Sophie Habboo and Jamie Laing graced the red carpet for the first time since welcoming their son Ziggy in December, appearing at London's Royal Festival Hall for the 2026 BAFTAs on Sunday. The couple, who became parents for the first time late last year, hosted the ceremony's red carpet coverage while putting on a loved-up display, dressed impeccably for the prestigious event.
Glamorous Arrival at the BAFTAs
Sophie, aged 31, looked stunning in a strapless black lace gown that was tailored to perfection, hugging every inch of her figure. The elegant dress featured a fishtail skirt with a dramatic train, and she accessorised with dazzling diamond necklaces and chandelier earrings. Accentuating her features with glamorous makeup, she wore her blonde hair in loose waves, posing confidently ahead of the star-studded show.
By her side, Jamie, 37, appeared smart in a classic black suit and crisp white shirt, placing his arm around his stunning wife as they smiled for photographers. Their appearance marked a joyful return to the spotlight following the birth of their child, adding a personal touch to the high-profile evening.
Star-Studded Ceremony and Performances
Hosted by Alan Cumming, this year's BAFTA ceremony welcomed a glittering array of stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elordi, and Michael B. Jordan, honouring the biggest cinema releases of the year. Those walking the red carpet enjoyed a DJ set by Magic FM presenter Neev Spencer, while Clara Amfo and Ali Plumb reported live from outside the legendary London venue.
A lengthy list of celebrity guest presenters included Aimee Lou Wood, Alicia Vikander, Cillian Murphy, Ethan Hawke, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Sadie Sink, and British grime artist Stormzy. The Royal Festival Hall stage also welcomed appearances from Kerry Washington, Minnie Driver, Monica Bellucci, Patrick Dempsey, and Regé-Jean Page, among others.
Diverse Entertainment Lineup
Entertainment on the night came from a diverse spectrum of performers, featuring the first performance outside the United States of the record-breaking track "Golden" from KPop Demon Hunters, sung by JAE, AUDREYNUNA, and REI AMI, the voices of HUNTR/X. Meanwhile, British singer Jessie Ware performed a Barbara Streisand cover in a moving tribute during the In Memoriam segment.
Special Awards and Notable Honours
This year's Special Award recipients included Dame Donna Langley, who received the BAFTA Fellowship, the arts charity's highest accolade. The British Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment was celebrated for her prolific career and status as one of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry.
Additionally, Clare Binns, Creative Director of Picture House Cinemas, was presented with the BAFTA Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award, recognising her role in championing diverse and fiercely independent work on big screens across the United Kingdom.
Top Film Nominations and Records
"One Battle After Another" led the nominations with an impressive fourteen nods, including one for lead star Leonardo DiCaprio. However, it faced stiff competition from supernatural horror "Sinners" with thirteen nominations, and "Hamnet," director Chloé Zhao's moving drama about the death of Shakespeare's only son, with eleven nominations.
Adapted from Maggie O'Farrell's award-winning novel about the Bard's family life, "Hamnet" broke the record for the most nominations for a female-directed film in BAFTA history. Irish star Jessie Buckley earned a nomination for her lead role, having already scored a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award, along with nominations for the Academy Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Other Contenders and Categories
Co-star Paul Mescal, who was snubbed during Oscar nominations, received a Supporting Actor BAFTA nod. Elsewhere, "Marty Supreme" and Timothée Chalamet earned eleven BAFTA nominations, including Best Film and Best Actor, following recent wins at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards.
"Frankenstein" and "Sentimental Value" each had eight nominations, while "I Swear" and "Bugonia" received five each, and "The Ballad of Wallis Island," "Pillion," and "F1" garnered three nominations apiece. The Leading Actress category featured Rose Byrne for "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You," Kate Hudson for "Song Sung Blue," Chase Infiniti for "One Battle After Another," Renate Reinsve for "Sentimental Value," and Emma Stone for "Bugonia."
Leonardo DiCaprio could earn his second ever BAFTA after scoring his seventh nomination for his Leading Actor performance in the heavily decorated film "One Battle After Another." The full list of nominations showcased a wide range of cinematic excellence, from blockbusters to indie gems, highlighting the vibrant state of the film industry in 2026.
