Gracie Abrams and Paul Mescal Make Official Red Carpet Debut at the 2026 BAFTAs
Hollywood's most quietly adored couple is keeping it a secret no longer. Gracie Abrams and Paul Mescal officially stepped out together as a confirmed couple at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday, February 22, at the Royal Festival Hall in London — delivering one of the most talked-about red carpet moments of awards season.
The BAFTA Hard Launch Heard Around the World
After nearly two years of carefully guarded privacy, Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams arrived at the BAFTAs looking every bit the picture-perfect power couple. Mescal, 30, was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of a young William Shakespeare in Chloé Zhao's Hamnet. He wore a tailored black Prada suit with a crisp white collarless shirt left casually open at the collar. Abrams, 26, turned heads in a stunning embroidered floral Chanel gown from the house's 2026 Métiers d'Art collection — complete with a plunging backline, aquatic print, and chunky turquoise beaded piping. She kept accessories minimal, opting for silver drop earrings that let the gown speak for itself.
Photographers caught the singer planting a kiss on Mescal's cheek while he smiled warmly for the cameras — a rare and intimate glimpse from a couple that has guarded their romance closely.
Their Relationship Timeline at a Glance
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| June 2024 | First spotted together on a date in London |
| August 2024 | Photographed holding hands; insider confirms early romance |
| October 2024 | Mescal attends Abrams' Radio City Music Hall concert |
| November 2024 | Spotted together at Gladiator II premiere after-party |
| February 2, 2026 | Abrams posts intimate birthday tribute to Mescal on Instagram |
| February 18, 2026 | Casual first red carpet appearance at Paul McCartney documentary screening |
| February 22, 2026 | Official glamorous red carpet debut at the 2026 BAFTAs |
Gracie Abrams' Love Letter to Hamnet — and Her Boyfriend
Weeks before the BAFTAs, Abrams publicly gushed over Hamnet on social media, writing that the film had "remained in my bones" since the first time she saw it. "Paul is singular," she wrote. "Go see it and you will be better off." The post also praised director Chloe Zhao and co-star Jessie Buckley. Earlier this month, Abrams also shared a carousel of intimate, candid photos on Instagram celebrating Mescal's 30th birthday — including a photo booth image of the two kissing — with the caption, "My whole heart!!!!!!!"
Paul Mescal Loses BAFTA but Wins the Night
Despite the electric buzz surrounding his Hamnet performance, Mescal did not take home the Best Supporting Actor trophy — that honor went to Sean Penn for One Battle After Another. Still, the evening marked a significant personal milestone for the Irish actor, who has been notoriously protective of his private life. When asked in a September 2025 Rolling Stone profile why the couple decided to go more public, Mescal said only: "Everything to do with that is deeply precious to me... I want to protect those things fundamentally."
What's Next for Gracie Abrams and Paul Mescal
With the Oscars on the horizon, all eyes are now on whether Gracie Abrams and Paul Mescal will make another high-profile joint appearance. Hamnet has been a major force throughout the entire 2025–2026 awards season, and Mescal remains one of the most celebrated actors of his generation. Abrams, meanwhile, continues to build her own star power as one of indie pop's most compelling voices. Together, they are shaping up to be one of the defining celebrity couples of 2026.
