Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams Make a Kiss-Filled Red Carpet Debut at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards
gracie abrams and Paul Mescal made their official red carpet debut at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards, turning heads with a tender moment and tightly photographed fashion choices at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London. The pairing mattered not just as a celebrity sighting: it anchored one of the most talked-about relationship moments of the evening amid a star-studded couples showcase.
Gracie Abrams’ Chanel moment
Gracie Abrams arrived in a Chanel dress from Matthieu Blazy’s 2026 Métiers d’art collection. The singer, described as a longtime ambassador of the French label, wore a black sleeveless gown trimmed with teal-blue beading and embellished with aquatic motifs in shades of red and brown. The open back accentuated her extra-short bob, and she accessorized with long diamond earrings, a statement diamond ring and black pointy-toe heels. She matched her nails to the look with a deep-brown polish and kept the rest of her accessories minimal.
Paul Mescal’s nomination and red carpet style
Mescal attended after receiving a nomination for his role in Hamnet, up for Best Actor in a Supporting Role. The actor, who previously won a BAFTA Television Award for Best Actor in 2021 for his work on Normal People, posed for photos alongside Abrams in a relaxed black Prada suit. He left his jacket unbuttoned, wore a white dress shirt with the collar open and folded over the cuffs for a casual finish to the look.
Gracie Abrams and Paul Mescal’s red carpet debut and the kiss
Making their official red carpet debut nearly two years after they were first seen together, the couple paused for photos and shared an intimate moment: Abrams kissed Mescal on the cheek. The affectionate exchange became one of the evening’s signature images, underscoring the pair’s decision to attend together and confirm their appearance as a photographed couple on the awards circuit.
Other couples and highlights at the BAFTAs
The ceremony doubled as a showcase of high-profile duos. Kate Hudson attended with her fiancé Danny Fujikawa during the Sunday, February 22 awards ceremony, wearing an off-the-shoulder crimson gown and arriving while nominated for Best Leading Actress for her role in Song Sung Blue. Rose Byrne appeared in a cream-colored gown alongside her partner Bobby Cannavale, who wore a classic tuxedo. Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner were also among the couples seen on the carpet. The event was frequently described as a celebration of couples, with love a recurring theme across arrivals.
Royal presence and wider context
Prince William and Princess Kate Middleton were also present and were noted for presenting a united front at the BAFTAs. Their appearance came days after former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested for alleged misconduct in connection to his longstanding associations with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The juxtaposition of high-glamour couples and unfolding legal headlines added layers to the evening’s public narrative.
Notes on coverage and what to expect next
The night at London’s Royal Festival Hall combined awards recognition, fashion statements and relationship moments. Observers should expect continued attention on the Mescal–Abrams pairing now that they have formally debuted on a major carpet. A promotional note accompanying some coverage of the event mentioned that affiliate commissions may apply on certain items highlighted in fashion roundups. Details about future joint appearances by the couple are unclear in the provided context and may evolve.
