It has become one of the biggest awards show in the film calendar and, like the Oscars, guests at this year's Baftas tried not to disappoint on the red carpet.
The event at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden saw the best of British talent mingle with Hollywood stars such as Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt and George Clooney .
Despite the sub-zero conditions, many of the female contingent seemed happy to bare a bit of flesh.
Most went for designer frocks, although there was one notable exception.
My Week With Marilyn star Michelle Williams broke with tradition by wearing a custom-made dress by Swedish high street retailer H&M.
The cream and black strapless frock was finished with a flower around the waist and accessorised with a clutch in the shape of a book.
A tribute to The Misfits - Monroe's last film, scripted by her playright husband Arthur Miller - was embroidered on the front.
Opting for designer wear was The Help's Jessica Chastain, who lost out on the Best Supporting Actress award to co-star Octavia Spencer.
She shimmered in a metallic Grecian gown by Oscar de la Renta with a plunging neckline.
Her co-star Viola Davis, who was nominated for Best Actress, brought some colour to the occasion.
She went for a Valentino coral gown with an asymmetric shoulder and a revealing slit at the front.
Meryl Streep, who won the Best Actress award, went for a Vivienne Westwood outfit with a low cut neckline and a ruffled bodice.
Unlike many of the stars, Streep took note of the cold temperatures by wearing a boxy-shouldered jacket.
Mad Men actress Christina Hendricks also wore a Vivienne Westwood gown, a long black number that showed off her famous curves.
She rounded off the look with bright red lipstick to match her fiery hair.
Tilda Swinton , nominated for Best Actress for her role in We Need To Talk About Kevin, wore a white, high-waisted column dress by Celine.
The pale-skinned actress styled her short auburn hair into a side quiff.
Despite many eye-catching outfits, The Artist was the real star of the show, winning seven awards including Best Film, Best Director and Best Actor.
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