Author: Leah Dolan and Kati Chitrakorn, CNN
Source: CNN:::
February 16, 2025 at 14:16
Demi Moore arrived on the red carpet in London wearing a high-octane gown from Alexander McQueen.Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
London (CNN) — Considered the biggest night in the UK film industry, the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) on Sunday afternoon was a welcome distraction from a dreary climate that extended beyond the country’s weather. (Alongside one of the gloomiest winters on record, the UK has faced a challenging social and political landscape under a new Labour government.)
The 78th edition of the awards, which took place at London’s Southbank Centre, was hosted by Scottish actor and “Doctor Who” lead David Tennant and featured musical performances from 1990s boy band Take That and “Wicked” star Jeff Goldblum.
Noticeably absent was William and Kate, Prince and Princess of Wales, who flew with their children to their privately owned Caribbean island, Mustique, for the half-term school holiday. The royal couple last attended the BAFTAs together in 2023, with William (who became a president of BAFTA in 2010) attending alone last year.
The sartorial mood skewed modest, with most guests opting to keep things simple in monochromatic black or white looks. It marked a continuation of the more pared-back styles that celebrities have largely opted for across this year’s red carpets, in response to the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles in January.
Goldblum, along with actors Gwendoline Christie and Kelly Rutherford, arrived early, elegantly dressed in head-to-toe black. In stark contrast were Pamela Anderson, wearing a white wrap dress from Jacquemus’ Spring 2025 collection shown only mere weeks ago in Paris, and Cynthia Erivo in a structured lace number by Louis Vuitton. Mikey Madison and Saoirse Ronan similarly opted for ethereal, bridal-white frocks — a nod to the romantic fashion trend, dubbed as “bridalcore”, which has gained popularity over the past year.
See a selection of the best red carpet looks below.
Ariana Grande arrived in a voluminous Louis Vuitton gown with a plunging neckline. Kate Green/Getty Images
Back to black: Timothée Chalamet looked sharp in a Bottega Veneta suit. Kate Green/Getty Images
Mikey Madison, who captivated viewers in "Anora", wore a custom strapless gown and shawl by Prada. Ian West/PA Wire
Anna Kendrick was seen in a glittering black Georges Chakra couture dress. James Manning/PA Wire
Selena Gomez was glamour personified in a custom Schiaparelli gown. Kate Green/Getty Images
Demi Moore stole the limelight in a custom Alexander McQueen gown covered in crystals. Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
"Wicked" star Cynthia Erivo defied gravity in a Louis Vuitton lace dress with a structured front that was pulled up high towards the heavens. Ian West/PA Wire
"The Apprentice" actor Jeremy Strong was more pared-back after his viral 2025 Golden Globes look. Kate Green/Getty Images
“Emilia Perez” nominee Zoe Saldana vamped it up with all-black lace. Ian West/PA Wire
"Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy" heartthrob Leo Woodall wore a double-breasted suit. Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images
Felicity Jones of "The Brutalist" in custom Armani Privé. Ian West/PA Wire
Isabella Rossellini's look by Dolce & Gabbana mixed florals with leopard print. Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
James McAvoy accessorized his all-black look with a brooch. Toby Melville/Reuters
Vanessa Williams in an airy chartreuse Pamella Roland number. Mike Marsland/WireImage/Getty Images
Vanessa Kirby wore an off-the-shoulder gown with a high leg slit. Ian West/PA Wire
Saoirse Ronan's minimalist satin look was custom Louis Vuitton. Ian West/PA Wire
Coleman Domingo's Versace silk shirt and leather jacket, complete with ornate animal-printed lining, was one of the more daring looks of the evening.
Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP
Camila Cabello arrived in a crystal embellished Sabina Bilenko couture look. Ian West/PA Wire
Pamela Anderson arrived in a floor-length white off-the-shoulder gown by Jacquemus. Alberto Pezzali/Invision/AP
BAFTA host David Tennant opted for crystal-embroidered tailoring. Scott Garfitt/BAFTA/Getty Images
BAFTA Rising Star nominee Marisa Abela. Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Images
"Sex Education" actor Mimi Keene goes for romantic florals by Christian Dior. Kate Green/Getty Images
Best Actor nominee Sebastian Stan wore a classic black suit and bow tie. Ian West/PA Wire
Monica Barbaro of "A Complete Unkown" shimmers in an Armani Privé halterneck gown. Ian West/PA Wire
"Love Island" star Molly-Mae Hague embraced a minimalist aesthetic as she paired a jacket with a long skirt, both by Arakii. Ian West/PA Wire
"The Brutalist" actor Joe Alwyn wore a red floral Tiffany & Co brooch that popped against his maroon suit by Emporio Armani. John Phillips/BAFTA/Getty Images
Gwendoline Christie embraced her gothic side in a custom outfit created by her partner, the British designer Giles Deacon. John Phillips/BAFTA/Getty Images
Jeff Goldblum, who led early arrivals, appeared to embrace method dressing as the "Wicked" actor wore purple glasses and a patterned vest. John Phillips/BAFTA/Getty Images
"Gossip Girl" alum Kelly Rutherford looked elegant in all-black pleated dress by Robert Wun. David Fisher/Shutterstock