Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet lead Hollywood stars on red carpet at BAFTA Film Awards in London to celebrate best films of 2026

London’s Royal Festival Hall was awash with glamour and glitz on Sunday night as the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards kicked off.

Hollywood’s finest, from Leonardo DiCaprio to Timothée Chalamet, graced the red carpet, bringing both star power and anticipation ahead of next month’s Academy Awards.

This year, the awards have become a cinematic bellwether, with One Battle After Another leading the charge with 14 nominations.

Close on its heels are Sinners, Hamnet, and Marty Supreme, signaling a fierce battle for the top honors.

Record-Breaking Nominations and Female Directors in the Spotlight

A historic moment unfolded for female filmmakers as Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet scored 11 nominations, the most ever for a female-directed film in BAFTA history.

Zhao’s achievement has generated buzz not only for her work but also for the broader push toward recognizing women behind the camera.

Alan Cumming hosted the ceremony, bringing his signature energy and charm to the Royal Festival Hall stage, while BBC One broadcast the awards live at 7pm, allowing audiences across the UK to witness the spectacle.

Red Carpet Highlights and Star Appearances

The red carpet was a parade of style and celebrity.

Leonardo DiCaprio arrived to support his film One Battle After Another, hoping to add a BAFTA to his already impressive trophy shelf.

Timothée Chalamet, nominated for Leading Actor, made his entrance sans girlfriend Kylie Jenner, while Rose Byrne dazzled in her nomination-worthy ensemble.

Other notable arrivals included Paul Mescal, stepping out alongside his girlfriend Gracie Abrams, and Sadie Sink, stunning in a silk green gown.

Chase Infiniti, a lead in One Battle After Another, also brought flair to the event, ensuring the red carpet was as exciting as the awards inside.

A Night of Music, Reflection, and Tribute

Music played a key role in the evening, with Jessie Ware performing a special tribute during the In Memoriam segment.

The tribute honored those passionate individuals who contributed to the film industry over the past year but are no longer with us.

Edith Bowman, BBC radio presenter and longtime BAFTA attendee, offered behind-the-scenes insights, sharing memories of humorous and heartfelt encounters with stars like Hugh Jackman and Olivia Colman.

Bowman’s anecdotes highlighted the human side of these glamorous events, where laughter, tears, and genuine camaraderie coexist with the pomp of Hollywood.

Glamour Meets Tradition in British Cinema

The BAFTAs continue to be one of the film calendar’s most celebrated nights, bridging British cinema with global Hollywood appeal.

The event honors creativity, achievement, and innovation, while also reflecting on the individuals who make the industry thrive.

What’s Next?

With the BAFTAs concluded, attention now shifts to the 2026 Academy Awards, where the momentum of nominations and wins in London may influence Oscar predictions.

Stars like DiCaprio, Chalamet, and Zhao are expected to carry their BAFTA successes into next month, while industry watchers anticipate which films and performances will dominate the Oscars stage.

Summary

The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards lit up London’s Royal Festival Hall with Hollywood glamour, record-breaking nominations, and historic recognition for female directors.

One Battle After Another led the nominations, Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet made BAFTA history, and stars from DiCaprio to Chalamet graced the red carpet.

With music, tributes, and memorable moments, the ceremony celebrated both achievement and legacy, setting the stage for next month’s Academy Awards.