LONDON: Virtually, all the stars at the 71st British Academy Film Awards, organised by Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), wore black to show solidarity with the movement.
The red carpet on Sunday night at the annual gala was flooded with celebrities in black gowns, as guests stood in solidarity with Hollywood’s Golden Globes ceremony in January by adopting the all-black dress code.
Many attendees also wore Time’s Up pins to show solidarity with the initiative, which was launched in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault scandal.
One of the few in a colourful dress was Best Actress winner Frances McDormand, but she claimed “I still stand in full solidarity with my sisters.”
What came as a surprise to many though was that The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton defied the Times’s Up protest at the awards and wore a dark green dress with a black ribbon belt.
Bethan Holt, fashion news and features director at The Telegraph, told the publication, “The Royal Family very rarely get involved in political messaging, so perhaps it’s not such a surprise that she didn’t join in with the rest of the women and wear black tonight.”
Middleton wore an empire line dress in a deep shade of green, which was complemented by an emerald necklace and earrings.
Perhaps in a subtle nod to the movement, she accessorised her attire with a black bow above her bump, matching her shoes and clutch handbag.
Before the ceremony, it was not made clear whether Middleton would wear an all-black outfit, with experts pointing out that royals only wear black at funerals, so supporting the cause would be a breach of protocol.
But the vast majority of other attendees did wear black as well as Time’s Up badges – all in reference to a push for greater respect and equality since the Hollywood sexual harassment scandal.
Others to reference the issue from the stage included Mexican actress Salma Hayek, who wrote a personal account of her experiences with disgraced Hollywood Producer Harvey Weinstein. “In this very important and historical year for women, I am here on this legendary stage to celebrate,” she said. Hayek flaunted a black floral Gucci number.
However, it was actresses Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lawrence who outshined others at the red carpet as they glamourised the black dress code. While a red carpet black-out is every stylist’s nightmare, the sartorial displays on show proved that black did not have to mean boring.
Lawrence opted for a stunning Dior dress, fresh off the runway from their Spring 2018 couture show with her hair straight and loose. She added even more glamour with a bright red lipstick.
Jolie, on the other hand, went for her usual thigh-slit silhouette in an off-the-shoulder black velvet gown by British couturiers Ralph and Russo. Walking the red carpet alongside her was her guest, First They Killed My Father producer Rithy Panh.
However, there were also those who avoided the blackout, with Best Actress winner Frances McDormand and Israeli model Hofit Golan among those in a different colour.
The winner for Best Supporting Actress Allison Janney made a bold entrance in a figure-hugging black column with thick silver sleeves that went from her wrists to her upper arms and then wound around the back of her neck.
Darkest Hour star Kristin Scott Thomas wore a long monochrome number as she walked the red carpet at the Royal Albert Hall.
Octavia Spencer lit up the carpet with a long black sparkly number. Lily James wore a long ruffled ensemble, while Lupita Nyong’o went with a more structured look that flattered her body shape.
Andrea Riseborough, one of the stars who brought an activist as her guest to highlight the issues raised by Time’s Up, wore a long black dress with a satin skirt, lace bodice and a splash of vibrant purple.
Lady Bird star Saoirse Ronan stepped out in a black dress which featured a section of feathered fringing before descending into a sheer skirt.
Next week, stars attending the Brit Awards will be given white rose pins in support of the movement.
