The 2026 British Academy Film Awards, held on February 22 at London’s Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, celebrated outstanding achievements in British and international cinema. Among the highlights was the highly anticipated Paul Mescal BAFTAs debut, where the actor appeared alongside singer Gracie Abrams for their first official red carpet outing as a couple.
A Memorable Night for Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams at the BAFTAs
The 2026 BAFTAs honored exceptional films from the year, including major U.S. titles such as One Battle After Another, Marty Supreme, and Sinners. Alongside the award presentations, Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams captured attention by walking the red carpet together, marking a special milestone since their relationship became public. Mescal, nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Hamnet, chose a sleek black Prada suit without a bow tie, opting for an open-collar white shirt for a relaxed yet elegant look.
Gracie Abrams complemented him beautifully in a Chanel dress from Matthieu Blazy’s 2026 Métiers d’art collection, which featured delicate ocean-inspired details enhanced by shimmering teal-blue beads. The couple’s warm chemistry was evident in photos, including one where Abrams kissed Mescal’s cheek as he embraced her.
The Progression of Mescal and Abrams’ Relationship Before the BAFTAs
Their relationship first came into the spotlight in June 2024 when a photograph surfaced showing Mescal touching Abrams’ face during a London outing. By August, media confirmed they were a couple, having been seen sharing affectionate moments around the city.
In October 2024, Mescal showed support for Abrams as she opened for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, attending Swift’s Miami concert from the VIP area. Abrams reciprocated by attending Mescal’s film premiere at the Cannes Film Festival the following May, although she walked the red carpet alone. Their bond continued to strengthen publicly, as Abrams posted photos with Mescal in July 2025 during a summer concert with friends.
Most recently in February, Abrams honored Mescal and a close friend on Instagram, sharing heartfelt birthday wishes.
P❤️ Clemmy❤️ My whole heart!!!!!!!!! I love February 2… Happy birthday❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️I love you both more than words could ever describe. Thank you for making everything better,
she wrote, expressing deep affection. Gracie Abrams’ message highlighted the close connections that continue to define their relationship.
What This BAFTAs Appearance Means for Their Future
Paul Mescal’s appearance at the 2026 BAFTAs alongside Gracie Abrams not only marks an important personal milestone but also signals their growing visibility as a couple in the public eye. Their stylish presentation and evident affection on the red carpet suggest they are embracing their partnership amid rising careers. As both continue to achieve success—Mescal in film and Abrams in music—their shared moments at prominent events like the BAFTAs could foreshadow further collaborative support in their professional and personal lives.
