Kate Hudson looked effortlessly elegant in a chic white dress as she graced Cartier's star-studded pre-BAFTA party in the upscale Mayfair district of London on Friday night. The American actress, aged 46, is nominated for the prestigious Best Leading Actress award for her compelling role as Claire Sardina in the musical drama Song Sung Blue.
A Night of Celebration and Camaraderie
Kate could not contain her joy, beaming with a radiant smile throughout the evening as she mingled with a host of notable figures from the film industry. The exclusive bash saw her in the company of acclaimed actors such as Paul Mescal, Russell Tovey, Mark Strong, and the esteemed British actress Tilda Swinton.
Tilda Swinton, aged 65, showcased her timeless style in a sophisticated black ensemble, accentuated with a chic cream jacket that added a touch of flair to her ageless appearance. The event also highlighted emerging talents, with rising stars Mia McKenna-Bruce, 28, and Emilia Jones, 23—the actress daughter of Aled Jones—making their presence felt among the glittering crowd.
Gratitude and Nostalgia on Social Media
In the lead-up to the party, Kate Hudson shared a heartfelt clip on her Instagram, capturing the exhilarating moment she received news of her BAFTA nomination. The footage shows the Bride Wars star seated at a restaurant, erupting into squeals of shock and repeatedly exclaiming 'Oh my God!' as she leaps to her feet and rushes out to answer the pivotal phone call.
Accompanying the video, Kate penned an emotional caption expressing her profound gratitude to BAFTA. She described the nomination as 'a love letter' to England, a country she and her family have long considered a 'real home'. Her message read: 'BAFTA! Thank you! I am so honored to be nominated. England has always been a real home for me and my family so this nomination feels like a love letter back to a place that’s given us so much. See you soon London Town.'
Alongside this, the How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days actress posted a series of nostalgic throwback photos of her children exploring London, underscoring her deep personal connection to the city. Kate is a mother to three children: son Ryder, 21, from her previous marriage to Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson; son Bingham, 14, from her former engagement to Muse singer Matt Bellamy; and daughter Rani, seven, with her current fiancé Danny Fujikawa.
Stiff Competition and Historical Context
This nomination marks Kate Hudson's second BAFTA nod, arriving a full 25 years after her first recognition for her iconic performance as Penny Lane in Almost Famous. This year, she faces formidable competition in the Best Leading Actress category, which includes frontrunner Jessie Buckley for her role as William Shakespeare's wife in Chloe Zhao's biopic Hamnet.
The category is further rounded out by strong contenders: Rose Byrne in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, Chase Infiniti in One Battle After Another, Emma Stone in Bugonia, and Renate Reinsve in Sentimental Value. The winners will be unveiled on Sunday, February 22, during the EE BAFTA Film Awards ceremony, hosted by the charismatic Alan Cumming.
A Glimpse into the Broader Awards Landscape
The 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards feature a diverse array of nominations across multiple categories, highlighting the year's cinematic achievements. One Battle After Another leads the pack with an impressive 14 nominations, including one for lead star Leonardo DiCaprio. Other notable films include Marty Supreme with 11 nods and Hamnet, which has broken records for the most nominations ever received by a female-directed film in BAFTA history.
Key categories and nominees include:
- Best Film: Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sentimental Value, Sinners
- Outstanding British Film: 28 Years Later, The Ballad of Wallis Island, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Die My Love, H is for Hawk, Hamnet, I Swear, Mr Burton, Pillion, Steve
- Leading Actor: Robert Aramayo, Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, Jesse Plemons
- Supporting Actress: Odessa A'Zion, Inga Ibsdotter Lillieaas, Wunmi Mosaku, Carey Mulligan, Teyana Taylor, Emily Watson
- Supporting Actor: Benicio Del Toro, Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, Peter Mullan, Sean Penn, Stellan Skarsgård
As the starry guests departed Cartier's pre-BAFTA party, they were treated to exclusive gifts from the luxury brand, adding a final touch of glamour to an evening filled with anticipation and celebration ahead of the main awards ceremony.
