Last night, stars gathered at London's Royal Albert Hall to celebrate one of the highlights of the film and television calendar, the BAFTAs (British Academy of Film & Television Arts). With #TimesUp and #MeToo revealing the entertainment industry's dark underbelly, it's impossible for award shows like the BAFTAs not to be coloured by political messages.
Several of the nominated and most talked-about films this year have pushed against Hollywood stereotypes – Call Me By Your Name, Get Out – and political action took place on the red carpet, as well as during the ceremony. Activist group Sisters Uncut stormed the event wearing 'Time's Up Theresa' T-shirts, highlighting the prime minister's upcoming Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill, which will criminalise survivors while distracting from devastating cuts to domestic violence services worldwide.
As accusations and truths continue to emerge about abuse, sexual assault, and professional misconduct, actors and actresses again donned black in solidarity with those who have come forward. A tweet from the Time's Up campaign group last night read:
"We wear black to say #TIMESUP on workplace harassment, abuse and inequality. We wear black to stand in solidarity with women of all industries, from the #BAFTAS & beyond, the message remains the same: we stand for safety and equity in the workplace #TIMESUP #WHYWEWEARBLACK."
Despite Frances McDormand, winner of Leading Actress for her performance in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, not wearing black, she said to the audience, "I stand in full solidarity with my sisters," and Kate Middleton wore a dark green dress and black ribbon, but as the royal family rarely show political allegiances, this comes as no surprise.
Ahead, we've rounded up the best looks at last night's BAFTAs, from shimmering silhouettes to floor-sweeping gowns.
Saoirse Ronan, star of indie sensation Lady Bird, wore a 1920s-inspired black dress, complete with fringed panels and a sheer skirt.
Photo: Getty Images
Lupita Nyong’o wore a stunning cut-out Elie Saab dress with a Time's Up badge.
Photo: Getty Images
Rachel Weisz wore The Vampire's Wife, Susie Cave's booming brand of feminine, off-kilter demure dresses.
Photo: Getty Images
Best Actress nominee for I, Tonya, Margot Robbie dazzled in a sequinned and tulle black dress.
Photo: Getty Images
Emma Roberts went all Dynasty in an '80s plunging neckline and exaggerated shoulders.
Photo: Getty Images
Octavia Spencer, who was nominated for her supporting role in The Shape of Water, brought old school glamour in this sheer illusion gown.
Photo: Getty Images
Isabelle Huppert chose Armani Privé for the ceremony, featuring sequins and feathers.
Photo: Getty Images
Rising star and Black Mirror and Black Panther actress Letitia Wright wore a beautiful buckle-detailed embellished gown.
Photo: Getty Images
Jennifer Lawrence kept it demure and classic in a structured gown with white tulle off-the-shoulder detailing.
Photo: Getty Images
Angelina Jolie, who brought Cambodian-American human rights activist Loung Ung as a guest, stayed true to her signature old Hollywood aesthetic in a sweetheart-neck gown.
Photo: Getty Images
The gorgeous Naomie Harris invited journalist and campaigner Afua Hirsch as her guest, and wore cigarette trousers with a plunging, embellished and feather-trimmed dress on top.
Photo: Getty Images
Despite her directorial debut proving a runaway success with critics, Greta Gerwig was not nominated for a directing award, but instead for Best Original Screenplay. She paired her cropped shag with a floral-embellished sequin gown.
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