Some of the biggest names in TV and movie from right across the world have turned out to celebrate the British Academy Film Awards – and there were some incredible outfits on the red carpet.
Joining a sea of black – in support of the Time’s Up campaign against sexual harassment – everyone from Julie Walters and Celia Imrie, to Annette Bening and Kristin Scott Thomas proved there’s no age limit on style.
Leading the way and stealing the show as she posed for photos was Mamma Mia! star Walters, 67, who showed off her keen eye for fashion in a loose black jumpsuit with jewelled detail over her shoulders. Keeping her natural grey hair styled in a cropped do, she looked effortlessly youthful with big diamond earrings and a matching clutch bag.
She was joined on the red carpet by her former Calendar Girls co-star Celia Imrie, 65, who won the style crown in a clinging black lace dress, which showed off her figure perfectly.
While it pinched in at the waist, the floor-length number then flowed out in a fishtail, making the actress appear years younger as she posed alongside her fellow celebrities. Imrie followed Walters’ lead with statement jewellery, choosing a chunky diamond necklace instead.
Elsewhere, Annette Bening, 59, transformed and glammed up her usually more casual appearance in a loose black netted dress with sheer sleeves.
Appearing at the event early, she chose to pose without glasses, before putting them on for later photos. She kept her hair very loose and wild, and wore minimal make-up, appearing more youthful than ever. Bening was a natural in front of the cameras, and even laughed and joked with photographers while pulling a range of different poses and moves ahead of the ceremony.
Meanwhile, Kristin Scott Thomas gave them all competition with a very dramatic outfit – still in keeping with the all-black theme. Rather than opting for a classic ball gown, the actress, 57, chose a full-length jacket-style dress with a white panel down the front.
The statement number stood out against the black outfits around her, and was a modern take on a classic. The star wore brighter lipstick and was all smiles for photos.
They were joined by legendary actress Helena Bonham Carter, 51, who ensured she followed the theme perfectly with a plunging and shorter black ruffled dress. The more daring choice was in keeping with her usual outrageous styles, and she oozed confidence outside.
The star wore her hair in a very messy do, pinned on top of her head, once again portraying her flamboyant personality. She looked in great spirits for the annual bash, and later posed arm in arm with filmmaker James Ivory.
Joining them was a glowing Duchess of Cambridge, who defied the rulebook and wore a deep green gown – in keeping with royal protocol.
Showing off her baby bump, the mum-of-two added a huge diamond necklace to the striking outfit. Wearing her hair loose and slightly curled, she smiled for cameras and greeted guests outside on the red carpet.
William dressed for the occasion in a black tux, and remained close to his wife’s side as they walked inside. According to protocol, all members of the royal family should remain politically neutral – so wearing black may have be seen as a breach of that. The Monarchy’s website states: “As head of state, the Queen has to remain strictly neutral with respect to political matters.”
The BAFTAs is just the latest awards ceremony to see its guests choose an all-black theme to honour the Time’s Up campaign, and announcing it on Twitter recently, a post read: “Tonight, black is not just for the red carpet. Tonight, at the #BAFTAs and beyond, we wear black to say #TIMESUP on workplace abuse, inequality and harassment. Tonight, join us in your homes, your community and on social media as we show the world #WHYWEWEARBLACK.”