Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic Dune may have been the big winner at the 2022 BAFTAs with five wins in the craft categories, but it was Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog that took home the coveted best film and director awards.
Cumberbatch had only just lost out on best actor to King Richard’s Will Smith. Fumbling with some notes at the podium, he jokingly made to read his thwarted acceptance speech before saying, “You don’t lose to Will Smith, you win to be in his company.”
Other big winners of the evening included After Love actor Joanna Scanlan, meanwhile CODA star Troy Kotsur became the first deaf actor to win a BAFTA.
Here are some fashion highlights that made a statement:
1. Subtle political statements
Ariana DeBose’ Oscar de la Renta dress actually doubled up as a political statement – when put together with that of her West Side Story co-star, Rachel Zegler. Together, they were wearing the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
“Did anybody see what Rachel Zegler’s wearing? Because the two of us together are standing with Ukraine, like seriously, we are reflecting it in colour,” she said.
It wasn’t the only reference to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the ceremony. Woody Norman, the 13-year-old star of C’Mon C’Mon, and Boiling Point star Stephen Graham both wore ribbons on their suits in the colours of Ukrainian flag. Benedict Cumberbatch, meanwhile, wore a blue and yellow badge.
2. Go gaga!
Lady Gaga wowed in dark shades, as she walked on the red carpet in an elegant emerald Ralph Lauren gown that took over 150 hours (and 50 meters of both velvet and silk taffeta) to produce. The singer and House of Gucci actress completed the look with Tiffany & Co. jewels that sparkled above a plunging neckline.
3. A hint of playfulness
4. The winning tuxedo
5. Lady in red
The Cyrano star, Haley Bennett oozed glamour in a voluminous crimson Valentino gown featuring burgundy and brown imprints depicting entwined human beings. She accessorized her look with a collection of dazzling rings.
