Top 10 Best BAFTA Looks of All Time
#10: Emily Blunt in Marc Bouwer (2008)
Emily Blunt made a name for herself playing a power-hungry fashion assistant in the “Devil Wears Prada” and while her true personality couldn’t be further from her character’s, her fashion sense may be even better. Wearing a one-shouldered aquamarine, sequined gown by Marc Bouwer, Emily absolutely wowed on the red carpet. The color complimented her tanned skin and dark hair, while gently hugging her curves. A side slit gave the dress an added touch of intrigue. The overall look cemented her as a style star to watch.
#9: Naomie Harris in Gucci (2014)
Known for her innovative style, Naomie isn’t afraid to really go for it on the red carpet - and the BAFTAs have become her playground. Her Zuhair Muraid Couture see-through, beaded and fringed top at the 2018 ceremony was a look for the books, but her 2014 Gucci ensemble is the one we can’t get out of our minds. The dress looked like a blazer up top, but with its deep v-neck and thigh high slit, it took the office to the runway. The bright hot pink color looked exquisite against her skin. She kept the look fresh by not over-accessorizing, wearing just a pair of Cartier earrings and a small black handbag.
#8: Keira Knightley in Valentino (2008)
Nominated for Best Actress at the 2008 BAFTAs, Keira knew that the spotlight would be on her whether she won or lost. Maximizing her big moment, she dressed to the nines in a show-stopping silver, tiered Valentino column gown. The metallic silver dress caught the light beautifully, but the extra special quality was the way the dress moved with Keira. The fabric flowed with each step, really adding to the drama and glamor of it all. With loose waves in her hair and crimson lip, she looked soft and romantic.
#7: Sienna Miller in Dior by John Galliano (2008)
Nominated for the BAFTAs Rising Star Award in 2008, Sienna Miller took the honor as a chance to show she was ready for the A-list. She did that by wearing a gorgeous long-sleeved, black Dior gown. From the front, the dress is relatively conservative and understated, but the backless backside gave it that extra oomph that took the look to the next level. The back featured an intricate black beading that held it together and attracted the eye. Pairing it with Chopard jewels, she looked like a true star.
#6: Angelina Jolie in Colette Dinnigan (2003)
When you’re one of the most stunning women on the planet - like Angelina Jolie - you look great in virtually anything. But that hasn’t stopped Angelina from making bold choices on the red carpet. For instance, the St. Laurent suit she wore to the 2014 ceremony was a standout look that showcased her effortless cool. But when we think of Angelina at the BAFTAs, it’s really the olive green Colette Dinnigan ensemble that comes to mind. The loosely draped silk halter dress made her look like a Greek goddess; effortless and timeless.
#5: Jessica Chastain in Roland Mouret (2013)
Looking very much the part of a vixen from a 1940s film noir, Jessica Chastain made jaws drop with her Roland Mouret look. The jewel tone blue gown was the perfect shade to contrast against her red hair. The color matched with the asymmetrical, fitted bodice, which made sure all eyes were on Jessica. The cut of the dress was impeccable and the clean lines flattered her shape, with detailing like the silver zipper giving the dress another point of interest. Sapphire drop Harry Winston earrings finished the look off, elevating the look further.
#4: Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior Couture (2013)
Marion Cotillard is internationally known as one of the best actors of her generation, but she’s also made a name for herself as a fashion icon. The French beauty looked tremendous at the 2013 BAFTAs when she wore a neon yellow gown by Dior. The strapless creation played with volume and ballooned out from her sides, in a subtle, playful way. The dress also featured a see-through panel around her legs that made for a striking visual. Her perfectly coiled chignon, statement lip, and Chopard necklace brought the look home.
#3: Leá Seydoux in Prada (2015)
Yellow is a notoriously hard color for fairer skinned wearers to pull off since the wrong shade can leave a person looking sallow. But French actress Leá Seydoux knew what she was doing when she wore a canary yellow Prada gown to the 2015 BAFTAs. Channeling Old Hollywood glamor, the gown’s sweetheart neckline extended her neckline and flattered her décolletage. The soft pleats and the side cutouts gave the dress a more modern look and balanced quite nicely against her softly curled hair and red statement lip.
#2: Nicole Kidman in Ungaro (2003)
Nicole Kidman may very well be the queen of elegance and it looks like the Ungaro dress she wore to the 1993 BAFTAs helped earn her that title. The cut of the satin strapless gown and pearly off-white color elongated her already statuesque 5’11’’ frame. Letting the gown speak for itself, she styled her hair in a low chignon and kept her neck bare. The purple chandelier earrings added another point of interest and tied in nicely with her smoky purple eye.
Before we unveil our number one pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen (2016)
Mischa Barton in Marchesa (2006)
Kate Middleton in Alexander Wang (2017)
#1: Lupita Nyong’o in Christian Dior Couture (2014)
Ever since becoming a breakout star with 2013’s “12 Years a Slave,” Lupita has been wowing us with her sartorial choices. We could have easily given her the top slot for her 2018 BAFTAs look when she wore the gorgeous black structured Elie Saab Couture gown, but the vibrant green Dior look she wore in 2014 proved impossible to beat. The emerald color complimented her complexion and gave the otherwise simple strapless gown a pop that set it apart. The gold belt accentuated her waist, and she kept the rest of her styling understated with a red lip and pearl earrings.