AceShowbiz - Jessie Buckley emerged as the undeniable standout on the red carpet of the 2026 Academy Awards, where British and Irish talent made a striking impression amid Hollywood’s elite. The event, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, showcased a glittering array of stars, with Jessie Buckley leading the pack in a breathtaking Chanel gown that echoed the glamour of Grace Kelly’s iconic 1956 Oscars look.

Jessie Buckley has been the centre of attention throughout this awards season, garnering widespread acclaim for her compelling performance in Hamnet. With an impressive haul of major accolades including a BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Actor Award, she is widely tipped to clinch the Best Actress Oscar at this year’s ceremony.

Her custom Chanel gown was a masterclass in elegance and style, featuring a striking combination of red and pink satin. The off-the-shoulder design was complemented by a flowing pale pink train, which added a regal touch to her red carpet entrance. The dress was meticulously tailored to highlight her figure, with Jessie Buckley receiving assistance to showcase the gown’s dramatic long skirt as she posed for photographers.

Joining Jessie Buckley were other notable British and Irish stars who turned heads with their own sartorial choices. Mia Goth, known for her gothic role in Frankenstein, made a bold departure from her on-screen persona. She opted for a dramatic cream lace gown layered with intricate detailing that contrasted beautifully against the red carpet’s vibrant backdrop. The dress featured a daring thigh-high split, adding a playful edge to her sophisticated look.

Felicity Jones, though not nominated this year, delivered a stunning appearance in a yellow satin gown characterized by daring side splits that revealed a hint of sideboob. Her glamorous ensemble was enhanced by a voluminous tulle skirt, and she confidently posed for cameras, exuding Old Hollywood charm. Jones is no stranger to Oscars recognition, having received two prior nominations for her work in The Theory Of Everything and The Brutalist.

Adding to the roster of British excellence, Wunmi Mosaku, a Best Supporting Actress nominee for her role in Sinners, proudly displayed her pregnancy in a dazzling green sequined Louis Vuitton gown custom made for the occasion. Her radiant appearance further highlighted the diversity and strength of British talent present on the night.

The red carpet also welcomed a variety of other stars from the UK and Ireland. Amelia Dimoldenberg, known for hosting the popular show Chicken Shop Date, was among the first to arrive, commanding attention in a sleek black peplum gown. Meanwhile, Charithra Chandran, famed for her role in Bridgerton, looked enchanting in a dramatic green satin Miss Sohee gown with a layered frilled skirt, marking another glamorous moment for British television talent.

Among the crowd was Paul Mescal, Hamnet’s co-star alongside Jessie Buckley. He cut a dashing figure in a black period-inspired suit, complementing the evening’s elegant atmosphere. Accompanied by his girlfriend, singer Gracie Abrams, who dazzled in a black sequined gown, the couple appeared relaxed and affectionate as they arrived together, following their recent public appearances at the BAFTAs.

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony celebrates the best films of 2025. The event was hosted once again by Conan O’Brien, who returns for his second consecutive year following his takeover from Jimmy Kimmel. This year’s nominations are led by Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, which made history with a record-breaking 16 nods, the highest number any film has ever received in Academy Awards history.

Sinners is a supernatural thriller set in 1930s Mississippi. It follows twin brothers, both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan, who return to their hometown only to confront a mysterious evil. The film is one of ten up for Best Picture, competing alongside titles such as Bugonia, F1, Frankenstein, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, Sentimental Value, and Train Dreams.

Michael B. Jordan faces stiff competition in the Best Actor category, going head-to-head with Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme, Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, and Wagner Moura for The Secret Agent. This closely contested race highlights the strength of performances from some of the industry’s most acclaimed actors.

Other notable nominees include Benicio del Toro and Sean Penn, who received Supporting Actor nods for their roles in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, which garnered 13 nominations overall. The film is also nominated for Best Picture and features a Supporting Actress nomination for Teyana Taylor.

Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie, earned nine Oscar nominations, with its leading man Timothée Chalamet competing for Best Actor. The film’s presence among the top contenders adds to the dynamic and competitive landscape of this year’s awards.

Back on the red carpet, British actress Kerry Condon impressed in a plunging black and silver diamante gown with a corset bodice and fitted skirt. Her look combined classic glamour with modern flair, perfectly suited to the prestigious occasion.

Damson Idris, known for his role in the Best Picture contender opposite Brad Pitt, made a striking entrance in a dark blue satin coat featuring a faux fur lapel. His refined sense of style added to the evening’s sophisticated ambiance.

Supporting her partner Adrian Brody, who returned to the Oscars following his Best Actor win for The Brutalist last year, British designer Georgina Chapman also graced the red carpet. Brody himself looked dapper, continuing his celebrated presence in the industry.

Musical talent was represented by Australian singer Nick Cave, who appeared with his British wife, Susie. Cave received a Best Original Song nomination for his work on Train Dreams. Susie stunned in a gothic-inspired black gown adorned with colorful sequins, complementing her husband’s poised appearance.

Additional British stars included social media personality Nikki Lilly, who chose an elegant white gown with feathered embroidery detailing, and set designer Alice Felton, who arrived in a striking black and white dress. Actor Cary Elwes, best known for The Princess Bride, was accompanied on the red carpet by his wife Lisa Marie Kurbikoff, marking a warm and familiar presence among the attendees.

The Oscars continue to be a platform for celebrating cinematic excellence and style, with this year’s British and Irish contingent demonstrating both in abundance. From Jessie Buckley’s standout Chanel gown to the diverse and glamorous ensembles worn by her contemporaries, the 2026 ceremony promises to be a memorable night highlighting the best of film artistry and fashion.