BAFTAs 2026: Full Winners List and the Most Stunning Red Carpet Fashion Moments

By Jessica Laurent (@JLaurUpdates)

The Night London Outshone Hollywood: Inside the 79th BAFTA Awards

The Thames reflected a different kind of light this week as the global cinematic elite descended upon the Royal Festival Hall for the 2026 British Academy Film Awards. It wasn’t just a ceremony; it was a defiant statement of cultural gravity. While Hollywood often relies on spectacle, London provided a masterclass in “stately rebellion,” where the fog of the city met the fire of new-age storytelling.

From the moment the first limousine door opened, the air crackled with a specific kind of electricity that only the 79th BAFTAs could summon. This year felt different—a pivot point where the industry finally stopped looking back at its pandemic wounds and started sprinting toward a bold, unscripted future. The world wasn’t just watching to see who won; they were watching to see how the world of film has reinvented its own soul.

As NewsBurrow reporters moved through the crowd, the consensus was clear: the BAFTAs are no longer a mere “Oscar pitstop.” They have evolved into the definitive arbiter of taste. The night was a whirlwind of silk, heavy trophies, and the kind of high-stakes tension that makes live television feel dangerously alive.

Royal Radiance: The Prince and Princess of Wales Command the Carpet

The atmosphere shifted from frantic to formal the instant the Prince and Princess of Wales arrived. Catherine, Princess of Wales, didn’t just walk the red carpet; she reclaimed it, wearing an ensemble that served as a masterclass in diplomatic dressing. Her choice of an ethereal, structured gown whispered of tradition while screaming modern sophistication, perfectly capturing the “British Subtlety” theme of the evening.

Prince William followed suit in a classic velvet tuxedo, providing the perfect anchor to the Princess’s shimmering presence. Their attendance adds a layer of “ceremonial gravitas” that no other award show can replicate. It’s a reminder that while movies are make-believe, the institution supporting British arts remains rock-solid and profoundly influential.

Fashion critics were quick to note that the Princess’s look wasn’t just about aesthetic—it was about impact. In an era of fast fashion, her choice to highlight sustainable, high-end British craftsmanship sent a clear message to the global stage. It was a moment of soft power, executed with the precision of a royal decree.

The Tsunami: ‘One Battle After Another’ Dominates the Winners Circle

If there was any doubt about which film would define 2026, the BAFTA results silenced it. One Battle After Another didn’t just win; it staged a tactical takeover of the ceremony. Securing Best Film along with a string of technical accolades, the production was recognized for its visceral, uncompromising look at human resilience—a theme that clearly resonated with the British Academy’s diverse voting body.

The film’s sweep is a fascinating data point for Oscar predictors. History shows that when a film captures the British imagination so completely, the Academy Awards usually follow suit. The momentum behind this project is now a tidal wave, leaving other contenders struggling to find oxygen in its wake.

The following table illustrates the sheer dominance of the night’s frontrunners:

Acting Masterclass: The Coronation of Jessie Buckley and Robert Aramayo

The emotional heart of the night belonged to the acting categories. Jessie Buckley’s win for Best Actress in Hamnet felt like a long-overdue coronation. Her performance, described by critics as “soul-shattering,” beat out a crowded field of veterans, signaling a changing of the guard in the industry. Her speech was a rare moment of genuine vulnerability in an often-rehearsed environment.

On the men’s side, Robert Aramayo’s victory for Best Actor provided the night’s biggest shock. Aramayo, known for his intensity and transformative range, delivered a win that many insiders considered an “upset,” yet the room erupted in a standing ovation. It was a victory for the “actor’s actor,” proving that the BAFTAs still prioritize craft over celebrity status.

These wins reflect a broader trend in the 2026 season: the rise of the “Intimate Epic.” Audiences and critics alike are gravitating toward performances that explore the internal landscape of characters rather than just grand, outward spectacles. Buckley and Aramayo are the new faces of this movement.

Charcoal and Ruffles: The Red Carpet Trend Forecast

While the winners were decided inside, the fashion wars were won on the pavement. The 2026 BAFTA carpet saw a departure from the “naked dress” trends of previous years, moving toward what stylists are calling “The Armor of Elegance.” We saw a massive surge in charcoal-toned ensembles, heavy embroidery, and structured ruffles that felt both protective and provocative.

Emma Stone and Sadie Sink led the charge, opting for silhouettes that challenged traditional red carpet norms. Stone’s Prada ensemble featured architectural ruffles that seemed to float, while Sink’s Dior look leaned into a darker, more gothic romanticism. It was a visual narrative of strength, a far cry from the delicate starlets of the past.

Below is a visual representation of the color palette dominance observed by our fashion desk:

BAFTA 2026 Color Palette Trends (Percentage of Major Looks)

Charcoal/Black  [####################] 45%
Metallic Gold   [###########         ] 25%
Midnight Blue   [######              ] 15%
Burgundy/Red    [####                ] 10%
Other           [##                  ] 5%

The Transatlantic Style Clash: London Subtlety vs. Hollywood Hype

As we look ahead to the US award circuit, the BAFTAs have highlighted a fascinating cultural divide. While Hollywood often leans into “The Big Moment”—think neon colors and viral stunts—London 2026 was defined by “The Deep Moment.” The fashion was quieter, the speeches more intellectual, and the overall vibe significantly more curated.

This “UK Subtlety” isn’t just a style choice; it’s a brand. By positioning itself as the more “serious” awards show, the BAFTAs are attracting a different caliber of talent and sponsorship. Luxury designers like Louis Vuitton and Dior are now debuting their most sophisticated pieces in London rather than saving them for the Oscars.

However, this creates a tension for the upcoming US shows. Will Hollywood feel pressured to “class up” their act, or will they lean even harder into the neon-soaked spectacle to differentiate themselves? If the 2026 trends hold, we are in for a year where fashion is used as a weapon of cultural identity.

Beyond the English Language: BAFTA’s Global Evolution

One of the most encouraging takeaways from the 79th ceremony was the sheer breadth of international representation. The “International and British” categories were no longer treated as footnotes. The success of non-English language titles indicates that the BAFTA voting body is becoming increasingly globalized, reflecting the reality of modern streaming and distribution.

This shift is vital for the industry’s survival. As domestic box offices fluctuate, the international market has become the backbone of cinema. BAFTA’s recognition of these global voices isn’t just “inclusive”—it’s smart business. It ensures that the awards remain relevant to an audience that lives far beyond the borders of the M25.

The night concluded with a sense of expansion. The films celebrated weren’t just British or American; they were universal stories that happened to be told through a local lens. This is the new gold standard for excellence in 2026.

The Final Verdict: Is the Oscar Race Already Over?

As the lights dimmed on the Royal Festival Hall, one question lingered: Does One Battle After Another have an unstoppable path to the Academy Awards? History would suggest yes. The “BAFTA Sweep” is usually the final nail in the coffin for any competing films. However, the 2026 season has been nothing if not unpredictable.

While the BAFTAs have set the stage, the US ceremonies often love a “rebound story.” We may see a sudden surge for a film that London overlooked, creating a dramatic showdown in Los Angeles next month. But for now, the momentum is firmly in the hands of the British victors.

We want to hear from you, NewsBurrow readers! Did the right films win, or was this a case of “British Bias”? And more importantly—who won your vote for Best Dressed? Join the conversation in the comments below and let your voice be heard in the grand debate of the 2026 awards season.