In an awards season already full of discussion and disappointments for many of its presumed Black frontrunners, this year’s nominees for the 76th British Academy Film Awards, also known as the BAFTAs, were a ray of hope. Angela Bassett (“Wakanda Forever”), Danielle Deadwyler (“Till”), director Gina Prince-Bythewood and Viola Davis (“The Woman King”) all garnered nominations, as did Rising Star nominees Daryl McCormack, Naomi Ackie and Sheila Atim.
Despite the well-deserved recognition, unfortunately, no Black actors or directors took home awards from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts on Sunday night. However, that doesn’t mean there weren’t any winners; the red carpet of London’s Royal Festival Hall was alight with Black star power—and equally stellar looks.
Fittingly, shades of the ever-regal color purple were favored by several of the night’s major female stars, including Bassett (in a lavender Pamella Roland gown), Davis (in a sparkly deep violet by Stella McCartney) and Jodie Turner-Smith (in a lilac beaded and ombréed feather look by Gucci). Heavy metals were also in; Cynthia Erivo looked bronzed in coppery fringes by Louis Vuitton, while Sheila Atim was stunningly statuesque in a silver strapless gown and matching opera-length gloves by Prada.
BAFTA, Tony and Oscar winner Ariana DeBose gave the audience several looks for the night, including a sheer, beaded, champagne-colored gown by Fendi Haute Couture worn on the red carpet. Later, DeBose donned an elegant black gown to join Regé-Jean Page in presenting the award for Best Supporting Actor.
What other looks were in the winners’ circle on the BAFTAs red carpet? Check out our gallery below — and stay tuned as theGrio continues its 2023 awards season style-spotting!
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