At the 79th British Academy Film Awards held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, a wave of daring fashion choices took centre stage, with Emma Stone Bafta fashion leading the charge. On a chilly February evening, stars including Emma Stone, Carey Mulligan, and Kerry Washington showcased a series of striking backless and revealing gowns, demonstrating a fearless approach to red carpet style.
Emma Stone and Leading Ladies Showcase Eye-Catching Red Carpet Looks
Nominated for best actress for her performance in Bugonia, Emma Stone chose a provocative black dress for the event. The design featured a halterneck silhouette combined with a keyhole cut-out and a boldly backless style. She complemented her daring outfit with subtle earrings and wore her hair loose in a chignon, striking a balance between elegance and edge.
Carey Mulligan, nominated for best supporting actress for her role in The Ballad of Wallis Island, also favoured a backless look. Her navy halterneck dress, held together by a thin strap at the back, was paired effortlessly with a relaxed bob hairstyle.
Irish star Jessie Buckley, viewed as a strong contender for best actress for Hamnet, wore a striking electric blue Grecian-style gown. Although modest at the front with a high neckline and sparkling brooches on the shoulders, the dress surprised with a scooped back that added an unexpected dramatic flair. Buckley’s short, wet-look hair further accentuated the boldness of her style.
Rose Byrne, nominated for best actress for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, donned a pale yellow dress by Miu Miu. Her gown featured delicate sequins on the bodice, thin bedazzled straps, and was dramatically backless. She paired it with a sleek updo and statement earrings, continuing the red carpet’s trend toward glamour with a daring twist.
Kerry Washington, known for her work on Scandal, arrived in a navy Prada gown decorated with floral sequins on its bodice. The dress combined a voluminous chiffon skirt with a bold backless design, exemplifying the event’s focus on risqué yet sophisticated fashion.
Louis Vuitton Makes a Strong Presence Among Rising and Established Stars
Emerging talent Chase Infiniti, nominated for best actress for her role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, strengthened her association with luxury fashion by choosing a burgundy Louis Vuitton gown. The strapless dress featured a fishtail hem and was styled with a soft updo and long diamond earrings, eschewing a necklace for understated elegance.
Erin Doherty, known for Adolescence, stood out in another Louis Vuitton creation. Her black dress, marked by a structured silhouette and low neckline, echoed the bold shapes she favoured at previous events, affirming her fearless red carpet approach.
Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve, also nominated for best actress for Sentimental Value, wore a revealing Louis Vuitton gown with geometric cut-outs that emphasized her daring fashion sense.
Emily Watson, nominated for best supporting actress for her portrayal of Mary Shakespeare in Hamnet, opted for understated sophistication. Her chocolate brown dress featured long sleeves, a low boat neckline, and a matching train. She complemented the ensemble with a relaxed updo and a diamond necklace, exuding quiet elegance amid the more revealing styles around her.
Additional Notable Appearances Demonstrate Diverse Style Choices
“Stranger Things” actress Sadie Sink prepared for her upcoming West End role in Romeo and Juliet with a structured sage green backless gown, her red hair worn down to complement the look.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw brought color to the red carpet in a pink sequinned gown by Giorgio Armani. The simple cut, featuring a deep V-neckline, form-fitting shape, and thigh-high slit, highlighted her confident presence.
Swedish actress Alicia Vikander, famed for her role as Lara Croft in the Tomb Raider franchise, chose a pale blue Louis Vuitton gown. It was distinguished by a triangular rib cutout and rich sequined texture that added depth and interest to the classic silhouette.
Not all fashion at the Baftas was boldly revealing; some performers experimented with more reserved looks. Teyana Taylor, nominated for best supporting actress for One Battle After Another, wore a dramatic brown coat-style dress featuring a high collar extending past her ears, ruching details, and a lengthy train that added theatrical flair.
Maggie Gyllenhaal opted for a classic black gown with long sleeves and sparkling embellishments, adding contrast with a bold red lip. Meanwhile, Kathryn Hahn, star of WandaVision, chose an all-red ensemble layered with ruching, a high neckline, and long sleeves, striking a balance between dramatic and demure.
Men’s Fashion Pushes Boundaries Amidst Classic Choices
Actor and host of The Traitors US, Alan Cumming, embraced a modern twist on traditional menswear. His black overcoat was adorned with fringe and a splash of white at the hem, paired with dyed pink, blue, and white curls in gelled-down hair. A standout brooch replaced the typical tie, completing the adventurous look.
Irish actor Paul Mescal, nominated for best actor for Hamnet, presented a refined appearance in a loose-fitting black suit and simple white shirt. He attended with his partner, singer Gracie Abrams.
Known for bold style, Timothée Chalamet kept his outfit understated in a loose black tuxedo, proving simplicity can also make a statement.
Riz Ahmed, recently seen in a modern South Asian adaptation of Hamlet, wore a double-breasted pinstriped suit paired with flared trousers and notably went without a shirt underneath, underlining his edgy style choices.
Rising Trends and Lasting Impressions from the Bafta Red Carpet
The 2026 Bafta red carpet was a vivid showcase of how leading actors and actresses are embracing bold, boundary-pushing fashion while maintaining elements of classic elegance. Emma Stone Bafta fashion, in particular, highlighted a trend toward revealing yet sophisticated ensembles, balancing risk with refinement. This evolving red carpet ethos not only reflects current fashion sensibilities but also influences upcoming award ceremonies and industry events.
With a broad spectrum of styles displayed—from daring cut-outs and sequins to structured gowns and inventive menswear—the Baftas have set a vibrant tone for the year’s entertainment fashion. Observers and fans alike can expect this blend of boldness and elegance to continue shaping celebrity style choices in 2026 and beyond.
