Paul Mescal, here in February 2026, in London.
Tristan Fewings/BAFTA / Getty Images for BAFTA
Oops. This Sunday, February 22, Paul Mescal left the BAFTA in London empty-handed, but not without shining. The reason? His public appearance on the red carpet with his girlfriend Gracie Abrams, on one hand. On the other hand, a blunder on his part during the ceremony, which is likely to be talked about by many.
We are nearing the announcement of the Best British Film award, when on stage Alan Cumming, who was hosting the ceremony that evening, attempts an approach. “The next award recognizes the best British film in honor of Alexander Korda,” whispers the 61-year-old actor, glancing at Paul Mescal in the audience.
Problem: he didn’t catch it. His eyes were elsewhere. “Paul, Paul,” the presenter tries to catch his attention. Before adding, “Oh, he’s on his phone.” Laughter erupts in the room, followed by images on the big screen of the amused Irish actor, slightly embarrassed. “You were supposed to do the joke, but don’t worry,” quips Alan Cumming. We don’t know what joke he’s referring to.
The scene, something that could happen to anyone in a meeting or at a family lunch, made a little impact at the BAFTA, but did not allow the star of Hamnet to shine personally. Nominated for the Best Supporting Actor award, Paul Mescal was overshadowed by Sean Penn for his performance in “One Battle After Another.”
Hamnet rewarded, Paul Mescal not
The 30-year-old actor, however, reappeared on stage next to Chloé Zhao, the director of the film loosely based on the life of William Shakespeare, who received the award for the best British film, Hamnet being an American-British co-production (thanks, among others, to Sam Mendes).
This fictional drama by the Chinese filmmaker (Nomadland), which explores the grief of the Shakespeare couple after the death of their son, also won another award, that of the best actress for the Irish Jessie Buckley. A major winner so far this award season, the 36-year-old actress is a top favorite at the Oscars.
