The 2016 EE British Academy Film Awards, held at the Royal Opera House in London, was full of glamorous celebs who each brought their fashion A-game to the evening honoring 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 were 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 that these celebrities deserve to be acknowledged 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
Cate Blanchett arriving at the EE British American Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in London on February 14, 2016
Cate, 46, was impossible to ignore in her eye-catching Alexander McQueen gown that featured a floral embellished 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.
Nominee 2: Olga Kurylenko in Ralph and Russo
Olga Kurylenko at the EE British American Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in London on February 14, 2016
The ‘Vampire Academy‘ actress dazzled in her floor-length sheer and white embellished Ralph and Russo gown. Featuring a sheer fabric with a lace-like beaded pattern on top, the three-quarter sleeved gown made the 36-year-old French actress look glamorous as ever.
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 Swarovsky jewelry, a white clutch, and barely there makeup.
Nominee 3: Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton
Alicia Vikander arriving at the EE British American Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in London on February 14, 2016
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.
Perfect Patterned Frock
Nominee 1: Rooney Mara in Givenchy
Rooney Mara arriving at the EE British American Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in London on February 14, 2016
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 with 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. Pulling her hair back in a tight up-do with a dark metallic headband, Rooney completed her elegant presentation.
Nominee 2: Dree Hemingway in Gucci
Dree Hemingway arriving at the EE British American Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in London on February 14, 2016
This 28-year-old actress and model certainly dressed to impress for the BAFTAs this year. Perhaps in anticipation of the below-freezing London weather, Dree donned an elegant red Gucci gown that covered her from a high collar, down full-length sleeves, all the way to the floor. The lacy patterned dress was patched with embroidered pink and red flowers, making Dree look like a colorful old-fashioned princess.
To complete her look, Dree opted for a wispy up-do, smokey eye makeup without mascara or liner, and dark red lips. Her accessories included glimmering earrings, statement rings, and a golden clutch.
Top Red Hot Look
Nominee 1: Dakota Johnson in Dior
Dakota Johnson at the EE British American Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in London on February 14, 2016
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.
Nominee 2: Emilia Clarke in Victoria Beckham
Emilia Clarke at the EE British American Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in London on February 14, 2016
Leave it to Victoria Beckham to nail the simplicity and femininity that makes a gown stand out, and leave it to Emilia Clarke to wear it like it was made for her. The ‘Game of Thrones‘ star is always bringing the heat, whether on screen or off, and this dress was no exception. Featuring a plunging neckline, shoulder strap cutout details, and a body-hugging fishtail design, this gown was a true win for the actress.
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.
Nominee 3: Annabelle Wallis in Oscar de la Renta
Annabelle Wallis arriving at the EE British American Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in London on February 14, 2016
Annabelle, 31, threatened to steal the show in this smoking hot, ruffled Oscar de la Renta gown. From a sheer halter-neck featuring soft ruffled sides, the gown connects to the floral-patterned bodice and full skirt in an elegant sea of red fabric.
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 which put her glamorous ruby drop earrings on display.
Sexiest Dress
Nominee 1: Heida Reed in Nicholas Oakwell
Heida Reed arriving at the EE British American Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in London on February 14, 2016
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 that highlighted her bare chest, trendy ear jewelry, and multiple Monica Vinader rings. A slick of vampy lipstick and a sleek middle parted ‘do finished off her daring display.
Nominee 2: Lily Donaldson in Burberry
Lily Donaldson arriving at the EE British American Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in London on February 14, 2016
This platinum blonde supermodel looked incredible as always 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 features 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.
Best White Gown
Nominee 1: Julianne Moore in Giorgio Armani
Julianne Moore arriving at the EE British American Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in London on February 14, 2016
The epitome of simple elegance, 55-year-old actress Julianne Moore looked absolutely gorgeous in her white fishtail gown. Featuring black straps that flowed freely from the base of her spine, Julianne’s gown had her looking 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 wore an added pop of color with some emerald earrings.
Nominee 2: Isla Fisher in Stella McCartney
Isla Fisher arriving at the EE British American Film Awards at the Royal Opera House in London on February 14, 2016
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, and allowed her silky locks to be the ultimate accessory as they cascaded down her shoulder from a side parting. Turning up the glam factor, Isla opted for some sparkling bangles, drop earrings, and a pearly white clutch.
The nominations are all in, but we simply can’t decide on a winner for each category, they’re all so incredibly stunning! Which celebs do you think deserve an award for their gowns at this year’s BAFTAs? Let us know!
Credit: Lia Toby/WENN/Joe Alvarez/Zibi/Daniel Deme