Hollywood’s Stars Shine Bright at Pre-BAFTA Bash
London’s social scene was abuzz on Thursday night as the Four Seasons Hotel played host to a dazzling pre-BAFTA Vanity Fair party. The event saw a constellation of stars descend, celebrating the upcoming British Academy Film Awards with glitz, glamour, and plenty of anticipation for Sunday’s main ceremony.
Among the luminaries gracing the red carpet was 23-year-old actress Emilia Jones, daughter of renowned singer Aled Jones. She turned heads in a striking silver mini dress, a one-shoulder ensemble that showcased a decidedly leggy display. Jones, who recently starred alongside Glen Powell in the film The Running Man, struck a confident pose, accentuating her stylish look with chic heels.
The star-studded gathering also featured a dapper Damian Lewis, who made an animated entrance, adding to the lively atmosphere. He was seen mingling with fellow attendees, including actress Jessica Henwick and Alex Fine, the husband of American singer Cassie.
The Road to the BAFTAs: Nominations and Frontrunners
As the glitz of the party fades, the focus now shifts to the main event: the 2026 EE BAFTAs. The prestigious awards ceremony is set to return to London’s Southbank Centre, specifically the Royal Festival Hall, this Sunday. The nominations, unveiled last month by David Jonsson, the 2025 Rising Star nominee, and Aimee Lou Wood, have set the stage for a competitive night.
This year’s nominations reflect a dynamic cinematic landscape, with several films leading the pack. Following its impressive performance at the Academy Awards, One Battle After Another has secured the most BAFTA nods, boasting a remarkable 14 nominations, including a nod for its lead actor, Leonardo DiCaprio.
Close on its heels is Sinners, which, after breaking records for Oscar nominations, has garnered 13 BAFTA nominations, positioning it as a strong contender. Other films making a significant impact include Marty Supreme and Hamnet, each scoring eleven nominations. Further down the list, Frankenstein and Sentimental Value have earned eight nominations apiece, while I Swear and Bugonia have received five each. The remaining nominations are spread across The Ballad of Wallis Island, Pillion, and F1, each with three nods.
A Record-Breaking Year for Female-Led Cinema
A notable highlight of this year’s nominations is Hamnet, Chloe Zhao’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel. The film has achieved a historic milestone, securing the most nominations for a female-directed film in BAFTA history. This achievement underscores the growing recognition and success of women in the director’s chair within the industry.
The coveted Best Film award will see a fierce competition between Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sinners, and Sentimental Value, all vying for the night’s most significant accolade.
Leading Actor and Actress Contenders
The Leading Actress category is particularly compelling. Irish star Jessie Buckley is a strong favourite, adding to her already impressive awards season. Having already clinched the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award for her lead role in Hamnet, Buckley is also a frontrunner for the upcoming Oscar and SAG Awards.
She faces stiff competition from a talented field, including:
* Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
* Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue
* Chase Infiniti for One Battle After Another
* Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value
* Emma Stone for Bugonia
In the Leading Actor category, Leonardo DiCaprio has the opportunity to secure his second BAFTA award, marking his seventh nomination for One Battle After Another. However, he faces a formidable challenge from Timothée Chalamet, his awards season rival, nominated for his role in Marty Supreme. The category is further enriched by a stacked lineup of talent:
* Robert Aramayo for I Swear
* Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon
* Michael B. Jordan for Sinners
* Jesse Plemons for Bugonia
Supporting Roles and British Hopes
While Paul Mescal, Jessie Buckley’s co-star in Hamnet, may have been overlooked in the Oscar nominations, he has earned a well-deserved Supporting Actor BAFTA nod. He faces formidable competition from:
* Benicio Del Toro for One Battle After Another
* Jacob Elordi for Frankenstein
* Petter Mullan for I Swear
* Sean Penn for One Battle After Another
* Stellan Skarsgård for Sentimental Value
The Supporting Actress category offers a glimmer of hope for a British win. Nigerian-British actress Wunmi Mosaku, a star of Sinners, is nominated alongside:
* Carey Mulligan for The Ballad Of Wallis Island
* Emily Watson for Hamnet
The anticipation is palpable as the film industry gears up for a night of celebration, recognition, and perhaps, a few surprise upsets. The BAFTAs promise to be a fitting culmination of a remarkable year in cinema.
