The 2016 EE British Academy Film Awards, held at the Royal Opera House in London, were full of glamorous celebs who each brought their fashion A-game to the evening. The awards honored the best in British and international film.
Attendees dazzled on the red carpet in patterned frocks, floor-length numbers, and gowns sure to steal the spotlight.
Nominations and awards abound on this Valentine’s evening spent among some of the best film talents in the world. While not everyone could go home with an award, we decided these celebrities deserve acknowledgment for their elegant and intricate ensembles.
Here is a list of our top fashion nominees from the 2016 BAFTA Awards:
Best Embellished Gown
Nominee 1: Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen
Opting for a stunning ensemble from the British design house Alexander McQueen, Cate Blanchett combined an intricately embroidered and embellished top with a black feather skirt – a unique pairing that was not shown on the Spring 2016 runway (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN / Joe Alvarez / Zibi / Daniel Deme)
Cate Blanchett was impossible to ignore in her eye-catching Alexander McQueen gown that featured an embellished floral bodice and a black feathered skirt.
The star was nominated for Best Actress for her role in ‘Carol’ but lost to Brie Larson.
We still think she was a winner for this look, though! Topping off her elegant display, she swept her hair into a low bun, added shimmering earrings and a matching bracelet, and went with minimal makeup.
Cate Blanchett’s Tiffany & Co. drop earrings and a cuff bracelet added even more glitz to her look at the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in London on February 14, 2016 (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN / Joe Alvarez / Zibi / Daniel Deme)
Nominee 2: Olga Kurylenko in Ralph and Russo
Olga Kurylenko wore a stunning Ralph & Russo dress featuring sheer beading and a satin collar and cuffs with a back split (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN / Joe Alvarez / Zibi / Daniel Deme)
The ‘Vampire Academy’ actress dazzled in her floor-length sheer and white embellished Ralph and Russo gown.
The three-quarter-sleeved gown made the 36-year-old French actress look glamorous as ever, featuring a sheer fabric with a lace-like beaded pattern on top.
Adding some class, the 2016 Spring Couture gown also features a satin collar and matching cuffs. Olga completed her look with a side-parted wavy hairstyle, Atelier Swarovski jewelry, a white clutch, and barely there makeup.
Olga Kurylenko showcases timeless elegance with soft waves, luminous makeup, and a delicately embroidered sheer gown accented by sparkling drop earrings
Nominee 3: Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton
Alicia Vikander donned an embellished black leather column gown with metallic-like tinsel at the bottom (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN / Joe Alvarez / Zibi / Daniel Deme)
Boasting two BAFTA nominations, Alicia Vikander proved she was award-worthy in this sparkling leather gown.
The sleeveless number features a textured pattern of woven leather and beaded chain embellishments that run the full length of the gown.
Leather on the red carpet can be quite risky, but ‘The Danish Girl’ actress certainly owned the daring look.
She swept her brown tresses to one side and completed her look with a pair of geometric drop earrings and muted makeup.
Alicia Vikander stuns in a crystal-embellished leather gown, pairing the bold texture with side-swept waves, radiant makeup, and sparkling drop earrings
Perfect Patterned Frock
Nominee 1: Rooney Mara in Givenchy
Rooney Mara made a stunning appearance in a nude Givenchy Spring 2016 Haute Couture gown that featured geometric patterns, giving her a sleek and modern look (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN / Joe Alvarez / Zibi / Daniel Deme)
Never one to shy away from making a fashion statement, the ‘Carol’ actress glided across the red carpet in a geometric cutout patterned frock.
The off-white number features hexagonal cutouts, a nude slip of fabric beneath, and unique shoulder cutouts that give the illusion of feathers.
She styled the neutral-toned gown with sultry eye makeup and a deep pink lip. Rooney completed her elegant presentation, pulling her hair back in a tight up-do with a dark metallic headband.
Rooney Mara captivates with her minimalist beauty, wearing a geometric cutout gown with delicate shoulder accents and a sleek pulled-back hairstyle
Nominee 2: Dree Hemingway in Erdem
Dree Hemingway’s Erdem dress, adorned with embroidered flowers, received mixed reviews on the red carpet (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN / Joe Alvarez / Zibi / Daniel Deme)
This 28-year-old actress and model certainly dressed to impress for the BAFTAs this year.
In preparation for the below-freezing London weather, Dree Hemingway made an intelligent choice by donning a stunning red Erdem gown that covered her from a high collar down to full-length sleeves, all the way to the floor. The elegant gown kept her warm and highlighted her chic and sophisticated style on the red carpet.
The lacy, patterned dress was patched with embroidered pink and red flowers, making Dree look like a colorful old-fashioned princess.
Dree opted for a wispy up-do, smokey eye makeup without mascara or liner, and dark red lips to complete her look. Her accessories included glimmering earrings, statement rings, and a golden clutch.
Dree Hemingway brightens the red carpet in a bold high-neck lace gown embroidered with vibrant floral appliqués, pairing the statement look with deep berry lipstick and sparkling earrings
Top Red Hot Look
Nominee 1: Dakota Johnson in Dior
The “red-dress effect” was in full force as Dakota Johnson made a stunning appearance on the red carpet at the BAFTA Awards in London (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN / Joe Alvarez / Zibi / Daniel Deme)
Proving that red is a totally viable color choice for red carpet events, Dakota Johnson looked sexy and sizzling in her spaghetti-strapped, ruffled gown from Dior.
The ‘How to be Single’ star bared some skin from the dress’s deep neckline and amped up the sex appeal with matching red lipstick.
Maximizing her effortlessly-chic appearance, Dakota went with minimal accessories and kept her bronze locks straight.
Dakota Johnson radiates effortless elegance in a vibrant red gown with delicate ruffle detailing, complemented by her signature fringe, soft waves, and a bold red lip
Nominee 2: Emilia Clarke in Victoria Beckham
Emilia Clarke made a bold appearance at the 2016 BAFTA Awards in a stunning scarlet Victoria Beckham shoulder-slit floor-length dress showcasing her curves and cleavage (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN / Joe Alvarez / Zibi / Daniel Deme)
Leave it to Victoria Beckham to nail the simplicity and femininity that makes a gown stand out, and let Emilia Clarke wear it like it was made for her.
The ‘Game of Thrones’ star always brings the heat, whether on screen or off, and this dress was no exception. This gown was a true win for the actress, featuring a plunging neckline, shoulder strap cutout details, and a body-hugging fishtail design.
Emilia went with muted makeup and let her brunette bob fall in waves to just above her shoulders. Completing the look was a sparkling statement ring and matching earrings.
Emilia Clarke glows in a plunging red gown, pairing the bold neckline with soft waves, radiant makeup, and a warm, confident smile
Nominee 3: Annabelle Wallis in Oscar de la Renta
Annabelle Wallis looked stunning in a breathtaking dress featuring ruffles, lace, and feathers, complete with a back tie-neck halter and a split detail (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN / Joe Alvarez / Zibi / Daniel Deme)
Annabelle threatened to steal the show in this ruffled Oscar de la Renta gown. The dress connects to the floral-patterned bodice and full skirt in an elegant sea of red fabric from a sheer halter neck featuring soft ruffled sides.
Increasing the sex appeal, the ‘Peaky Blinders’ actress showed some leg under the high slit of the skirt.
Her makeup was classy, with red lips that accentuated her dress, and she swept her blonde tresses up in a bun, putting her glamorous ruby drop earrings on display.
Annabelle Wallis exudes glamor in a high-neck red gown with ruffled detailing, accessorized with bold ruby chandelier earrings and a radiant smile
Sexiest Dress
Nominee 1: Heida Reed in Nicholas Oakwell
Heida Reed stood out from the crowd in a stunning black gown with a plunging neckline and a flowing chiffon skirt (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN / Joe Alvarez / Zibi / Daniel Deme)
Talk about taking the plunge! The 27-year-old Icelandic actress kept the sex appeal on full blast in her shimmering and sheer deep-V gown.
While her bra-less upper half certainly sent attention her way, her visible black underwear covering her modesty below was equally as entrancing.
To add to her sultry effect, Heida wore a metallic body chain necklace highlighting her bare chest, trendy ear jewelry, and multiple Monica Vinader rings.
A slick of vampy lipstick and a sleek middle-parted ‘do completed her daring display.
Heida Reed commands attention in a shimmering black plunging gown, paired with sleek straight hair, bold red lips, and minimalist jewelry for a striking red carpet look
Nominee 2: Lily Donaldson in YSL
Lily Donaldson, the 29-year-old Victoria’s Secret model, amped up the sex appeal with a stunning floor-length gown at the Royal Opera House (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN / Joe Alvarez / Zibi / Daniel Deme)
This platinum blonde supermodel looked incredible in her sheer, billowy black dress. Walking with Victoria’s Secret must have amplified her bra-baring confidence, as her gown left little to the imagination.
The peasant-style bodice of the gown clung loosely to Lily’s toned upper body and featured a playful cutout below the chest before teaming up with the flowing skirt.
Keeping her shining locks natural, Lily accessorized with golden jewelry, including a hip-highlighting YSL chain belt, and chose a slick of bright red lipstick to complete her sexy ensemble.
Lily Donaldson stuns in a sheer black gown with billowy sleeves, accented by a gold YSL chain belt, soft waves, and bold red lipstick for a sultry red carpet statement
Best White Gown
Nominee 1: Julianne Moore in Giorgio Armani
Julianne Moore made a striking appearance in a gorgeous white halter gown by Giorgio Armani that featured a black strap, exuding sophistication and glamour (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN / Joe Alvarez / Zibi / Daniel Deme)
The epitome of simple elegance, 55-year-old actress Julianne Moore looked gorgeous in her white fishtail gown. Featuring black straps that flowed freely from the base of her spine, Julianne looked like a goddess with every movement.
Looking chic and feminine in her monochrome dress, Julianne kicked the elegance up a notch by pulling her amber locks back in a twisted up-do and wearing an added pop of color with some emerald earrings.
Julianne Moore looks radiant in a sleek white gown with black strap detailing, finishing the sophisticated look with emerald drop earrings, a chic updo, and vibrant pink lipstick
Nominee 2: Isla Fisher in Stella McCartney
Isla Fisher made a lasting impression on the red carpet at the British Academy Film Awards in a stunning white gown designed by Stella McCartney (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN / Joe Alvarez / Zibi / Daniel Deme)
Channeling true old Hollywood style, Isla Fisher was a vision in her floor-length white silk gown. With just a touch of detailing at the bust, the thin-strapped number carries a classic simplicity that Isla wore well.
The glamorous actress enhanced her body-hugging display with a slick of deep red lipstick, making her silky locks the ultimate accessory as they cascaded down her shoulder from a side parting.
Opening up the glam factor, Isla opted for sparkling bangles, drop earrings, and a pearly white clutch.
Isla Fisher channels old Hollywood glamor in a figure-hugging white gown, styled with side-swept waves, emerald drop earrings, sparkling diamond jewelry, and a crystal-embellished clutch
The nominations are all in, but we can’t decide on a winner for each category. They’re all so incredibly stunning! Which celebs deserve an award for their gowns at the 2016 BAFTAs?
👠 Explore More BAFTA Shoe & Fashion Highlights:
- 🩰 Strappy pumps take over the 2025 BAFTAs — featuring Cynthia Erivo’s white Louis Vuitton cage pumps and other standout heel styles
- 🎬 Demi Moore & Scout Willis shine at the BAFTA pre-party — featuring their chic Chanel slingback pumps
- 🌟 9 Fashion‑Forward Celebrities at 2023 BAFTAs — includes Anya Taylor‑Joy’s Aquazzura sandals on the red carpet
- 👗 Emma Stone’s 2024 BAFTAs look — complete with coordinating satin open‑toe heels
- 💃 Lily Collins at 2024 BAFTAs — showing off Christian Louboutin Marchavekel platform sandals
- ❄️ Rosamund Pike’s ethereal Dior gown at 2024 BAFTAs — with footwear styling notes
- 🔥 Dua Lipa at 2024 BAFTAs — her Valentino Nite‑Out satin pumps complete the dramatic entrance
- ✨ Emily Blunt’s gold Elie Saab gown at 2024 BAFTAs — paired with Gianvito Rossi Portofino sandals
- 🥿 Saoirse Ronan’s BAFTA tea‑look — featuring Alexandre Birman’s ‘Lolita’ bow sandals