The dedication some actors show for their craft is truly remarkable. Take Charlize Theron in Monster—she was nearly unrecognizable after her dramatic transformation.
Similarly, Anne Hathaway underwent significant weight loss to portray Fantine in the 2012 film adaptation of Les Misérables, shedding around 25 pounds (11 kg) to authentically reflect the character’s frail and impoverished state.
Antonia Campbell-Hughes’s Dramatic Transformation for 3096 Days
In 2012, Antonia Campbell-Hughes garnered attention for her dramatic physical transformation for a film role.
At the 56th BFI London Film Festival, the actress surprised many with her noticeably slender appearance on the red carpet, reflecting her extreme dedication to portraying a deeply challenging character.
Antonia Campbell-Hughes attended the premiere of ‘Frankenweenie 3D’ at the 56th BFI London Film Festival in a dress from Alberta Ferretti’s Spring 2013 collection (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)
Embodying the Role: Antonia’s Physical Commitment
Her slender appearance was attributed to her weight loss for a role where she portrays Natascha Kampusch, an Austrian held in captivity for eight years.
Antonia Campbell-Hughes portrayed Natascha Kampusch in 3096 Days (German: 3096 Tage), a 2013 German drama film directed by Sherry Hormann. She lost 29 kilograms for her role, a challenging physical transformation to portray Kampusch’s ordeal authentically.
Thure Lindhardt played the role of Wolfgang Priklopil, while Antonia Campbell-Hughes portrayed Natascha Kampusch in the 2013 German drama film 3096 Days (Credit: Midget Entertainment)
She told the Evening Standard she was committed to suffering as much as Kampusch did. Campbell-Hughes kept a photo of Lara Flynn Boyle from 1998 on her fridge to aid in her weight loss.
When filming, Campbell-Hughes was 30 years old, while Natascha Kampusch was only 18 when she escaped from her captor.
“The one thing that I have been adamant about is that I am playing a character in a script,” Campbell-Hughes said. “It’s not a biopic or a case study. But playing someone real, you feel you have to give a bit more. There was an understanding from the beginning that I would suffer as much as she did.”
“Constant tirades of screaming, they shave their heads, keep them naked. Parts of my head have been shaved. I’ve been naked for the last two months, pretty much.”
Antonia Campbell-Hughes’s outfit featured a light blue chiffon dress with lace embroidery on sheer illusion panels (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)
A Controversial Red Carpet Appearance
While her physical transformation sparked conversation, there’s no denying the beauty of the dress itself.
The sheer powder blue number was dreamy and delicate—an ethereal design that, with the right styling and support, could flatter a wide range of body types.
Antonia Campbell-Hughes shocked in a sheer blue Alberta Ferretti dress at the 2012 London Film Festival (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)
Unfortunately, the delicate sheer dress accentuated her extremely slender frame, drawing more attention to her dramatic transformation.
Antonia Campbell-Hughes styled her blue dress with nude pumps featuring a black embellished platform (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)
Paired with the chunky two-tone wedges, the overall look felt somewhat unbalanced and didn’t quite deliver the impact it could have with more cohesive styling.
Antonia Campbell-Hughes showed off her dramatic weight loss at the premiere of ‘Frankenweenie’ at the opening of the BFI London Film Festival at Odeon Leicester Square on October 10, 2012, in London, England (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)
Alternative Styling Options for Antonia
For the gals interested, Antonia’s dress is from Alberta Ferretti’s Spring 2013 collection. No word yet on when it’s coming out in stores, but here it is up close:
Alberta Ferretti Spring 2013 Dress
A light-colored shift dress with sleeves could have offered a more balanced silhouette, providing coverage while maintaining the delicate elegance of her look.
Red Carpet Highlights: Celebrity Fashion at the BFI London Film Festival
The BFI London Film Festival has consistently been a platform where celebrities showcase their impeccable fashion sense. Here are some memorable style moments from the festival:
Lupita Nyong’o’s Festive Chanel Ensemble
- Event: Premiere of “The Wild Robot” at the 68th BFI London Film Festival
- Outfit: Lupita donned an eggshell Chanel tweed suit from the Fall 2021 Haute Couture collection, paired with a silver tinsel scarf.
- Accessories: She completed the look with silver peep-toe heels and a whimsical robot-shaped bag from Chanel’s 2017 collection.
- Read more: Lupita Nyong’o’s festive look at the BFI London Film Festival
Naomie Harris Shines in Fuchsia Jimmy Choo Pumps
- Event: Screening of “Moonlight” at the BFI London Film Festival
- Outfit: Naomie Harris wore a dazzling Valentino beaded dress.
- Footwear: She paired the dress with vibrant fuchsia suede pumps by Jimmy Choo, adding a pop of color to her ensemble.
- See more: Naomie Harris’s standout footwear at the BFI London Film Festival
Helen Mirren’s Elegant Satin Coat Dress and Jeweled Booties
- Event: Premiere of “Trumbo” at the BFI London Film Festival
- Outfit: Helen Mirren graced the red carpet in a 1950s-inspired satin coat dress by Suzannah.
- Footwear: She complemented her look with jeweled booties by Gina and a chic cocktail hat by Rachel Black Millinery.
- Discover more: Helen Mirren’s timeless style at the BFI London Film Festival
Antonia Campbell-Hughes wears a voluminous pink silk gown with ruched sleeves and hem, paired with chunky black platform heels at the 2022 British Independent Film Awards at Old Billingsgate on December 4, 2022, in London, England (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Adèle Exarchopoulos’s Chic Ensemble at “Blue Is the Warmest Colour” Premiere
- Event: Premiere of “Blue Is the Warmest Colour” at the 57th BFI London Film Festival
- Outfit: Adèle kept it effortlessly chic in a white sweater and black midi skirt.
- Footwear: She added a bold touch with leopard-print lace-up shoes, making a fashion statement on the red carpet.
- Explore her look: Adèle Exarchopoulos’s stylish appearance at the BFI London Film Festival
These fashion moments highlight the diverse and stylish choices celebrities make at the BFI London Film Festival, reflecting the event’s significance in the fashion world.