22 Must-See Looks From the 2018 BAFTA Awards

Gemma Arterton, Lupita Nyong’o and Jennifer Lawrence

The red carpet for the 71st EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) was the perfect spot for stars to take a cue from the Golden Globes across the pond and stand in solidarity with the anti-harassment and assault-combating #MeToo and #Time’s Up movements. And the style mavens of the big screen definitely didn’t let the all black dress code requested for the event, held at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, prevent them from dazzling in their fashion choices.

Amy Jackson in Julien Macdonald

Andrea Riseborough in Elie Saab

Angelina Jolie in custom Ralph & Russo

Inspiration for wearing the somber colour was everywhere. Some of the best dressed celebrities to participate in the fashion black out included nominees Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan, who didn’t get golden masks, but won in the glamour stakes. They both wore high-necked dresses, with Robbie’s featuring lace with cut outs and Ronan showing off her great pins. Other notable dresses included Lily James’s strapless tulle princess-like gown, Salma Hayek’s long sleeved, plunging number with embroidery detail and Angelina Jolie’s velvet asymmetrically draped gown with hand pleated cross-over bodice.

Catherine, The Duchess of Cambridge in Jenny Packham

Cressida Bonas in Armani

Emma Roberts in Schiaparelli

And as we’ve come to expect, regional designers Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad designed some of the high-fashion looks. Andrea Riseborough opted for one of Saab’s moodier designs, a sheer top accented with purple and ivory embroidery and a dramatic sweeping satin skirt. “Black Panther” star Lupita Nyong'o opted for one of his autumn 2017 haute couture styles, a sculptural halter gown with velvet and gold plated piping. For her long-awaited return to the red carpet, Naomie Harris chose a heavily embellished, split Murad dress. The low-necked spring 2018 couture design included beading, gold shimmer and feathers, and she styled it with ankle leg trousers. Other stars spotted in sharp trouser picks included Ruth Wilson and Millie Mackintosh, who stepped out in a jumpsuit with revealing halterneck and tux-style lapels.

Florence Pugh in Miu Miu

Gemma Arterton in Alberta Ferretti

Gugu Mbatha-Raw in vintage Cardinali

The Duchess of Cambridge also wowed in a forest green chiffon gown. She had to avoid wearing black due to royal protocol (royals aren't allowed to make political statements with their clothing). However, by adorning the gown’s empire waist with a black ribbon and holding a black clutch, she gave a subtle nod to gender parity, and, of course, sparked a debate on social media. Another fantastic look also came from someone linked to the royal family. Cressida Bonas, Prince Harry’s ex, went for a tiered dress with a sequinned design on the front.

Isabelle Huppert in Armani Privé

Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior

Kate Mara in Christian Dior

An Apt Movie Wins Big
A film about a strong woman standing up for justice in small town America was a fitting winner this year during the night celebrated the best in film, where a sea of #Time’s Up pins and black dresses took over. Martin McDonagh's “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” was the undisputed film of the night. The nine-times nominated movie won five awards, including Best Film and Lead Actress (Frances McDormand, who didn't wear black). It overshadowed “The Shape of Water,” a quirky mix of horror, comedy and romance, which was nominated for 12 awards, but only won three, one of them being Best Director (Guillermo del Toro). Gary Oldman was another big winner during the evening hosted by Joanna Lumley for the first time. He earned Leading Actor for playing successful British wartime leader Winston Churchill in “Darkest Hour.”

Lily James in Burberry