Awards season momentum reached a new high at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards, where the film industry gathered at London’s Royal Albert Hall for an evening that felt charged with anticipation. With the Oscars just around the corner, the red carpet reflected a noticeable shift. After weeks of vintage-inspired gowns and Old Hollywood beauty references, the mood turned sleeker, sharper, and unmistakably modern.
Glamour remained the through line—but this time, it was delivered with restraint and edge.
Emma Stone led the charge in a slinky black Louis Vuitton gown defined by a dramatic keyhole cutout at the chest. The silhouette was fluid and minimalist, allowing the architectural detail to take center stage. It was sensual without excess, proving that simplicity—when executed precisely—can be the boldest statement of all.
Erin Doherty, also in Louis Vuitton, opted for structure over softness. Her black gown featured a sculptural, rippling skirt that seemed to defy gravity. The look felt directional and artful, a confident embrace of modern tailoring that balanced strength with elegance.
Teyana Taylor brought high drama in a maroon Burberry gown that cleverly nodded to the house’s heritage. Cinched at the waist with a belt reminiscent of its iconic trench coats, the design was finished with a collar that rose dramatically toward her ears. The result was theatrical yet cohesive—an unmistakable fusion of brand identity and red-carpet spectacle.
Tilda Swinton approached glamour from a different angle altogether. Forgoing a gown, she selected a sharply tailored Chanel tuxedo featuring ultra high-rise trousers and a cropped jacket. A brooch provided the finishing touch. While her look carried echoes of Old Hollywood, the menswear-inspired silhouette made it feel subversive and distinctly her own.
Wunmi Mosaku delivered one of the evening’s most dynamic looks in a shocking cobalt gown adorned with elongated fringe. Though the detailing recalled flapper-era movement, the bold color and streamlined cut ensured it felt entirely contemporary. As she walked, the fringe came alive—transforming the gown into a kinetic statement piece.
Altogether, the 2026 BAFTAs marked a turning point in awards-season style. Rather than leaning into nostalgia, the evening celebrated fashion that felt immediate and forward-thinking. Clean lines, strong silhouettes, and modern interpretations of heritage houses dominated the carpet—setting an exciting precedent for the ceremonies still to come.
