The best and worst looks celebrities wore to the 2026 BAFTAs
Business Insider
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards brought together some of the biggest names in cinema at London’s Royal Festival Hall. While the event honored films like *One Battle After Another* and *Hamnet*, the red carpet was equally captivating, showcasing a mix of standout and lackluster fashion choices. Celebrities including Kate Hudson, Michael B. Jordan, and Wunmi Mosaku brought Old Hollywood glamour and bold designs to the red carpet, while others, like Rei Ami, faced criticism for outfit choices that didn’t quite fit the event’s formal vibe.
The Princess of Wales, Catherine, made a stylish statement by reworking her 2019 Gucci dress, pairing it with sparkly jewelry and coordinating her husband Prince William’s maroon jacket to create a cohesive look. Meanwhile, Kate Hudson embraced classic Hollywood elegance in a red Prada gown with a dramatic train, while Wunmi Mosaku wowed in a custom Ahluwalia blue gown adorned with geometric patterns and tassels.
On the other end of the spectrum, Rei Ami’s architectural Jasmin Erbas dress, featuring corset details and stripes, felt mismatched for the event. Kathryn Hahn’s red gown also faced criticism due to its busy fabric and overwhelming textures, highlighting how certain designs can overshadow an outfit’s intended impact.
Chloé Zhao, nominated for Best Director for *Hamnet*, opted for a gold Gabriela Hearst gown with intricate details but lacked cohesive styling, while Jessie Buckley’s custom Chanel dress struggled to balance its heavy velvet fabric with its Grecian-inspired silhouette. These examples underscore the importance of balancing bold designs with complementary styling choices.
The event also saw Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams make their red-carpet debut as a couple, showcasing sleek coordinated outfits that highlighted their individual styles without feeling overly matched. Overall, the BAFTAs 2026 demonstrated how fashion plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of awards season, offering insights into current trends and the evolving tastes of celebrities.
For readers interested in business, the event highlights the enduring influence of celebrity fashion on global markets, from luxury brands to sustainable practices like Kate Middleton’s dress recycling. The
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/23/2026