Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams finally break their two-year sielence with sizzling, can't-keep-their-hands-off-each-other PDA at the 2026 BAFTAs

Shivani Negi | Feb 22, 2026, 22:47 IST
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Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams turned the 2026 BAFTAs into a full-blown date night, stepping out together for their first official red carpet appearance and packing on the PDA. The evening doubled as a career milestone for Mescal, who earned his third BAFTA Film Award nomination for Hamnet.
BAFTAs 2026: Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams make loved-up red carpet debut
Image credit : X/@Paulmescalpics | BAFTAs 2026: Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams make loved-up red carpet debut
They tried to play it cool, but the sparks were undeniable. The 2026 BAFTA Awards turned into the ultimate date night Sunday as Hollywood’s most private couple, Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams, arrived arm-in-arm, finally let their guard down. The duo, who have meticulously guarded their two-year romance from the flash of the paparazzi, stepped out in full force in London, packing on the PDA and confirming that these two are utterly smitten.

Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams at the BAFTAs: Suited and styled



For an event this big that marked their first red carpet appearance together, the fashion had to be just right, and the pair brought their A-game. Mescal looked effortlessly handsome in a classic black suit. He kept it relaxed yet sharp, pairing it with a simple white collared shirt and a crisp pocket square, but ditching the tie altogether.
Red carpet debut done right: Gracie Abram and Paul Mescal look sharp at the 2026 BAFTAs
Image credit : X/@BuzzingPop | Red carpet debut done right: Gracie Abram and Paul Mescal look sharp at the 2026 BAFTAs


But it was Abrams who truly shimmered and told a fashion story. The That's So True singer stunned in a gorgeous floral pattern dress from Chanel's 2026 Métiers d'art show. The look carried extra significance, as the collection had debuted in a uniquely New York setting just last December: a subway platform.

Keeping it cozy and coordinated, they were spotted whispering to each other, completely in their own world despite the chaos of cameras flashing around them.

Gracie Abrams smooches Paul Mescal on the red carpet at the
Image credit : X/@BuzzingPop | Gracie Abrams smooches Paul Mescal on the red carpet at the


A big night for the Irish nominee



While having his biggest fan on his arm was a win, the night was also a professional triumph for the Irish actor. Mescal was at the Royal Festival Hall for a very specific reason: he was nominated for the prestigious Best Supporting Actor award for his devastating performance in the period drama Hamnet . Directed by Chloé Zhao, the film has been a critical darling all season, and Mescal's portrayal of William Shakespeare grappling with family tragedy landed him on BAFTA's radar, even after a surprising snub from the Oscars .

Three-time BAFTA nominee (and one-time winner) Mescal was up for Best Supporting Actor for his gut-wrenching turn in Chloé Zhao's Hamnet
Image credit : IMDb | Three-time BAFTA nominee (and one-time winner) Mescal was up for Best Supporting Actor for his gut-wrenching turn in Chloé Zhao's Hamnet


This latest nod is actually Mescal's third BAFTA Film Award nomination in just four years, solidifying his status as a favourite of the British Academy. He was previously nominated for Best Actor for his heartbreaking turn in Aftersun (2022) and for Best Supporting Actor for the ethereal ghost story All of Us Strangers (2023) . He's also no stranger to the BAFTA winner's circle, he took home the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor for his breakout role in Normal People back in 2021.

Gracie and Paul's relationship



For the longest time, the relationship between the Gladiator II star and the singer-songwriter was an open secret built on Glastonbury sightings and coordinated Instagram posts. They've famously kept things "precious" and protected, avoiding joint red carpets like the plague.

Just a few days ago, Gracie had also posted a heartfelt tribute for Paul's birthday, proving they are going strong, despite chatter suggesting a unique friendship between Daisy Edgar-Jones and Mescal.


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