Yahoo News The most memorable BAFTA red carpet looks of all time
“It’s kind of like the British Oscars,” Jennifer Lawrence once said about the BAFTA awards. Well, quite, that’s exactly what it is. As such, the fashion is always exceptional.
The British Academy Film Awards, which have been running since 1949, have seen some of the most memorable gowns grace the Royal Albert Hall. From Old Hollywood legends like a corseted Audrey Hepburn in 1955 and a fabulously sequined Elizabeth Taylor in 1967 to more contemporary icons like Cate Blanchett in an elaborate floral cut-out Alexander McQueen gown on the red carpet in 2016 and Michaela Coel wearing rising British designer Maximillian to sweep up the accolades in 2021.
Although the ceremony takes place after the much-anticipated Golden Globes and SAG Awards, the event never fails to attract an international star-studded crowd. In 2020, Renee Zellweger notably stole the show in her sherbet pink Prada column gown to collect the leading actress award for her role as Judy Garland in Judy. Other unforgettable frocks that year included other best-dressed list regulars like Florence Pugh in a hot pink Dries van Noten with bow clasps and billowing train and Margot Robbie’s peplum lace Chanel dress.
Our homegrown talent has put its best foot forward over the years. Front runners of the most stylish Brit set include Jodie Comer, who scooped the Best Leading Actress award last year in a plunging tuxedo-inspired Boss gown; as well as Sienna Miller in a silky blush look from Gucci pre-fall 2022 and Daniel Kaluuya in a fuzzy coat fresh from Prada’s autumn/winter 2022 menswear collection.
The evening also has a long association with the royal family. The late Prince Philip served as the organisation’s first president from 1959 to 1965, with Princess Anne holding the same title from 1973 to 2001 and Prince William from February 2010 to present. He and Kate are regulars. One of the Duchess of Cambridge’s most memorable moments was a 2019 Alexander McQueen one-shouldered white gown that featured an elegant flower detail on the strap, a cinched-in waistline and dreamy flowing skirt.
Although the couple have been absent from the event for the past two years, they are both confirmed to attend the 2023 iteration. It’s the pair’s first black-tie event in the public eye since Prince Harry’s controversial memoir Spare and all eyes will be on the royals and their sartorial style choices.
This weekend, at the 76th BAFTAs ceremony, stylish stars such as Anya Taylor-Joy, Michelle Yeoh, Ana de Armas, Paul Mescal and Carey Mulligan will all be stepping out at the event’s new home: Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall, which, the organisation has said, will allow the event to be the “most ambitious and accessible night yet”. According to CEO Jane Millichip, this year’s ceremony will be “one of our most well-attended on record”, so get ready to add more fabulous gowns to the BAFTA memory bank.
BAFTAs: Best Dressed of All-Time - In pictures
Scroll through the gallery above to see the best BAFTA red carpet looks of all time
