawling red carpet, lined with fans outside and press inside, created a high-energy corridor that saw a steady procession of international talent.
Chase Infiniti waved to fans
Among those making their way through were Jessie Buckley, Leonardo DiCaprio, Aimee Lou Wood, Joe Alwyn, Minnie Driver, Robert Aramayo and Erin Doherty. Rising Star nominee Chase Infiniti paused to acknowledge onlookers with a bright wave, while emerging actors Miles Caton and the young Hamnet stars Noah and Jacobi Juke represented a new generation of performers.
Seasoned attendees navigated the frenzy with practised composure. Leonardo DiCaprio moved swiftly with a tight security presence, while Ethan Hawke and Bryan Cranston closed out the latter stretch of arrivals.
Unscripted Moments
For all its polish, the red carpet revealed flashes of spontaneity. Odessa A’zion, star of Marty Supreme, briefly crouched mid-carpet to adjust her fringe using her camera lens as a mirror. Catching the attention of onlookers, she laughed off the moment with a playful expression before greeting photographers with a wave.
Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet backstage during the BAFTAs
Nearby, Joe Alwyn was overheard discussing post-ceremony plans, while former Rising Star winner Mia McKenna-Bruce animatedly anticipated the Champagne reception awaiting guests inside.
Couples in the Spotlight
Though Valentine’s Day had passed, romance remained a visible theme of the evening. Ginnifer Goodwin and Josh Dallas arrived together, with Dallas standing supportively by as Goodwin discussed her upcoming work on Zootopia 2. Kate Hudson and Danny Fujikawa strolled arm-in-arm, while Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams shared a quiet moment, hands tightly interlocked. Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale exited the carpet together, fingers entwined.
Vogue was a special guest of BAFTA’s Official Wine Partner Casillero Del Diablo
Backstage, Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner were also spotted during the evening’s proceedings, adding to the night’s star power.
A Royal Pause
Proceedings briefly halted ahead of the arrival of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales. Roughly 15 minutes before their entrance, the red carpet was cleared, with even major film stars escorted from the press marquee.
The red carpet was shut down for the royal couple’s arrival
When the couple stepped onto the carpet, the atmosphere shifted. Conversation softened and cameras pivoted as they made their way inside before greeting fans gathered beyond the barriers.
In the Winners’ Room
Away from the glare of the main stage, emotions ran high in the winners’ room.
Wunmi Mosaku won best supporting actress while Jessie Buckley won best leading actress
Sinners dominated discussions, with Ryan Coogler collecting trophies for Best Original Screenplay and Original Score. Wunmi Mosaku, honoured for Best Supporting Actress, spoke candidly after her win, reflecting on the importance of collaboration and visibly moved by the recognition. Moments later, she watched Coogler’s acceptance speech on a nearby screen, smiling as applause echoed through the space.
Robert Aramayo won the Leading Actor and EE Rising Star Award
One of the night’s most surprising victories came when Robert Aramayo, already recognised with the EE Rising Star Award, was announced as Leading Actor for I Swear. The room erupted at the result, which saw him triumph over nominees including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet and Ethan Hawke. Aramayo appeared stunned, scanning the crowd as his father’s cheers rang out from the audience.
His excitement carried into the press area, where he greeted journalists enthusiastically, clearly absorbing the scale of the achievement.
A Quiet Gesture
As guests settled into dinner — a carefully curated menu featuring roasted maple pumpkin rolls, truffle chicken with mushroom pithivier, caramelised leek and pumpkin pithivier, and desserts including popcorn and chocolate mousse sundaes — the pace inside the hall softened.
Gracie attended alongside her boyfriend Paul Mescal
Near the venue’s exit, one understated exchange stood out. Gracie Abrams paused on her way out to speak privately with a fan waiting behind the barriers. Leaning in to chat, she lingered for several moments before offering a warm farewell and promising to see him on tour.
It was a fleeting interaction, but one that captured the spirit of the evening: amid the accolades and glamour, moments of connection still took centre stage.
