'Stars' including Jessica Chastain and Daniel Day-Lewis take their Bafta seats early

Or at least their representatives arrived at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden where Sunday night's awards ceremony takes place

Hollywood talents took their seats early as Bafta bosses prepared today for the biggest night in the UK movie calendar.

Although they were not actually there in person, stars such as Jessica Chastain, Daniel Day-Lewis and Anne Hathaway were being given some of the best positions in London's Royal Opera House.

Organisers of the EE British Academy Film Awards - taking place on Sunday - were marking out the stars' seats with photos on sticks ahead of Sunday's big night.

The names of many of the big name guests were confirmed today with Amy Adams, Ben Affleck, Bradley Cooper, Dame Judi Dench and George Clooney among the movie hotshots.

Dame Helen Mirren, Hugh Jackman, Javier Bardem and Jennifer Lawrence are also among the stars who will be treading the red carpet at Covent Garden for a ceremony to be screened by BBC1 on Sunday evening.

Some of the biggest names in the world from behind the scenes will also be there, with directors Quentin Tarantino, Sam Mendes, Steven Spielberg and Tim Burton donning their dinner suits for the occasion.

The event is being hosted by Stephen Fry and will feature a live performance from Paloma Faith.

Guest presenters will include Meryl Streep, Sarah Jessica Parker, Danny Boyle, Sir Ian McKellen and Kevin Spacey.

PA