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The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTAs) has long been a dazzling showcase of cinematic talent and high fashion, with the red carpet serving as a runway for some of the most iconic looks in history.
Showcasing classic Hollywood glamour as well as bold, contemporary statements, fashion at the BAFTAs has continuously evolved, reflecting the artistry and creativity of the film industry’s brightest stars.
Over the decades, legendary actresses have captivated audiences with their performances and their unforgettable style. Whether it is Audrey Hepburn’s timeless Givenchy elegance or Florence Pugh’s modern, daring ensembles, each look tells a story of refinement, innovation, and star power.
As we look back at the most stunning BAFTA fashion moments, we celebrate the designers and stars who have transformed the red carpet into an enduring symbol of sophistication and style.
History of the BAFTAs
The BAFTAs date back to 1947, when they were originally established as the British Film Academy. Founded by industry figures including David Lean, Alexander Korda, and Laurence Olivier, the organisation was created to honour excellence and advance the art and technique of filmmaking.
The inaugural Film Awards ceremony took place in 1949, recognising films from 1947 and 1948, with The Best Years of Our Lives winning Best Film and Odd Man Out receiving Best British Film. In 1958, the British Film Academy merged with the Guild of Television Producers and Directors to form the Society of Film and Television Arts, later renamed the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) in 1976.
Over time, the BAFTAs expanded to recognise excellence across film, television, and games, becoming one of the most respected institutions in the entertainment industry. The ceremony has been hosted at several prestigious London venues, including the Royal Opera House and the Royal Albert Hall, and since 2023 has been held at the Royal Festival Hall.
The iconic BAFTA trophy, a theatrical mask designed by sculptor Mitzi Cunliffe in 1955, remains a symbol of artistic achievement and craftsmanship, with each award individually cast and finished.
BAFTAs Fashion: Early Ceremonies to the Modern Red Carpet
The British Academy Film Awards have long provided a platform for remarkable fashion statements by leading actresses. Below is a curated selection of some of the most memorable best-dressed moments and the designers behind them.
Audrey Hepburn in Givenchy
A timeless fashion icon, Audrey Hepburn embodied understated elegance throughout her career. Her professional relationship with Hubert de Givenchy began in 1953 during the production of Sabrina, marking the start of one of cinema’s most celebrated creative partnerships.
Givenchy went on to design many of Hepburn’s most iconic looks, including costumes for Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) and Charade (1963), establishing a visual legacy that continues to influence red-carpet style.
Hepburn’s refined aesthetic became a benchmark for classic glamour that would resonate on award-season carpets for decades.
Audrey Hepburn in a White Tulle Dress (1955)
Audrey Hepburn attended the British Film Academy Awards in 1955, nominated for her performance in Sabrina Fair, wearing a strapless white evening gown styled with long opera gloves. The look remains one of the earliest examples of her signature, quietly immaculate approach to formal dressing.
Elizabeth Taylor in a Sequined Coat Dress (1967)
Elizabeth Taylor made a striking appearance at the 1967 BAFTAs in a sequined gown finished with feather detailing, reflecting her unapologetically glamorous approach to red-carpet fashion.
Jane Seymour in an Embroidered Gown (1985)
Jane Seymour attended the 1985 BAFTAs in a finely embroidered evening gown, capturing the elegance and decorative richness that defined the decade’s formalwear.
Gwyneth Paltrow in Black Embroidered Separates (1999)
At the 1999 BAFTAs, Gwyneth Paltrow wore a black embroidered two-piece ensemble featuring a corset-style top and flowing skirt, demonstrating a modern, minimalist take on eveningwear.
Nicole Kidman in Emanuel Ungaro (2003)
Nicole Kidman channelled old Hollywood glamour at the 2003 BAFTAs in a satin Emanuel Ungaro column dress, complemented by chandelier earrings and a sleek chignon.
Cate Blanchett in Armani (2005)
Cate Blanchett appeared in a shimmering Armani column gown at the 2005 ceremony, reinforcing her reputation as one of the red carpet’s most consistently elegant figures.
Penélope Cruz in Oscar de la Renta (2007)
Penélope Cruz brought classic movie-star allure to the 2007 BAFTAs in a beaded Oscar de la Renta gown that skimmed the floor with effortless grace.
Kate Hudson in Dior (2008)
Kate Hudson was among the standout figures of the 2008 ceremony in a shimmering Dior gown that reflected light from every angle.
Angelina Jolie in Armani Privé (2009)
Angelina Jolie made a contemporary statement at the 2009 BAFTAs in an Armani Privé dress featuring neon yellow lining and architectural folds.
Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen (2016)
In 2016, Cate Blanchett captivated audiences in an intricate, floral cut-out Alexander McQueen gown, blending couture craftsmanship with dramatic impact.
Saoirse Ronan in Chanel (2018)
Saoirse Ronan appeared at the 2018 BAFTAs in a classic Chanel gown, reinforcing her reputation for refined, youthful sophistication.
Florence Pugh in Dries Van Noten (2020)
Florence Pugh made headlines at the 2020 BAFTAs in a hot pink Dries Van Noten dress featuring bow fastenings and a flowing train, signalling her arrival as a fashion risk-taker.
Margot Robbie in Chanel (2020)
At the same ceremony, Margot Robbie wore a lace Chanel dress with peplum detailing, showcasing her polished and feminine style.
Jodie Comer in Tuxedo-Inspired Gown (2022)
Jodie Comer attended the 2022 Television BAFTAs in a plunging tuxedo-inspired Boss gown, collecting the Best Leading Actress award and earning widespread praise for her tailored, modern look.
Florence Pugh in Harris Reed (2024)
At the 2024 BAFTAs, Florence Pugh appeared in a custom Harris Reed ensemble featuring a sculptural silver corset, dramatic skirt, and flowing cape.
Dua Lipa in Valentino (2024)
Dua Lipa commanded attention in a red Valentino gown with an extended cape, combining contemporary confidence with classic couture drama.
Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton (2024)
Emma Stone wore a custom peach-toned Louis Vuitton dress with a distinctive ruffle sleeve, reflecting her evolving red-carpet elegance.
Naomi Campbell in Chanel Couture (2024)
Naomi Campbell brought refined drama to the ceremony in a black Chanel couture gown topped with a hooded cape.
Emily Blunt in Elie Saab (2024)
Emily Blunt dazzled in a sequinned Elie Saab gown with cut-out detailing and flared sleeves, accessorised with Tiffany & Co. jewellery.
Margot Robbie in Armani Privé (2024)
Margot Robbie turned heads in a black and pink Armani Privé gown accented by operatic glove sleeves, blending theatrical flair with couture precision.
Phoebe Dynevor in Louis Vuitton (2024)
Phoebe Dynevor appeared in a sleek white Louis Vuitton gown featuring a plunging neckline and flowing train, epitomising contemporary refinement.
Cynthia Erivo in Louis Vuitton (2025)
Cynthia Erivo delivered one of the most commanding couture moments of the 2025 ceremony in a sculptural white Louis Vuitton gown defined by intricate embroidery and architectural structure, and finished with high-jewellery sparkle.
Ariana Grande in Louis Vuitton (2025)
Ariana Grande embraced refined femininity in a blush-toned Louis Vuitton creation featuring a structured bodice and voluminous skirt. The silhouette felt both playful and impeccably constructed, offering a modern interpretation of classic red-carpet glamour.
Demi Moore in Alexander McQueen (2025)
Demi Moore channelled high-impact elegance in a shimmering Alexander McQueen gown that combined intricate embellishment with a statuesque silhouette. The look nodded to old-Hollywood sophistication while maintaining the sharp, contemporary edge synonymous with the house.
Selena Gomez in Schiaparelli (2025)
Selena Gomez opted for sculptural drama in a custom Schiaparelli design distinguished by bold structure and refined detailing. The ensemble stood out for its couture artistry, reinforcing the growing appetite for statement-making silhouettes on the BAFTA red carpet.
A Continuing Legacy of Style
The British Academy Film Awards have long served as a meeting point between cinema and couture, producing moments that resonate far beyond the ceremony itself. From Audrey Hepburn’s early elegance to contemporary stars embracing avant-garde design, the BAFTA red carpet reflects the evolving language of luxury fashion.
Each ensemble enhances the presence of its wearer while shaping wider conversations about craftsmanship, creativity, and personal expression. As future ceremonies approach, anticipation continues to build around the next generation of defining style moments, reinforcing the BAFTAs’ status as a beacon of artistic and sartorial excellence.
