he British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards 2024, which took place a week ago didn’t exactly follow American award ceremonies. Where several American awards snubbed Barbie director Greta Gerwig and lead actor Margot Robbie, BAFTA Awards, at least, had the foresight to nominate them, with the film nabbing a total of five nominations in the right categories. Realistically, no one from Barbie had a shot between other contenders like Oppenheimer and Poor Things. Meanwhile, the red carpet of BAFTAs indicated one fashion statement: diversity in trends.

Oppenheimer wins big

Oppenheimer’s victory at the BAFTA Awards 2024 didn’t arrive as a shock or even as a mild surprise. The Christopher Nolan film has swept nearly every award ceremony in the USA as well as Britain. But this victory, perhaps, means more to Nolan than many others, since he is actually British. Apart from a win for lead actor Cillian Murphy (who wore a custom Zegna mohair tuxedo jacket, a silk collarless shirt, matching trousers and the super popular Zegna Vienna Blake boots), the most coveted prize of the night (best film) also went to the biographical, period drama Oppenheimer. It also collected awards for best director, and best supporting actor Christopher Nolan, and Robert Downey Jr., respectively. The film’s titular star, Cillian Murphy, who is having the best year in a long and mostly underappreciated career (before Oppenheimer) made a memorable speech. He said, “I want to thank my fellow nominees and my Oppenhomies and, in fact, all of you in the room. I know it’s a cliché to say I’m in awe of you, but I genuinely am in awe.”

Acknowledging director Chris Nolan for casting him in the lead role of the biographical drama, Murphy said, “Chris, thank you for that extraordinary, exhilarating script and for always pushing me and for always demanding excellence. Oppenheimer was this colossally naughty, complex character and he meant different things to different people. One man’s monster is another man’s hero. That’s why I love movies, because we have a space to celebrate and interrogate and investigate that complexity. And it’s a privilege to be part of this community with you all.”

BAFTA-nominated stars come out in style

Bafta-nominated films, nominees and those repping nominated projects turned up in unexpected and varied looks, showcasing a variety of trends. Truth be told, it was a night where the red carpet was a much more exciting affair than the actual award ceremony.

Among those who turned heads were Maestro nominees, Bradley Cooper, in a double-breasted jacket and flares by Louis Vuitton, and Carrie Mulligan, in a strapless Dior gown. They seemed coordinated in terms of color, with both wearing black, a choice that never goes out of style, but where Bradley Cooper did make us pause, Carrie Mulligan was elegance personified and one of the best dressed stars of the night.

Also, stars of BAFTA-nominated grief drama, All of Us Strangers, actor Andrew Scott and nominee Paul Mescal reunited on the red carpet, with Scott stealing the limelight in his all-red look.

Margot Robbie, Emily Blunt and Emma Stone turn heads

Barbie nominee Margot Robbie joined fellow nominees Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer) and Emma Stone (Poor Things) and the trio happily posed for the cameras; the camaraderie between them was striking. Emma Stone, who won for her performance in Poor Things (middle) went with a peach Louis Vuitton gown, while Emily Blunt (left) opted for an ornate, sheer gown by Elie Saab, Australian actor Margot Robbie (right) looked beautiful in a custom pink and white strapless gown by Giorgio Armani Privé.

Dua Lipa sees red

And no, we’re not talking about a certain Taylor Swift song. However, music sensation for the millennial generation, Dua Lipa, did bring red to the award ceremony in a red Valentino gown with a fairly long train.

Prince William and Cate Blanchett

President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), Prince William (in a traditional tux) attended the award show solo. Catherine, Princess of Wales, better known as Kate, did not join him this year because she is still recovering from an abdominal surgery. Seen in the image with film and theater royalty, Cate Blanchett, in a Louis Vuitton gown. Blanchett is no stranger to BAFTA Awards, having won several major acting awards for her performances in Elizabeth, The Aviator, Blue Jasmine and last year’s Tar.