The Best Red Carpet Looks From The 2026 BAFTAs – Essence

It’s fashion week in London. But, this evening, eyes were temporarily diverted from the runways. Instead, the red carpet at the 2026 BAFTAs grabbed hold of our attention. Known cheekily as the British Oscars, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts is the highest honor in British cinema. And, with it, comes Hollywood’s biggest stars in looks fit for a Queen.

3 out of 4 of ESSENCE’s Black Women in Hollywood honorees—Chase Infiniti, Zinzi Coogler, and Kerry Washington—were in attendance. Infiniti’s custom plum Louis Vuitton gown fit like a glove before fanning out at the bottom. Coogler—posing with her husband, Sinners director Ryan Coogler—dressed up her minimal A-line gown with a red lip. And, Washington stunned in a pleated train with matching blue nails and a beachy chignon.

Necks obviously broke for Teyana Taylor, while her own neck was covered by a silk duchesse trench coat Burberry gown (with gloves!) to compliment her pixie cut and bright pink undereyes. Wunmi Mosaku—who won Best Supporting Actress Award for her role in Sinners—juxtaposed her blue dress with rich red nails and a sculpted afro. And, to end the night, rap royal Little Simz took a detour from her performance at Tolu Coker’s fashion show to debut a cinched overcoat adorned with a little pearl pin.

Ahead, take a look at all the best celebrity red carpet looks from the 2026 BAFTAs.

Chase Infiniti

Ryan Coogler and Zinzi Coogler

Kerry Washington

Teyana Taylor

Wunmi Mosaku

Little Simz

Cat Burns

Michael B. Jordan

Ruth E. Carter

Wale Davies and Akinola Davies Jr.

Sheila Atim

Delroy Lindo

Leomie Anderson

Anthony Andrews

Miles Caton

Stormzy

Regé-Jean Page

Hannah Beachler

Sarah Niles

Archie Madekwe

Aaron Pierre

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

AJ Odudu

Jeremiah Asiamah