Gracie Abrams and Paul Mescal Make Their Relationship Official: The Couple's Red Carpet Debut at the 2026 BAFTAs

After nearly two years of carefully guarded privacy, Gracie Abrams and Paul Mescal stepped into the spotlight together — officially, undeniably, hand in hand — at the 79th EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at London's Royal Festival Hall. What the internet has been waiting for since June 2024 finally happened: one of entertainment's most talked-about couples gave the world its hard launch.

The BAFTA Moment — What Happened on the Red Carpet

Mescal, 30, arrived in a sleek Prada suit paired with a collarless white shirt, looking every bit the prestige awards-season contender he has become. Abrams, 26, wore a dark brown Chanel PF26 gown adorned with floral embroidery — understated, elegant, and stunning. The two posed for photographers with Paul resting his hand on Gracie's waist, and at one point Abrams leaned in to plant a kiss on his cheek. No press release. No statement. Just a couple, very clearly in love, choosing their moment.

Mescal was nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category for his portrayal of William Shakespeare in the acclaimed drama Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao. He ultimately lost the award to Sean Penn for One Battle After Another, but his night was far from forgettable.

Paul Mescal Girlfriend: The Gracie Abrams Relationship Timeline

Who Is Gracie Abrams?

Gracie Abrams, 26, is a singer-songwriter and the daughter of filmmaker J.J. Abrams and producer Katie McGrath. She rose to widespread attention with her introspective indie-pop debut and broke through to mainstream success with her album The Secret of Us in 2024 — the very record that first sparked rumors she and Mescal were an item, with fans speculating several tracks were written about him. Known for songs like "That's So True," "I Love You, I'm Sorry," and "Close to You," Abrams has cultivated a devoted fanbase drawn to her raw, confessional songwriting style. In January 2026, she posted a gushing tribute on Instagram praising Hamnet and Mescal's performance, calling him "singular."

Who Is Paul Mescal?

Paul Mescal, 30, is an Irish actor who first became a cultural phenomenon with his breakout performance in the Hulu/BBC series Normal People in 2020, earning him a BAFTA TV Award. His career has only accelerated since — his quiet, devastating work in Aftersun earned a BAFTA Scotland Award and an Oscar nomination, Gladiator II placed him at the center of one of 2024's biggest blockbusters, and Hamnet has brought him into another full awards cycle. He is also set to play Paul McCartney in director Sam Mendes' ambitious four-film Beatles biographical project — a role that has only deepened public fascination with him.

What's Next for Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams?

The BAFTA appearance is not the end of awards season for this couple. Mescal is nominated at the upcoming Actor Awards — formerly known as the SAG Awards — for Best Supporting Actor for Hamnet, and the Hamnet cast as a whole is nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. As for Gracie Abrams, she is in the midst of a busy touring and creative cycle. Fans briefly spiraled into engagement speculation when she was spotted wearing a ring on that finger during her Australia tour, though the evidence remains thin. For now, the couple has made their statement — and the BAFTA carpet said everything words couldn't.