Baftas red carpet: Prince and Princess of Wales stun as Kate rewears iconic Gucci gown

Speaking on the carpet before heading inside for the awards, William said he wasn’t in the right state to watch best picture nominee Hamnet, which follows the storyline of Shakespeare and his Agnes after losing their child.

“I need to be in quite a calm state, and I am not at the moment. I will save it,” he said, before revealing Kate had recently watched the film and was left in “floods of tears”.

Catherine and William arrive at the Baftas. Photo / Getty Images

Also in attendance were best actor nominee Leonardo DiCaprio and Golden Globes winner and nominee Timothee Calamet, who both missed out on the Best Actor gong. It went to I Swear star Robert Aramayo.

Best actress nominee Emma Stone also walked the red carpet, as did best supporting actor nominee Paul Mescal, who was joined by partner, singer Gracie Abrams.

Other famous faces to grace the carpet included Kirsten Dunst, Kate Hudson, Michael B Jordan, the cast of K-Pop Demon Hunters, and even West End’s Paddington Bear made an appearance.

Big winners on the night included Hament actress Jessie Buckley, One Battle After Another‘s director and writer Paul Thomas Anderson and Kiwi costume designer Kate Hawley who won for her work on Frankenstein.

Here are the best fashion looks from the 2026 Baftas

Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner. Photo / Getty Images

Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner

While Kylie skipped the carpet with her leading man, the couple were pictured inside looking loved up in Custom Givenchy (Chalamet) and vintage Thierry Mugler (Jenner).

Emma Stone. Photo / Getty Images

Emma Stone

Actress Emma Stone wore a simple plunging Louis Vuitton gown with minimal accessories and pinned-back hair.

Teyana Taylor. Photo / Getty Images

Teyana Taylor

One Battle After Another star Teyana Taylor came to serve in a custom Burberry look matched with a bold winged eyeliner.

Leonardo DiCaprio. Photo / Getty Images

Leonardo DiCaprio

Never straying far from his signature black tux, DiCaprio kept things simple but classy in Dior.

Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst. Photo / Getty Images

Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst

Kirsten Dunst was having a Valentino moment on the carpet with husband and Bafta nominee Jesse Plemons.

Kate Hudson. Photo / Getty Images

Kate Hudson

Actress Kate Hudson stunned in a custom Prada gown topped off with a diamond necklace and chandelier diamond earrings.

Kerry Washington. Photo / Getty Images

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington made her Bafta debut in a striking Prada gown complete with floral sequin applique.

Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams. Photo / Getty Images

Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams

Paul Mescal and partner Gracie Abrams brought the PDA and fashion to the carpet. Mescal wore a Prada suit, while Abrams wore Chanel Pre-Fall 2026.

Chase Infiniti. Photo / Getty Images

Chase Infiniti

Rising Star nominee Chase Infiniti was the queen of structure in this burgundy Louis Vuitton trumpeted gown.

Michael B. Jordan. Photo / Getty Images

Michael B. Jordan

Sinners actor Michael B Jordan was looking every bit the leading man in a full black suit with a satin jacket.

Carey Mulligan. Photo / Getty Images

Carey Mulligan

Carey Mulligan kept it simple but oh-so elegant in Prada.

Ginnifer Goodwin. Photo / Getty Images

Ginnifer Goodwin

Voice of Officer Judy Hopps, Ginnifer Goodwin, celebrated Zootopia’s Bafta win in a striking sequin cape dress with matching accessories.

Joe Alwyn. Photo / Getty Images

Joe Alywn

Hamnet actor Joe Alywn wore a cream jacket elevated with a gold brooch as he graced the carpet in style.

Bobby Cannavale and Rose Byrne. Photo / Getty Images

Bobby Cannavale and Rose Byrne

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You star Rose Byrne may have missed out on the Bafta, but she won the carpet in Miu Miu, alongside husband and actor Bobby Cannavale.

Aimee Lou Wood. Photo / Getty Images

Aimee Lou Wood

White Lotus actress Aimee Lou Wood was pretty in pink, wearing Kiwi designer Emilia Wickstead’s Pre-Fall 2026 collection.

Jenni Mortimer is the New Zealand Herald’s chief lifestyle and entertainment reporter. Jenni started at the Herald in 2017 and has previously worked as lifestyle, entertainment and travel editor.