BAFTAs 2026: Best Hair & Makeup Moments – Emma Stone, Kate Middleton & More

London – The 2026 British Academy Film and Television Awards, held Sunday at the Royal Festival Hall, proved to be more than just another stop on the red carpet circuit. While familiar trends like Old Hollywood glamour were present, the BAFTAs saw a refreshing mix of bold choices and nuanced beauty statements from both established stars and rising talents.

The evening wasn’t solely about the films themselves; it was a showcase of evolving beauty ideals. Matte makeup and slicked-back hairstyles emerged as prominent themes, offering a counterpoint to the often-seen glossy looks. Emma Stone, a standout of the night, championed the “cloud lip” trend, while Wunmi Mosaku made a striking statement with icy blue eyeshadow, a deliberate contrast to the “no makeup-makeup” aesthetic popularized by Pamela Anderson.

However, it was Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, who arguably embodied a classic royal beauty, showcasing a powerful eye look paired with flowing mermaid waves. Her appearance, alongside Prince William, marked their first joint attendance at the BAFTAs since 2023, adding a touch of regal elegance to the proceedings. Middleton reportedly joked about appearing slightly puffy-eyed after an emotional viewing of the period drama “Hamnet” the night before.

Sadie Sink’s Effortless Glamour

Among the younger generation of stars, Sadie Sink delivered a masterclass in understated chic. The actress opted for a soft glam look that perfectly aligned with the “skin-first” trend currently dominating runways and social media. Her ginger fringe fell naturally over her brows, complementing a tucked-behind-the-shoulders hairstyle. A light blush and rosy lip stain completed the look, emphasizing a natural radiance.

While Sink has previously collaborated with renowned hair architect Tommy Buckett and makeup artists Mary Wiles and Nina Park, it remains unconfirmed who was responsible for her BAFTA look. Wiles confirmed she was unavailable for the ceremony, and while Nina Park’s signature contouring style didn’t appear to be prominently featured, she may have been involved in creating the cushion-y lip effect.

Royal Radiance: Kate Middleton’s Statement Look

Kate Middleton’s beauty choices consistently draw attention, and her 2026 BAFTA appearance was no exception. The Princess of Wales elevated her signature style with more defined curls, adding volume and movement to her long, light brown hair. Her makeup was equally impactful, featuring brown eyeshadow, heavy blush, and defined brows, finished with a baby pink gloss.

Notably, neither Amanda Cook Tucker, Middleton’s regular hairstylist, nor Hannah Martin, the makeup artist behind her wedding look, were publicly credited for the BAFTA glam. Further confirmation regarding the team behind her look is pending.

Minimalist Moments and Bold Choices

Emma Stone’s beauty look, crafted by Nina Park, exemplified minimalist elegance. A flawless base, coral blush, and a subtle lip balm in Louis Vuitton’s Nude Poetry shade created a fresh, doe-eyed effect. Mara Roszak styled Stone’s copper-brown hair into a modest updo, leaving a few curls to frame her face.

Wunmi Mosaku, accepting the award for Best Supporting Actress, stood out with a daring icy blue eyeshadow look, a bold departure from more conventional red carpet choices. The vibrant hue was expertly applied by Joy Adenuga, complementing Mosaku’s royal blue gown. Her look was completed with voluminous poufs styled by Dionne Smith and fiery red nails courtesy of Lucy Tucker.

Slicked Styles and Bronzed Beauty

Kate Hudson also embraced a sleek aesthetic, opting for a slicked-back wet updo styled by Peter Lux. This structured look, reminiscent of styles seen on Jessie Buckley and Gracie Abrams, featured a stark side part and a soft doughnut bun. The gelled style accentuated Hudson’s bronzed complexion, enhanced by makeup artist Naoko Sofia Patrizia Scintu.

The 2026 BAFTAs demonstrated a willingness to experiment and a move towards more individualized beauty expressions. From the classic elegance of Kate Middleton to the bold statements of Wunmi Mosaku and the understated chic of Sadie Sink, the evening offered a diverse range of looks that set the tone for the season. The event underscored that red carpet beauty is no longer about adhering to rigid rules, but about embracing personal style and pushing creative boundaries.