BAFTA North America’s annual tea party returned to Los Angeles on Saturday, transforming the Four Seasons Hotel on Doheny Drive into a lively hub of awards-season energy.
Timed with the announcement of the EE BAFTA Film Awards longlist — and held on the eve of the Golden Globes — the gathering emphasized BAFTA’s role in bridging the U.K. and U.S. film communities during Hollywood’s busiest stretch.
Kate Hudson
JC Olivera/Variety
The afternoon drew a mix of established actors and rising talent, with guests including Michael B. Jordan, Leonardo DiCaprio, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Kristen Stewart, Imogen Poots and Ryan Coogler mingling alongside breakthrough artists. Inside, the atmosphere was celebratory as the crowd enjoyed Champagne and very British mini sandwiches and scones.
Gwyneth Paltrow
JC Olivera/Variety
“BAFTA is so kind to me,” said Jessie Buckley, sharing her affection for the organization with reporters on the red carpet.
The Irish actress — nominated for Leading Actress for Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet” at the BAFTA Film Awards, taking place on Feb. 22, and Best Actress in a drama at the Globes — recalled how BAFTA’s support led to her first meeting with Emma Watson. She’s a fan.
“It’s hugely special,” Buckley went on, of attending the event. “I feel like I’m on home turf.”
Jessie Buckley
JC Olivera/Variety
Adam Sandler, up for Best Supporting Actor at the BAFTAs and the Globes for “Jay Kelly,” waved to reporters with a casual, “Hi everybody,” before heading inside.
Many quickly posed for photographers before dashing into the ballroom.
“I’m getting to meet so many new incredible artists,” said Chase Infiniti, the breakout actress of “One Battle After Another” — nominated for Best Film. She’s up for Leading Actress at the BAFTAs and Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the Globes.
The 25-year-old described the joy of being honored for the project. “I’m just happy to be recognized.”
Chase Infiniti
JC Olivera/Variety
Australian actor Joel Edgerton, in town from London with his nominated project “Train Dreams,” summed up the room as “a nice gang,” adding, “It’s nice to see these amazing people here.”
Michael B. Jordan
JC Olivera/Variety
“He deepened the character so much,” the film’s director, Clint Bentley, said of Edgerton — who’s nominated for Leading Actor at the BAFTAs and Best Actor at the Globes. “It’s such a beautiful, nuanced performance. That’s the thing that everybody can see. The thing that’s not as clear, if you don’t know him, is that he’s a wonderful person, and was so thoughtful about taking care of the crew.”
