Ellie Goulding, Tess Daly and Joanne Froggatt ensured all eyes were on them on Thursday night, as they led the star-studded arrivals at the BAFTA Invest in Talent Gala 2026 at The Chancery Rosewood in London.
Ellie, 39, who is heavily pregnant with her second child, led the glamour on the red carpet as she showcased her blossoming baby bump in a figure-hugging satin and lace dress.
The pale pink number boasted a plunging neckline that showed off her cleavage, while the singer layered a tight-fitted sheer tulle dress over the top, which clung to her growing belly.
Ellie – who is expecting her first baby with boyfriend Beau Minniear and is already mum to son Arthur, four, with ex-husband Caspar Jopling – looked radiant as she accessorised her look with a sparkling diamond necklace and earrings.
While Tess, 56, commanded attention as she arrived at the bash in a strapless little black dress,w ith a daringly high slit that displayed her toned legs.
After stepping down as the host of Strictly Come Dancing last year, she appeared to reference the show’s famous Glitterball Trophy in her look, which was encrusted with gemstones.
Ellie Goulding led the star-studded arrivals at the BAFTA Invest in Talent Gala 2026 at The Chancery Rosewood in London on Thursday night
The gala is a biennial fundraising event dedicated to financing the next generation of creative talent in film, games, and television (Tess pictured left and Joanne right)
Ellie, 39, who is heavily pregnant with her second child, led the glamour on the red carpet, as she showcased her blossoming baby bump in a figure-hugging satin and lace dress
The presenter looked on cloud nine as she strutted down the red carpet, elevating her already statuesque frame with white high heels.
While Joanne, 45, was the picture of sophistication in a halterneck black gown with a structured bodice that cinched her in at her tiny waist.
The Downton Abbey star’s chic look was elevated with a semi-sheer skirt, which flashed a glimpse of her legs and flowed into a small train.
Hollywood power couple Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender put on a loved-up display as they posed together at the event.
Oscar-winning actress Alicia, 37, looked nothing short of sensational in an elegant off-the-shoulder grey gown, with voluminous skirt and ruffled detail.
Her movie star husband Michael, 48, with whom she shares two children, looked as dashing as ever in a classic tuxedo and black tie.
Harry Potter and White Lotus star Jason Isaacs also cut a handsome figure sporting a black suit with a coordinating button-up shirt and tie.
Monica Lewinsky was the epitome of old Hollywood glamour in a glittering red sequinned gown that clung to her enviable curves.
The pale pink number boasted a plunging neckline to show off her cleavage, while the singer layered a tight-fitted sheer tulle dress over the top, which clung to her growing belly
Tess, 56, commanded attention as she arrived at the bash in a strapless little black dress,w ith a daringly high slit that displayed her toned legs
After stepping down as the host of Strictly Come Dancing last year, she appeared to reference the show’s famous Glitterball Trophy in her look, which was encrusted with gemstones
The presenter looked on cloud nine as she strutted down the red carpet, elevating her already statuesque frame with white high heels
While Joanne, 45, was the picture of sophistication in a halterneck black gown with a structured bodice that cinched her in at her tiny waist
The Downton Abbey star’s chic look was elevated with a semi-sheer skirt, which flashed a glimpse of her legs and flowed into a small train
She was joined inside the star-studded event by her MobLand co-star Mandeep Dhillon, who stunned in a low-cut animal-print gown
Ellie – who is expecting her first baby with boyfriend Beau Minniear and is already mum to son Arthur, four, with ex-husband Caspar Jopling – looked radiant as she accessorised her look with a sparkling diamond necklace and earrings
While acting legend and recent Celebrity Traitors favourite, Celia Imrie, caught the eye in black tuxedo teamed with a colourful patterned scarf, red silk shirt and sparkling moon-shaped brooch.
Gwendoline Christie showcased the best of androgynous fashion in a pair of brown satin trousers paired with a mustard shirt and burgundy silk tie.
The Game of Thrones star completed her fashion forward look with a trendy mauve trench coat and boosted her 6ft3in height even further with a pair of heeled leather boots.
Rolling Stones rocker Ronnie Wood put on a very animated display as he arrived on the red carpet with his glamorous wife Sally.
The 78-year-old musician scrubbed up for the evening in a red velvet jacket and coordinating navy velvet trousers, with a simple open-collared shirt underneath.
While his stunning wife Sally, 48, made sure that she was the centre of attention in a skintight silver gown covered from head-to-toe in glittering sequins.
Film star and Oscar nominee Elizabeth McGovern looked timeless in a pleated butter yellow skirt, which she paired with a chic black blazer and a classic red lip.
Also in attendance was actor, Russell Tovey who put on a dapper display in a tailored suit and classic button-up shirt, teamed with a quirky striped tie.
Hollywood power couple Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender put on a loved-up display as they posed together at the event
Oscar-winning actress Alicia, 37, looked nothing short of sensational in an elegant off-the-shoulder grey gown, with voluminous skirt and ruffled detail
Her movie star husband Michael, 48, with whom she shares two children, looked as dashing as ever in a classic tuxedo and black tie
Harry Potter and White Lotus star Jason Isaacs also cut a handsome figure sporting a black suit with a coordinating button-up shirt and tie
Monica Lewinsky was the epitome of old Hollywood glamour in a glittering red sequinned gown that clung to her enviable curves
While acting legend and recent Celebrity Traitors favourite, Celia Imrie, caught the eye in black tuxedo teamed with a colourful patterned scarf, red silk shirt and sparkling moon-shaped brooch
Gwendoline Christie showcased the best of androgynous fashion in a pair of brown satin trousers paired with a mustard shirt and burgundy silk tie
The Game of Thrones star completed her fashion forward look with a trendy mauve trench coat and boosted her 6ft3in height even further with a pair of heeled leather boots
Adot Gak showed everyone how its done as in a striking ocean-inspired gown with a structured silhouette and covered in strings of turquoise beads.
Nicholas Pinnock sported an unusual accessory for the bash after sustaining a foot injury, sporting a stylish black suit with a walker boot and crutch.
Sheila Atim topped the list of the best dressed at the event, looking breath-taking in white gown with a racy keyhole cutout to showcase her cleavage.
She was followed by Jimmy Carr, who arrived at the event looking sharp in a classic tuxedo and bow tie, with a navy coat over the top.
Lenny Henry put on a smitten display with his longterm partner Lisa Makin, sporting an eye-catching patterned scarf and a silk shirt.
Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky looked angelic in a silver blouse and white trousers under a fuzzy cream coat.
The gala is a biennial fundraising event dedicated to financing the next generation of creative talent in film, games, and television.
The 2026 BAFTA nominations were announced last month by 2025 Rising Star nominee David Jonsson and Aimee Lou Wood.
Rolling Stones rocker Ronnie Wood put on a very animated display as he arrived on the red carpet with his glamorous wife Sally
The 78-year-old musician scrubbed up for the evening in a red velvet jacket and coordinating navy velvet trousers, with a simple open-collared shirt underneath
While his stunning wife Sally, 48, made sure that she was the centre of attention in a skintight silver gown covered from head-to-toe in glittering sequins
Both dressed up in sparkles for the night, Sally and Monica made a beeline for each other to pose for a very shiny snap
Film star and Oscar nominee Elizabeth McGovern looked timeless in a pleated butter yellow skirt, which she paired with a chic black blazer and a classic red lip
Russell Tovey put on a dapper display in a tailored suit and classic button-up shirt, teamed with a quirky striped tie
Adot Gak showed everyone how its done as in a striking ocean-inspired gown with a structured silhouette and covered in strings of turquoise beads
Nicholas Pinnock sported an unusual accessory for the bash after sustaining a foot injury, sporting a stylish black suit with a walker boot and crutch
Sheila Atim topped the list of the best dressed at the event, looking breath-taking in white gown with a racy keyhole cutout to showcase her cleavage
Days after its success at the Academy Award nominations, One Battle After Another earned the most nods with 14, including one for lead star Leonardo DiCaprio.
After breaking the record for the most Oscar nods of all time, Sinners takes second place at the BAFTAs, with 13 nominations.
Marty Supreme and Hamnet scored eleven each, ahead of Frankenstein and Sentimental Value, which each earned eight, while I Swear and Bugonia both got five and The Ballad of Wallis Island, Pillion and F1, each scored three nods.
Hamnet, Chloe Zhao’s adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel about the family life of William Shakespeare, has broken the record for the most nominations for a female-directed film in BAFTA history.
The Best Film category will see Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sinners and Sentimental Value face off to score the biggest prize of the night.
Irish star Jessie Buckley is adding to her awards season roster with a nod for her lead role in Hamnet after already winning the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award, is also the frontrunner to win both the Oscar and SAG Award next month.
Also vying for the Leading Actress gong are 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.
While Jessie’s Hamnet co-star Paul Mescal was snubbed at the Oscar nominations, he has earned a Supporting Actor BAFTA nod.
Comedian Jimmy Carr was one of the first to arrive, looking sharp in a classic tuxedo and bow tie, with a navy coat over the top
Edith Bowman dazzled in a plunging black gown with a textured full skirt and toted a metallic silver clutch
Comedian Lenny Henry put on a smitten display with his longterm partner Lisa Makin, sporting an eye-catching patterned scarf and a silk shirt
Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky looked angelic in a silver blouse and white trousers under a fuzzy cream coat
He is up against stiff competition from Benicio Del Toro for One Battle After Another; Jacob Elordi for Frankenstein; Petter Mullan for I Swear; Sean Penn for One Battle After Another and Stellan Skarsgard for Sentimental Value.
Leo could earn his second ever BAFTA after scoring his seventh nomination for One Battle After Another, but will need to beat out his 2026 awards season foe Timothee Chalamet for Marty Supreme.
The impressively-stacked category is rounded out by Robert Aramayo for I Swear, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, Michael B Jordan for Sinners and Jesse Plemons for Bugonia.
There’s hopes for a British win in the Supporting Actress field as Nigerian-British Sinners star Wunmi Mosaku competes alongside Carey Mulligan for The Ballad Of Wallis Island and Emily Watson for Hamnet.
The Brits will face off against Odessa A’Zion for Marty Supreme, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for Sentimental Value and Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another.
First time nominees in the performance categories who have received their first BAFTA Film nomination are; Robert Aramayo, Odessa A’zion, Rose Byrne, Chase Infiniti, Michael B. Jordan, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Stellan Skarsgård, and Teyana Taylor.
Meanwhile in the Best Director category, two of the six directors are first-time nominees – Ryan Coogler for Sinners and Josh Safdie for Marty Supreme.
Sinners’ success in the BAFTA nominations came just a week after the vampire film earned the most Academy Awards nods ever, including the coveted Best Picture prize.
Days after its success at the Academy Award nominations, One Battle After Another earned the most nods with 14, including one for lead star Leonardo DiCaprio (seen in film)
After breaking the record for the most Oscar nods of all time, Sinners takes second place at the BAFTAs, with 13 nominations (Michael B. Jordan and Omar Benson Miller seen in film)
With its whopping 16 nods, it has shattered the Oscars record of 14 nominations, previously shared by 1950’s All About Eve, 1997’s Titanic and 2016’s La La Land.
Meanwhile One Battle After Another – Paul Thomas Anderson’s film about a washed-up revolutionary searching for his missing teenage daughter – has 13 Oscar nominations.
At the BAFTAs the Leo-led movie has earned nods in all four of the acting categories with double hopes for success in Supporting Actor thanks to Sean and Benicio.
Paul has scored a Director nomination, whilst the movie also has nods in the Adapted Screenplay, Casting, Cinematography, Editing, Original Score, Production Design and Sound categories.
And after Wicked: For Good was completely shut out of the Oscars, it managed two nominations at the BAFTAs, for costume design and make-up and hair.
In contrast though, Brazilian thriller The Secret Agent also has two nominations – half the number it received at the Oscars, where it managed nods in major categories including best actor and best picture.
K-Pop Demon Hunters missed out altogether thanks to Netflix choosing to stream the movie in the UK before showing it in cinemas, going against BAFTA rules.
While the nominees for the EE BAFTA Rising Star Award are Archie Madekwe for Lurker, Chase Infiniti for One Battle After Another, Miles Caton for Sinners, Posy Sterling for Lollipop and Robert Aramayo for I Swear.
Irish star Jessie Buckley is adding to her awards season roster with a nod for her lead role in Hamnet after already winning the Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award, is also the frontrunner to win both the Oscar and SAG Award next month (seen in film)
Leo could earn his second ever BAFTA after scoring his seventh nomination for One Battle After Another, but will need to beat out his 2026 awards season foe Timothee Chalamet for Marty Supreme (seen in film)
The nominees were chosen by a panel of industry jurors including actors Joe Alwyn, Sheila Atim and Benedict Wong alongside a host of distinguished industry experts.
The prestigious EE Rising Star Award is the only BAFTA gong that is voted for by the British public.
The award is seen as an indicator of future Hollywood success with previous winners including A-list stars Tom Holland, James McAvoy, Lashana Lynch, Kristen Stewart, Eva Green, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright and Tom Hardy.
221 films were submitted for consideration by the BAFTA judges and 82 made the longlist before being whittled down for the shortlist.
Jane Millichip, CEO of BAFTA, said: ‘Huge congratulations to the teams behind the 46 superb films nominated today. They showcase the very best of storytelling and its ability to engage, entertain and provoke debate.’
‘This year’s nominated films are full of bold storytelling and exquisite craft. And the breadth of narrative, genres and styles is spellbinding.’
‘Whether newcomers or veterans, I hope our first-time nominees enjoy this much deserved spotlight, and I look forward to welcoming them and all our returning nominees to London.’
‘As the UK’s leading arts charity and academy, it’s a real privilegeto showcase this year’s brilliant films and the talent in the 79th EE BAFTA Film Awards, which will be broadcast on BBC, BBC iPlayer, and across the world on 22 February.’
The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards will take place on Sunday February 22 and are set to be hosted by Alan Cumming.
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