Paul Mescal & Gracie Abrams’ BAFTAs Red Carpet Debut: Couple Style Breakdown

After more than a year of quietly building a relationship, Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams have officially stepped onto the red carpet together, marking a significant moment for the highly-watched couple. The pair made their debut at the February 22nd, 2026 BAFTAs in London, signaling a shift from private dates to embracing the public side of their romance.

The move comes just days after their first public appearance together at a screening for Man on the Run, where they sported matching baseball caps and posed alongside music icon Sir Paul McCartney. While that event offered a glimpse into their dynamic, the BAFTAs represented a more formal and deliberate introduction to the world as a couple. The shift suggests a growing comfort level with navigating the spotlight as a unit, particularly as Mescal continues to ascend in Hollywood and Abrams solidifies her position as a rising musical artist.

Mescal, nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Hamnet – his third BAFTA nomination – arrived at the Royal Festival Hall looking sharp in a black Prada suit, eschewing a tie for a more contemporary feel. A subtle brooch added a touch of personality to the classic ensemble. Abrams complemented his look with a stunning floral dress from Chanel’s pre-fall 2026 collection, showcased in New York City last December. The dress, featuring beaded floral embroidery and a jeweled trim, struck a balance between elegance and modern sophistication.

Their coordinated yet distinct styles hinted at a shared aesthetic sensibility, a quality often observed in couples who navigate the demands of public life. The couple even shared a kiss on the red carpet, solidifying the moment as a genuine expression of affection and a clear signal of their commitment.

Mescal’s previous BAFTA nominations include Best Supporting Actor for All of Us Strangers in 2024 and Best Actor for Aftersun in 2023, demonstrating his consistent critical acclaim. Hamnet, which received a leading 11 nominations at this year’s awards, explores the life of William Shakespeare and his family, with Mescal portraying the playwright opposite Jessie Buckley as his wife, Agnes. The film delves into the profound grief following the death of their son, Hamnet and its potential influence on Shakespeare’s creation of Hamlet.

Director Chloe Zhao spoke to Rolling Stone in September, noting Mescal’s ability to channel personal experiences into his performances. “I think, very much like Shakespeare, Paul expresses parts of him [through his art] that he might not be able to express in real life,” Zhao said. “He’s creating a container for himself and expressing that and allowing himself to feel that. I would not bring an actor who doesn’t have that to play William Shakespeare.” This suggests a depth and vulnerability that Mescal brings to his roles, qualities that likely resonate with Abrams, a songwriter known for her emotionally resonant lyrics.

The couple’s relationship reportedly began in 2024, but they have largely maintained a low profile, prioritizing privacy amidst the pressures of their respective careers. This initial discretion is a common strategy for high-profile couples seeking to establish a genuine connection before fully embracing the public gaze. Their recent appearances, however, suggest a willingness to share their relationship with the world, albeit on their own terms.

The question now turns to whether Mescal and Abrams will continue to make joint appearances during awards season. With the BAFTAs serving as a “hard launch” of sorts, industry observers are speculating about potential appearances at upcoming events like the Actor Awards and, the Oscars. Their coordinated style and evident connection suggest they are prepared to navigate the red carpet circuit as a couple, adding another layer of intrigue to Hollywood’s most glamorous events.

Their debut at the BAFTAs wasn’t just a fashion moment; it was a cultural one. It signaled a willingness to embrace a more public chapter in their relationship, and a clear indication that Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams are a couple to watch – both on and off the screen.