Sophie Habboo and Jamie Laing have made their triumphant return to the red carpet, gracing the 2026 BAFTAs at London’s Royal Festival Hall. This marks their first public appearance as a couple since the joyous arrival of their son, Ziggy, in December. Dressed to impress, the pair radiated love and excitement as they took on hosting duties for the ceremony’s red carpet coverage.
Sophie, 31, was a vision in a meticulously tailored strapless black lace gown. The exquisite design hugged her figure perfectly, flowing into a dramatic fishtail skirt with a sweeping train. Her ensemble was adorned with breathtaking diamond necklaces and dazzling chandelier earrings, adding a touch of old Hollywood glamour. Her blonde hair was styled in soft, loose waves, complementing her radiant make-up as she posed for photographers.
Jamie, 37, stood proudly by his wife’s side, looking dapper in a classic black suit paired with a crisp white shirt. He affectionately placed his arm around Sophie, showcasing their undeniable bond.
A Star-Studded Ceremony
This year’s BAFTA ceremony, hosted by the charismatic Alan Cumming, promises to be an unforgettable evening celebrating the year’s most outstanding cinematic achievements. The event is set to welcome a constellation of Hollywood’s brightest stars, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elordi, and Michael B. Jordan, all in attendance to honour the biggest releases of the year.
The red carpet buzz will be amplified by a dynamic DJ set from Magic FM presenter Neev Spencer, while Clara Amfo and Ali Plumb will be providing live reports from the iconic London venue. A formidable line-up of celebrity guest presenters is also scheduled to take the stage, featuring the talents of Aimee Lou Wood, Alicia Vikander, Cillian Murphy, Ethan Hawke, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Sadie Sink, and the acclaimed British grime artist Stormzy.
The Royal Festival Hall stage will further be graced by the presence of esteemed performers and presenters such as Kerry Washington, Minnie Driver, Monica Bellucci, Patrick Dempsey, and Regé-Jean Page, among many others.
Diverse Entertainment and Tributes
The evening’s entertainment promises a rich tapestry of performances. Notably, KPop sensations Demon Hunters will deliver a captivating rendition of their record-breaking track “Golden” outside of the United States for the first time. The song, performed by JAE, AUDREYNUNA & REI AMI – the voices behind HUNTR/X – is set to be a highlight.
In a poignant moment during the In Memoriam segment, British singer Jessie Ware will pay tribute with a moving cover of a Barbara Streisand classic.
Honouring Industry Excellence
The BAFTA Special Awards will recognise outstanding contributions to the arts and cinema. Dame Donna Langley will be bestowed with this year’s BAFTA Fellowship, the highest honour the arts charity bestows. As the British Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment, she is celebrated for her illustrious career and her significant influence and respect within the entertainment industry.
Furthermore, Clare Binns, the Creative Director of Picture House Cinemas, will receive the BAFTA Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award. This accolade acknowledges her pivotal role in championing diverse and fiercely independent films across the United Kingdom’s cinema screens.
The Nomination Race Heats Up
The competition for this year’s awards is fierce, with several films leading the pack. Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest offering, “One Battle After Another,” has secured an impressive fourteen nominations, positioning it as a strong contender. However, it faces formidable opposition from the supernatural horror “Sinners,” which boasts thirteen nominations, and Chloé Zhao’s deeply moving drama “Hamnet,” inspired by the death of Shakespeare’s son, with eleven nominations.
“Hamnet,” adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel, has already made history by achieving the most nominations for a female-directed film in BAFTA history. Irish star Jessie Buckley is nominated for her leading role in the film, building on her previous accolades, including a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award, and nominations for the Academy Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Co-star Paul Mescal, who was notably absent from the Oscar nominations, is also a contender, having received a Supporting Actor BAFTA nomination.
Elsewhere, Timothée Chalamet’s film “Marty Supreme” is hoping for success, having garnered eleven BAFTA nominations, including Best Film and Best Actor, following recent triumphs at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards.
Other films with significant nominations include “Frankenstein” and “Sentimental Value,” each with eight nods. “I Swear” and “Bugonia” have five nominations each, while “The Ballad of Wallis Island,” “Pillion,” and “F1” have three nominations apiece.
The nominees for Leading Actress are a showcase of talent, featuring 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,” and Emma Stone for “Bugonia.”
Leonardo DiCaprio is in contention for his second BAFTA award, marking his seventh nomination. He is recognised for his Leading Actor performance in the already highly decorated film “One Battle After Another.”
