DAZZLING DUCHESS
Kate lights up the Baftas
CRAFTY Kate embraced the Bafta’s “sustainability” theme last night by recycling a gown she first wore in 2012.
The thrifty Duchess of Cambridge, who has given birth three times since she was last seen in the Alexander McQueen dress, merely got the sleeves slightly altered for the glamorous event.
She added fresh glam with new £7,603 Van Cleef and Arpels earrings and necklace, a gold Anya Hindmarch clutch and gold Jimmy Choo heels.
All the stars at Britain’s biggest film night were urged to think about their “environmental footfall” as they stepped on to the 100 per cent recycled red carpet leading to London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Pink seemed to be the winning colour, with JoJo Rabbit’s Scarlett Johansson, 35, Little Women’s Florence Pugh, 24, and Judy star Renee Zellweger, 50, turning heads in rosehued gowns.
Scarlett caused the most commotion in a 1920s-style, beaded and feathered number by Atelier Versace. Florence arrived in a striking pink-and-black dress by experimental Belgian designer Dries Van Noten.
Another British hopeful, Olivia Colman, 46, made a different statement with an “actress equality” badge on one of her rings. Her dress was black with a floral-embroidered bodice.
But the biggest British winner of the night was 1917 creator Sam Mendes, who took home seven gongs, including Best Film and Best Director.
It meant the war drama cemented its place for Oscar success next weekend.
The other main awards went to Joaquin Phoenix (Leading Actor for Joker) and Renee (Leading Actress for Judy). Brad Pitt won Best Supporting Actor and Laura Dern got Best Supporting Actress – their first ever Bafta awards.
Pitt, 56, who stars in Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, made digs about Brexit, and Harry and Meghan quitting the UK, as co-star Margot Robbie read out his acceptance speech.
He said he was unable to attend due to family reasons. In his statement, he said: “Hey, Britain, hear you’ve become single – welcome to the club!”
Meanwhile, 52-year-old Laura, who won for Marriage Story, told how her mum Diane Ladd had picked up the exact same award in 1974 for Alice Doesn’t Live Here Any More.
She said: “When I was six, my mother received this very award in this category thanks to Mr Scorsese, and it was sitting on our piano, and my friend asked me, ‘Ooh, what’s that mask?’
“And I said, ‘My mum told me that it’s what friends give you to congratulate you, because you get to have the job you love.’ The American actor also gave a special mention to the UK and what makes it so special for her.
“Thank you for RADA, where I studied, my aunt Avril, Peter Sellers.”