Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams coordinate a PDA-filled red carpet debut at the BAFTAs 2026
paul mescal arrived on the BAFTA red carpet with girlfriend gracie abrams at The Royal Festival Hall in London, a moment that punctuated the build-up to the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards. The appearance matters because Mescal, who missed out on Oscar nominations, is in contention for a Supporting Actor BAFTA on a night that features high-profile presenters, performers and special awards.
Couple on the carpet: ages, outfits and their relationship
Paul Mescal, 30, and Gracie Abrams, 26, appeared together on the red carpet at the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2026 held at The Royal Festival Hall in London on Sunday. The couple have been in a relationship since 2024 and largely keep their relationship out of the spotlight. Gracie wore a black patterned dress and looked adoringly at Mescal during their appearance.
Mescal poses with Hamnet co-star Jessie Buckley
Mescal also posed with his Hamnet co-star Jessie Buckley, 36, on the same red carpet. Buckley cut a glamorous figure in a bright blue velvet dress while Mescal moved between poses with his girlfriend and his co-star.
Mescal's awards trajectory: Oscar snub and a Supporting Actor BAFTA nod
Paul Mescal was snubbed during the Oscar nominations but has earned a Supporting Actor BAFTA nod and will be hoping for an award on the night. That contrast between the Oscar outcome and the BAFTA nomination framed much of the evening's attention on Mescal as the ceremony proceeded.
The 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards line-up and hosting
The Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall will provide the backdrop as the very best of contemporary cinema converge for The 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday evening. The ceremony is hosted by Alan Cumming and will welcome stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elordi and Michael B. Jordan.
Red carpet entertainment, presenters and stage appearances
Those walking the red carpet will be treated to a DJ set by Magic FM presenter Neev Spencer, while Clara Amfo and Ali Plumb will be reporting live from outside the venue. A lengthy list of celebrity guest presenters includes Aimee Lou Wood, Alicia Vikander, Cillian Murphy, Ethan Hawke, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Sadie Sink and British grime artist Stormzy. The Royal Festival Hall stage will also welcome appearances from Kerry Washington, Minnie Driver, Monica Bellucci, Patrick Dempsey and Regé-Jean Page.
Performances and special awards on the programme
Entertainment on the night includes the first performance outside the United States of the record-breaking track "Golden" from KPop Demon Hunters, sung by JAE, AUDREYNUNA & REI AMI, the voices of HUNTR/X. British singer Jessie Ware will perform a Barbara Streisand cover in a moving tribute during the In Memoriam. This year's Special Award recipients include Dame Donna Langley, who will be honoured with this year's BAFTA Fellowship; Langley is identified in the programme as the British Chairman of NBCUniversal Entertainment. Additionally, Clare Binns, Creative Director of Picture House Cinemas, will be presented with the BAFTA Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award, an honour that recognises her role in championing diverse and fiercely independent work on big screens around the United Kingdom.
16: 48 GMT 22 Feb 2026 (11: 48 ET 22 Feb 2026), updated 00: 29 GMT 23 Feb 2026 (19: 29 ET 22 Feb 2026) By AMELIA WYNNE, SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER
