At the 79th British Academy Film Awards held at London’s Royal Festival Hall, Emma Stone made a striking impression with her daring black dress, exemplifying Emma Stone Bafta fashion as a highlight of the evening. Joined by other high-profile celebrities, the event spotlighted bold, backless outfits that captured attention in February’s chilly weather.
Emma Stone and Leading Ladies Embrace Risky Red Carpet Trends
Emma Stone, nominated for best actress for her role in Bugonia, donned a daring black halterneck dress featuring a keyhole cut-out and an open back, complemented by delicate earrings and a loosely styled chignon. Carey Mulligan, up for best supporting actress for The Ballad Of Wallis Island, appeared in a navy halterneck gown with a minimalist backless design and a relaxed bob haircut.
Irish actress Jessie Buckley, a favorite for best actress for Hamnet, combined elegance with surprise by wearing an electric blue Grecian-style dress that revealed a scooped back, paired with short, wet-look hair. Similarly, Rose Byrne, nominated for her role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, chose a pale yellow, backless Miu Miu gown adorned with sequins and bedazzled straps, finished with a sleek updo and statement earrings.
Prominent Stars Showcase Designer Gowns with Unique Details
Kerry Washington, best known for Scandal, appeared in a striking navy Prada dress featuring floral sequins on the bodice and a voluminous chiffon skirt, accentuated by a dramatic backless cut. Newcomer Chase Infiniti, nominated for best actress for director Paul Thomas Anderson’s film One Battle After Another, opted for a burgundy strapless gown by Louis Vuitton with a dramatic fishtail silhouette, paired with diamond earrings and a soft updo.
Erin Doherty, known for Adolescence, embraced a bold style choice in a structured black dress by Louis Vuitton with a statement skirt and low neckline, showing a pattern of fearless fashion risks marked by her turquoise dress at the Critics Choice Awards earlier that year. Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve, also nominated for best leading actress for Sentimental Value, wore a daring Louis Vuitton dress showcasing geometric cut-outs that revealed significant skin.
Sophisticated Looks and Elegant Styling Among Bafta Nominees
Emily Watson, nominated for best supporting actress for portraying Mary Shakespeare in Hamnet, chose a chocolate brown gown featuring a low boat neckline and matching train, combined with long sleeves, a relaxed updo, and a diamond necklace. Sadie Sink from Stranger Things, preparing to star in Romeo and Juliet on the West End, captured attention in a structured sage green backless gown with her signature red hair flowing freely.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw, known for the Doctor Who spinoff The War Between The Land And The Sea, wore a pink sequinned Giorgio Armani gown with a simple yet elegant deep-V neckline, form-fitting silhouette, and a thigh-high slit. Swedish actress Alicia Vikander, famous for playing Lara Croft in the Tomb Raider films, embraced sparkle in a pale blue sequinned Louis Vuitton dress featuring a deep-V neckline and an eye-catching triangular cutout at the ribs.
Alternative Fashion Choices Reflecting Individuality on the Red Carpet
Not all attendees chose revealing gowns; some stars experimented with more reserved designs. Teyana Taylor, nominated for best supporting actress for One Battle After Another, wore a dramatic brown coat-style dress with a high collar extending past her ears, ruching, and a long train. Maggie Gyllenhaal appeared in a black long-sleeve gown accented with sparkly sleeve detailing, completing her look with a bold red lip. Kathryn Hahn, recognized for WandaVision, stepped out in an eye-catching all-red ensemble featuring all-over ruching, a high neck, and long sleeves.
Distinctive Menswear Adds Vibrancy to Bafta Red Carpet
Men’s fashion also commanded attention, with host Alan Cumming opting for a modern twist on traditional suiting. His black overcoat, layered over a black shirt and pants, was adorned with long fringes and accented by dyed pink, blue, and white curls, finished with a statement brooch replacing a conventional tie. Irish actor Paul Mescal, nominated for best actor for Hamnet, appeared in a relaxed black suit paired with a simple white shirt, accompanied by partner Gracie Abrams.
Known for his bold style, Timothée Chalamet kept it understated in a loose black tuxedo, while Riz Ahmed, star of a contemporary South Asian adaptation of Hamlet, wore a double-breasted pinstriped suit with flared trousers and no shirt underneath, offering a striking look.
Bafta Fashion Highlights Reflect Broader Trends and Future Influences
The 2026 Bafta red carpet offered a compelling blend of daring and elegant fashion choices, with Emma Stone Bafta fashion serving as a clear highlight. This event not only affirmed the ongoing trend of bold, backless dresses but also showcased a spectrum of styles from statement menswear to classic elegance. The interplay between risk-taking ensembles and refined designs signals an evolving aesthetic for future award seasons, embracing individuality and confident self-expression.
