LONDON — In a season often defined by the high-stakes tension of the “Barbenheimer” aftermath and the grueling race for the Oscars, the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) offered a breath of fresh, romantic air. On Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Royal Festival Hall, the spotlight shifted momentarily from the cinematic triumphs of the year to a personal milestone: the official red carpet debut of actor Paul Mescal and singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams.
After nearly two years of low-profile dates, cryptic social media nods, and paparazzi “cat-and-mouse” games, the pair confirmed their status as Hollywood’s newest “It Couple.” Posing hand-in-hand against the backdrop of London’s Southbank, the 29-year-old Mescal and the 26-year-old Abrams radiated the kind of quiet, grounded chemistry that has become their hallmark.
A Masterclass in Red Carpet Elegance
While the evening celebrated the best in film, the fashion world was equally captivated by the couple’s coordinated sophistication. Gracie Abrams, the Grammy-nominated voice behind hits like “Close To You,” proved herself a rising fashion icon. She arrived in a striking gown from Matthieu Blazy’s 2026 Chanel Métiers d’art collection—a collection that only recently debuted in New York’s subway-themed runway show.
The dress was a marvel of craftsmanship, featuring a deep black base adorned with an intricate, shimmering aquatic print of fish swimming across the fabric. The silhouette balanced modesty with allure, pairing a high boat neck in the front with a dramatic, plunging backline. The most distinctive detail, however, was the chunky turquoise beaded piping that framed the gown, adding a pop of oceanic color to the traditional BAFTA elegance. Abrams completed the look with her signature sleek bob tucked behind one ear, minimalist makeup, and dangling stone earrings, allowing the intricate textures of the Chanel piece to take center stage.
Mescal, ever the champion of the “new-age leading man” aesthetic, opted for a classic yet relaxed Prada ensemble. Eschewing the traditional stiff tuxedo, the Hamnet star wore a black jacket and tailored trousers with a crisp white shirt left casually unbuttoned at the collar. The lack of a tie and the folded-back cuffs lent him an air of effortless charm that perfectly complemented Abrams’ artistic flair.
The Long Road to “Red Carpet Official”
For fans of the duo, the BAFTA appearance was the culmination of a timeline that began in the summer of 2024. The couple was first linked in June of that year when they were spotted sharing small plates at BRAT restaurant in Shoreditch. What followed was a series of public but unconfirmed sightings: a Mitski concert at the All Points East festival, shopping trips in Mayfair, and Mescal’s quiet support in the VIP section of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, where Abrams served as the opening act.
The transition to public life has been gradual for Mescal, who has famously sought to protect his privacy following his meteoric rise in Normal People. In a 2025 interview with Rolling Stone, the actor admitted that while he had “an answer” as to why they chose to be more public, the details of their relationship remained “deeply precious.”
The wall of privacy began to thin in early 2026. In January, during the promotional tour for his film Hamnet, Abrams shared a photo of Mescal on her Instagram Stories with the candid caption: “Also I love him surprise.” Just weeks later, on February 2, she posted a heartfelt birthday tribute for Mescal’s 30th birthday, referring to him as her “whole heart.”
A Night for ‘Hamnet’ and Artistic Triumph
While the romance was a major talking point, the evening was also a significant professional night for Mescal. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of William Shakespeare in Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet, a lyrical adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel. Although the award ultimately went to Sean Penn for One Battle After Another, the film itself was a major winner.
Hamnet took home the prestigious award for Outstanding British Film, and Mescal’s co-star, Jessie Buckley, won Best Leading Actress for her haunting performance as Agnes Hathway. The chemistry between the cast was evident as Abrams and Mescal were later seen celebrating at the after-party at the Chateau Marmont-inspired London pop-up, where they were photographed holding hands and sharing a celebratory cheek kiss.
The Blazy-Chanel Connection
The choice of Abrams to wear Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel was a statement in itself. Since taking a creative lead at the maison, Blazy has been credited with revitalizing the brand’s “cool factor,” moving away from purely traditional tweed into more “zeitgeist” territory. By dressing Abrams—the daughter of filmmaker J.J. Abrams and an artist with a massive Gen-Z following—Chanel solidified its bridge between old-world luxury and modern pop culture.
Fashion critics noted that the aquatic theme of the dress was a daring choice for the typically conservative BAFTA carpet, but one that paid off. “The dress is fun but elegant,” noted one commentator on the popular fashion subreddit r/whatthefrockk. “It shows personality without pulling focus away from the prestige of the event.”
What’s Next for the Couple?
As the 2026 awards season continues toward its finale at the Academy Awards in March, the appearance of Mescal and Abrams at the BAFTAs suggests they are ready to navigate the spotlight together. Mescal has a busy year ahead with the release of the period drama The History of Sound, while Abrams is rumored to be back in the studio working on her third album.
For now, the BAFTAs served as a beautiful “coming out” party for a couple that has managed to maintain a sense of normalcy despite the “movie star” trappings. As they exited the Royal Festival Hall hand-in-hand, they didn’t just look like the most famous people in the room—they looked like a couple truly at home in each other’s company.
In a town of performances, their red carpet debut felt like the most authentic act of the night.
Would you like me to create an image of the couple in their BAFTA attire or perhaps a detailed breakdown of the ‘Hamnet’ award wins?
