With a combination of in-person presentation and virtual nominees and attendees, it wasn't as easy as it usually is to spot all the amazing celebrity hair and makeup moments at the 2021 BAFTA Film Awards [1], which were held over the course of two days at Royal Albert Hall. Hosted by Edith Bowman and Dermot O'Leary, who were joined by a small group of presenters at the iconic concert hall, many of the presenters and all of the nominees [2] tuned in virtually.
Luckily, we were still able to get up close and personal looks at some of our favourite celebrities' hair and makeup from the event (mostly from Instagram, to be honest). And the stars used the opportunity to really dress up [3] and go all out, especially for those who were in the UK and have been on lockdown for the past four months. For the big event, we spotted one of 2021's biggest hairstyle trends, the bubble ponytail [4], on Priyanka Chopra Jonas, graphic black liner on Ashley Madekwe, and a few statement lipstick looks thanks to Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Phoebe Dynevor [5].
Keep reading to see all of the best looks from the 2021 BAFTA Awards.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw's Finger Waves and Vampy Lip
Mbatha-Raw gave us major roaring '20s vibes with shiny finger waves by hairstylist Paul Edmonds [6] (who is actually the official hair partner for the EE British Academy Film Awards) and a deep, mulberry-coloured lip, painted on by makeup artist Alex Babsky [7]. On Babsky's IG, he confirmed the exact hue is Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Drama Matte Lipstick in Purple Temptation [8] (£18).
Priyanka Chopra Jonas's Matte Crimson Lips
Makeup artist Wendy Rose painted Chopra Jonas's lips a gorgeous shade of crimson.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas's Bubble Ponytail
Chopra Jonas decided to try out one of 2021's biggest hairstyle trends — the bubble ponytail — for the evening. To get that gorgeous volume, hairstylist Luke Pluck Rose sprayed Anomaly Dry Shampoo throughout the tail before adding the hair grips.
Clara Amfo's Teal Liner and High Ponytail
We love the combination of Amfo's high ponytail with a stacked eyeliner look — black along her lash line and a bold teal drawn along the top.
Phoebe Dynevor's Relaxed Hollywood Glam
With a side part and face-framing waves, Dynevor's hairstyle (by hairstylist Dayaruci [9]) evoked old Hollywood glam à la Rita Hayworth and Lana Turner, but with a more relaxed, modern feel. Her makeup for the evening was also quite classic — makeup artist Naoko Scintu [10] applied a flick of black eyeliner and a creamy neutral, pinky-beige lipstick.
Wunmi Mosaku's Half-Up Hairstyle
The best actress nominee (for her lead role in the film His House), wore her hair in a gorgeous, intricately sculpted half-up hairstyle by Felicia Leatherwood [11] that perfectly showed off her jewels and striking neckline. Her makeup artist for the evening, Tasha Reiko Brown [12] kept things subtle, placing emphasis on her lips and brows.
Cynthia Erivo's Rosy Lids
Erivo complemented her signature short crop with pretty pink shadow and a neutral glossy lip.
Ashley Madekwe's Waist-Length Braid
Nominated for best supporting actress for her role in UK indie drama County Lines, Madekwe celebrated her special night a graphic beauty look complete with black winged shadow (the handiwork of makeup artist Jo Baker [13]) and a slick braided ponytail that went all the way down to her waist (the handiwork of hairstylist Larry Sims [14]).
Bukky Bakray's Slick Topknot and Mauve Lips
EE Rising Star winner, Bukky Bakray [15], looked absolutely lovely with a high topknot (by hairstylist Dionne Smith [16]) and a sumptuous, pinky-mauve lip that perfectly matched her dress. To create the exact hue, makeup artist Joy Adenuga [17] combined two Lancôme lip colours: L'Absolu Rouge Intimatte Lipstick in Killing Me Softly [18] (£27.50) and L'Absolu Lacquer Lipstick in Let Me Shine [19] (£26).
Sophie Cookson's Disheveled Topknot
We'll never get tired of stars pairing an elegant evening gown with an easy-looking hairstyle — like Cookson did her with her relaxed chignon complete with face-framing tendrils.
Niamh Algar Sharp Black Wings
The best actress nominee balanced her floaty, ruffled dress with a tight topknot and exaggerated black winged liner that extended all the way to the tail ends of her brows. "For Niamh we created a look that is all about strong eyes and brows, with flawless skin," makeup artist Alet Viljoen said about the look via press release. "To create this faded out yet strong eye, I smudged the liquid line with black pencil." The liquid eyeliner was Lancôme Liner Plume [21] (£23.50), whilst the pencil was Lancôme Crayon Khôl in Noir [22] (£19).
Theresa Ikoko's Bleached Braids
Screenwriter and playwright Theresa Ikoko was not only nominated for three awards this evening, but also wowed us with her beautiful braids that featured platinum blonde braiding hair woven throughout.