It was a dazzling evening for Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales as they stepped out for the 2026 EE British Academy Film Awards in London, drawing admiration from royal watchers and film fans alike. The couple arrived at the iconic Royal Festival Hall on 22 February, where the annual ceremony celebrating the best in British and international film was held. As president of British Academy of Film and Television Arts, William’s presence at the BAFTAs has become a longstanding tradition, and this year’s appearance marked another high-profile engagement for the royal pair. Their arrival on the red carpet was met with cheers from onlookers and flashing cameras, setting the tone for a glamorous night dedicated to cinematic achievement.

Kate turned heads in a princess-style Gucci gown that blended classic elegance with contemporary flair, while William complemented her look in a burgundy maroon tuxedo that offered a subtle twist on traditional black tie attire. The couple paused for photographs, smiling warmly as they posed arm in arm before making their way along the carpet to greet representatives from BAFTA and the Southbank Centre. Their interactions appeared relaxed and affectionate, with both exchanging quiet remarks as they walked. According to a report in The Mirror, professional lip reader Jeremy Freeman later claimed to have decoded a brief exchange between the pair. As they surveyed the crowd, Kate allegedly exclaimed, “Look at the people!” before giving an enthusiastic wave and calling out, “Hey!” William, mindful of the steps leading into the venue, was said to have offered a gentle three-word caution: “Watch your step,” a small but caring remark that quickly captured public attention.

Once inside the auditorium, the royal couple took their seats among a star-studded audience of actors, directors, producers and industry figures. Conversation soon turned to the evening’s nominees, including the historical drama Hamnet, which emerged as one of the night’s standout films. The adaptation, centered on the life and loss experienced by William Shakespeare’s family, won Outstanding British Film and earned Irish actress Jessie Buckley the Leading Actress award for her portrayal of Agnes Hathaway. Speaking with Elaine Bedell, chief executive of the Southbank Centre, and Allison Kirkby, chief executive of BT Group, William admitted he had yet to watch the acclaimed film. “I need to be in quite a calm state and I’m not at the moment. I will save it,” he reportedly said, suggesting the emotional weight of the story required the right mindset.

Kate, however, revealed she had seen Hamnet the previous evening and described it as “really very, very powerful.” In conversations with Emily Stillman, chairwoman of BAFTA’s film committee, and Emma Baehr, executive director of awards and content, she praised the film’s evocative score and its exploration of intergenerational grief. The princess admitted that watching it had left her with “very puffy eyes,” joking that it might not have been the best idea ahead of a major public appearance. Her comments highlighted not only her engagement with the arts but also her openness about the emotional resonance of storytelling. Observers noted that her thoughtful reflections demonstrated a genuine interest in film as a means of exploring complex human experiences, rather than merely fulfilling a ceremonial role.

The couple also shared glimpses into family life, with Kate mentioning that their three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — have become increasingly curious about the world of film. She said they are fascinated by the behind-the-scenes process and enjoy learning how movies are made. “It’s a really great way to have some of the hard conversations with them,” she explained, adding that there remains a long list of films they hope to watch together. Her remarks underscored the role cinema can play in sparking meaningful discussions within families, bridging entertainment and education. As patrons of numerous arts organizations, William and Kate have consistently emphasized the cultural and social value of creative industries, and their BAFTAs appearance reinforced that commitment.

Toward the end of the ceremony, William took to the stage to present the prestigious BAFTA Fellowship to Dame Donna Langley, chair of entertainment at NBCUniversal, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to film and television. In his speech, he praised her “transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to creative partnership,” noting that her stewardship has helped bring some of the century’s most iconic films to global audiences. The evening also celebrated a wide array of winners across major categories. One Battle After Another claimed Best Film, while Hamnet secured Outstanding British Film. Alongside Buckley’s Leading Actress win, Robert Aramayo took Leading Actor for I Swear, Wunmi Mosaku earned Supporting Actress for Sinners, and Sean Penn won Supporting Actor for One Battle After Another. As the ceremony concluded and the royal couple departed, their brief red-carpet exchange — including William’s quietly protective “watch your step” — remained a charming reminder of their close partnership amid the grandeur of one of Britain’s most glittering cultural events.

BAFTA 2026 winners

Best film

Winner: One Battle After Another

Hamnet

Marty Supreme

Sentimental Value

Sinners

Outstanding British film

Winner: Hamnet

28 Years Later

The Ballad of Wallis Island

Bridget Jones: Mad about the Boy

Die My Love

H Is For Hawk

I Swear

Mr Burton

Pillion

Steve

Leading actress

Winner: Jessie Buckley (Hamnet)

Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I’d Kick You)

Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue)

Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Another)

Renate Reinsve (Sentimental Value)

Emma Stone (Bugonia)

Leading actor

Winner: Robert Aramayo (I Swear)

Timothée Chalamet (Marty Supreme)

Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another)

Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon)

Michael B Jordan (Sinners)

Jesse Plemons (Bugonia)

Supporting actress

Winner: Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners)

Odessa A’zion (Marty Supreme)

Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas (Sentimental Value)

Carey Mulligan (The Ballad of Wallis Island)

Teyana Taylor (One Battle After Another)

Emily Watson (Hamnet)

Supporting actor

Winner: Sean Penn (One Battle After Another)

Benicio del Toro (One Battle After Another)

Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein)

Paul Mescal (Hamnet)

Peter Mullan (I Swear)

Stellan Skarsgård (Sentimental Value)