Emma Stone turned heads in a striking black Louis Vuitton gown as she made her entrance at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday, held at The Royal Festival Hall in London. Known for her fearless fashion choices, Stone’s daring dress flaunted a side cut-out that revealed a subtle hint of sideboob, creating a powerful statement on the red carpet and securing her the spotlight this award season.
The 37-year-old actress, nominated for Leading Actress for her role in Bugonia, wore a figure-hugging design that featured a sophisticated crossed halterneck collar and a graceful train extending a meter behind her. With minimal accessories, she chose simple diamond earrings and a bracelet that complemented her look without distraction.
Backdrop and Atmosphere of the BAFTA Ceremony
The iconic Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London served as the venue for this prestigious event, which brings together the finest talents in contemporary cinema. Hosted by Alan Cumming, the night celebrated the year’s biggest films and performances featuring stars like Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elordi, and Michael B. Jordan. Audiences enjoyed a vibrant red carpet where Magic FM’s Neev Spencer provided a DJ set, while Clara Amfo and Ali Plumb reported live outside the venue.
Celebrity presenters included notable names such as Aimee Lou Wood, Alicia Vikander, Cillian Murphy, Ethan Hawke, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Sadie Sink, and British grime artist Stormzy, adding extra flair to the eagerly awaited ceremony.
Emma Stone’s Cinematic Collaboration with Yorgos Lanthimos
Bugonia marks the fourth collaboration between Emma Stone and Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, following their critically acclaimed work on The Favourite (2018), which earned Stone a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. In her latest film, Stone’s character, a CEO of a major pharmaceutical company, is kidnapped by two conspiracy-obsessed men who believe she is an alien intent on annihilating Earth.
The dark comedy stars alongside Jesse Plemons, Alicia Silverstone, and comedian Stavros Halkias. Stone underwent the dramatic transformation of having her head shaved on camera for this role, an experience that sparked an intense emotional reaction during filming.
Excitement and Emotions on the Red Carpet
Emma Stone radiated joy and confidence at the awards, smiling and laughing as she posed for photographers. Her captivating gown and vibrant mood brought energy to the event, reflecting her status as a leading figure in the film industry as she pursued her BAFTA for Bugonia.
Competition and Nominations at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards
The ceremony highlighted some of this year’s strongest contenders, with Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another achieving a record fourteen nominations, including Best Film and a Leading Actor nod for Leonardo DiCaprio. Close rivals included Ryan Coogler’s supernatural horror Sinners with thirteen nominations and Chloé Zhao’s poignant drama Hamnet, which garnered eleven nods and set a new record for the most BAFTA nominations for a female-directed film.
Hamnet is adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s novel about Shakespeare’s family and features Irish actress Jessie Buckley, who has already claimed awards like the Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice. Paul Mescal, also in the film, seeks recognition for his Supporting Actor nomination after being overlooked at the Oscars.
The list of nominees for Leading Actress alongside Emma Stone includes Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue, Chase Infiniti for One Battle After Another, and Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value.
Varied Performances and Guest Appearances Throughout the Evening
The awards night featured a range of performances, including the UK debut of the record-breaking KPop group Demon Hunters’ track “Golden,” performed by JAE, AUDREYNUNA, and REI AMI, the voices of HUNTR/X. Additionally, British singer Jessie Ware delivered an emotionally charged rendition of a Barbra Streisand classic during the In Memoriam segment, paying tribute to those lost in the film community.
The event welcomed appearances from stars such as Kerry Washington, Minnie Driver, Monica Bellucci, Patrick Dempsey, and Regé-Jean Page, providing a star-studded atmosphere befitting the occasion.
Special Honors and Industry Recognition
This year’s ceremony also presented significant accolades beyond the standard awards. Dame Donna Langley received the BAFTA Fellowship, the organization’s highest honor, in recognition of her influential leadership as the British Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment. Additionally, Clare Binns, Creative Director of Picture House Cinemas, was awarded the BAFTA Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema for her dedication to championing diverse, independent films across the UK.
Recognition of British and International Talent
Several films gained nods for their artistic and technical achievements across multiple categories, such as Marty Supreme with eleven nominations, including Best Film; Sentimental Value with eight nominations; and individual acknowledgements in directing, screenplay, cinematography, and costume design.
A number of first-time nominees appeared this year, including Robert Aramayo, Odessa A’Zion, Rose Byrne, Chase Infiniti, Michael B. Jordan, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Stellan Skarsgård, and Teyana Taylor, signaling a fresh infusion of talent celebrated by BAFTA.
Detailed List of Award Winners and Nominees
Best Film Nominees:
- Hamnet
- Marty Supreme
- One Battle After Another
- Sentimental Value
- Sinners
Outstanding British Film Nominees:
- 28 Years Later
- The Ballad of Wallis Island
- Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
- Die My Love
- H is for Hawk
- Hamnet
- I Swear
- Mr Burton
- Pillion
- Steve
Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer Nominees:
- The Ceremony – Jack King (Director, Writer), Hollie Bryan (Producer), Lucy Meer (Producer)
- My Father’s Shadow – Akinola Davies Jr. (Director), Wale Davies (Writer)
- Pillion – Harry Lighton (Director, Writer)
- A Want In Her – Myrid Carten (Director)
- Wasteman – Cal McMau (Director), Hunter Andrews (Writer), Eoin Doran (Writer)
Film Not in the English Language Nominees:
- It Was Just An Accident
- The Secret Agent
- Sentimental Value
- Sirāt
- The Voice of Hind Rajab
Documentary Nominees:
- 2000 Meters to Andriivka
- Apocalypse in the Tropics
- Cover-Up
- Mr. Nobody Against Putin – Winner
- The Perfect Neighbor
Animated Film Nominees:
- Elio
- Little Amélie
- Zootropolis 2
Children’s & Family Film Nominees:
- Arco
- Boong – Winner
- Lilo & Stitch
- Zootropolis 2
Best Director Nominees:
- Bugonia
- Hamnet
- Marty Supreme
- One Battle After Another
- Sentimental Value
- Sinners
Original Screenplay Nominees:
- I Swear
- Marty Supreme
- The Secret Agent
- Sentimental Value
- Sinners
Adapted Screenplay Nominees:
- The Ballad of Wallis Island
- Bugonia
- Hamnet
- One Battle After Another
- Pillion
Leading Actress Nominees:
- Jessie Buckley – Hamnet
- Rose Byrne – If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
- Kate Hudson – Song Sung Blue
- Chase Infiniti – One Battle After Another
- Renate Reinsve – Sentimental Value
- Emma Stone – Bugonia
Leading Actor Nominees:
- Robert Aramayo – I Swear
- Timothée Chalamet – Marty Supreme
- Leonardo DiCaprio – One Battle After Another
- Ethan Hawke – Blue Moon
- Michael B. Jordan – Sinners
- Jesse Plemons – Bugonia
Supporting Actress Nominees:
- Odessa A’Zion – Marty Supreme
- Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas – Sentimental Value
- Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners – Winner
- Carey Mulligan – The Ballad of Wallis Island
- Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another
- Emily Watson – Hamnet
Supporting Actor Nominees:
- Benicio Del Toro – One Battle After Another
- Jacob Elordi – Frankenstein
- Paul Mescal – Hamnet
- Peter Mullan – I Swear
- Sean Penn – One Battle After Another – Winner
- Stellan Skarsgård – Sentimental Value
Special Visual Effects Winner:
Avatar: Fire and Ash – Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Daniel Barrett, Eric Saindon
Additional Technical and Artistic Nominations
Films including Frankenstein, Marty Supreme, Hamnet, One Battle After Another, and Sinners received nominations across categories such as production design, makeup & hair, costume design, original score, editing, casting, cinematography, and sound. Noteworthy winners included the makeup and hair team for Frankenstein and the production design for the same film.
Public and Rising Star Recognition
The EE Rising Star Award, voted on by the public, featured nominees including Robert Aramayo, Miles Caton, Chase Infiniti, Archie Madekwe, and Posy Sterling, spotlighting promising new talent within the industry.
Emma Stone’s Role and Future Prospects
Emma Stone’s dramatic appearance in the daring Louis Vuitton gown perfectly mirrored the intensity of her role in Bugonia, where she tackled a complex and emotionally charged character. The BAFTA nomination adds to a distinguished career that continuously challenges her artistic boundaries.
This appearance and nomination solidify Stone’s influential presence in both the film and fashion worlds, generating anticipation around the award outcomes and her future projects. With strong contenders competing, Stone’s performance and style remain key talking points. The broadcast of the ceremony on BBC One, iPlayer, and E! will allow audiences across the UK, North America, and beyond to witness a celebration of cinematic artistry and emerging talent.
