Graham Norton ’s opening monologue for this year’s Baftas ceremony was filled with references to the diversity controversy that has clouded the awards season.
The trend “#BaftasSoWhite” dominated Twitter after the announcement of this year’s nominations last month, which saw a severe lack of diversity and representation across the acting categories.
Meanwhile, both Margot Robbie and Scarlett Johansson received double nominations.
When Norton came onto the stage, he called this “the year when white men finally broke through”.
Norton described Joker , which leads the pack with 11 nominations, as “the story of a white man who makes himself even whiter”.
Birds of Prey star Margot Robbie opted for a black floor-length Chanel gown for the Baftas on Sunday night. The dress featured delicate lace sleeves and a matching peplum at the waist. The star accessorised the look with a simple pair of hoop earrings and a black flower ring.
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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge championed sustainable fashion as they arrived at the Baftas. While William opted for a classic black trouser suit, Kate chose an Alexander McQueen gown which she has worn before several times. The royal first wore the dress on a tour of Southeast Asia back in 2012 to attend a dinner with the King and Queen of Malaysia.
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Little Women star Florence Pugh stood out among a sea of LBD's in this voluminous fuchsia pink gown by Dries Van Noten that featured a dramatic train and black mini skirt at the front. She accessorised with black platform heels.
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Zoe Kravitz wore a metallic gold gown designed by Saint Laurent for the 73rd Baftas. The actor completed the look with red drop earrings that matched her manicure and lipstick shade.
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Charlize Theron arrived on the red carpet wearing a bold purple gown designed by Dior. The strapless dress featured a plunging neckline and A-line skirt that was highlighted by the addition of a slim black waist belt. She accessorised the look with a diamond necklace by Tiffany & Co.
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Marriage Story star Scarlett Johansson chose a pink sequin dress by Versace for the occasion which featured a plunging neckline, thigh-high split and feather-trimmed floor-length skirt.
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Joaquin Phoenix has vowed to wear the same suit to every awards show this year to help reduce waste and the Bafta's were no exception. The Joker star walked the red carpet wearing a custom-made tuxedo by British designer Stella McCartney.
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The Favourite star Olivia Colman opted for a black A-line dress by Alexander McQueen that featured a high neck and sheer sleeves, while the bodice of the dress was decorated with intricate floral embroidery.
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Little Women star Saoirse Ronan attended the Bafta's wearing a black ballgown designed by Gucci. The dress featured thin spaghetti straps and was accessorised with multi-coloured drop earrings.
Judy star Renee Zellweger opted for a pink satin column gown by Prada that featured a Bardot neckline. She accessorised with matching pointed heels and gold cuff bracelets on each wrist.
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Marriage Story star Laura Dern chose a bright pink ballgown by Valentino that featured an embellished bodice and full skirt with concealed pockets.
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Rooney Mara attended the event wearing a black floor-length Givenchy gown that featured oversized sleeves. The star completed the look with black pointed heels and a matching bow in her hair.
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Daniel Kaluuya chose a black trouser suit designed by Louis Vuitton for the occasion. The actor completed the outfit with a matching shirt the featured an embellished collar.
Rebel Wilson attended the event wearing a two-tone wrap dress by Prabal Gurung that featured a black skirt and red sequin top that tied at the waist.
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Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke arrived at the Bafta's wearing an elegant black column-style dress designed by Schiaparelli that featured thin straps and sequin embellishment. The star accessorised with purple gemstone drop earrings.
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Marriage Story star Adam Driver attended the event wearing classic black tuxedo designed by Celine, while his wife Joanne Tucker opted for an aqua blue floral gown.
Greta Gerwig arrived at the Baftas alongside husband Noah Baumbach wearing an emerald green velvet dress with a silver halter neckline.
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Chernobyl star Jessie Buckley stood out on the red carpet in a floor-length black ballgown by Miu Miu that featured a dramatic white feather-trimmed neckline.
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Sex Education star Gillian Anderson opted for a black strapless dress by Camilla and Marc for the event. The actor accessorised with red strappy heels, a matching clutch bag and a diamond necklace.
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Star Wars actor shunned the traditional black tuxedo in favour of a red brocade trouser suit which he paired with a white shirt.
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Booksmart star Kaitlyn Dever opted for a pale pink floor-length gown designed by Miu Miu for the Baftas 2020. The dress featured a strapless neckline and tiered ruffles covered in sequins.
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Rocketman star Taron Egerton chose a wine-coloured velvet two-piece suit by Armani for this year's Baftas, accessorising with a white shirt and black bow tie.
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Star Wars actor Daisy Ridley chose to wear a strapless emerald green dress by Oscar de la Renta that featured cut-out detailing in the bodice and a sheer asymmetric shoulder design.
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Queen & Slim star Jodie Turner-Smith attended the ceremony alongside husband Joshua Jackson wearing a strapless canary yellow Gucci gown that showed off her bump.
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British actor Naomie Harris attended the Bafta's wearing a silver sequinned dress by Michael Kors that featured a thigh-high split. She accessorised with a matching clutch bag and high heels.
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The Gentlemen star Hugh Grant attended the Baftas alongside his wife Anna Elisabet Eberstein wearing a class black tuxedo.
TV presenter and Baftas 2020 host Graham Norton opted for a red velvet tuxedo jacket that featured floral embroidery. He completed the look with a black button-up shirt, matching trousers and dress shoes.
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Charlie's Angels star Ella Balinska opted for a mini white-and-pink floral dress by Giambattista Valli that featured a ruffle hem and victorians-inspired neckline. The otherwise girlish gown was completed with a dramatic cape that trawled behind the star as she walked the red carpet.
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Once Upon a Time in Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino attended the awards ceremony wearing an all-black two-piece suit, including a matching shirt and tie.
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The Farewell director Lulu Wang wore a white dress with red embroidery designed by Simone Rocha. On Instagram, the film maker said she was "excited to look like an English teacup".
Ghanian-born British actor Rhoda Ofori-Attah chose a floor-length black gown that featured white oversized bow shoulder detailing. The look was accessorised with simple gold hoop earrings and a statement ring.
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Sex Education star Asa Butterfeld attended the ceremony wearing a three-piece suit featuring a black double-breasted jacket, matching trousers and bow tie.
Model Lily-Rose Depp wore a semi-sheer black lace dress designed by Chanel for the 73rd British Academy Film Awards. The gown was accessorised with black open-toe heels and silver jewellery.
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Hereditary star Alex Wolff opted for a blue three-piece suit that was covered in hand drawn illustrations. The star completed the look with a white shirt and matching tie.
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Edith Bowman opted for a tiered metallic dress which she accessorised with a bold yellow belt and blue gloves that kept her warm as she spoke with guests on the red carpet.
Singer Pixie Lott attended the ceremony with her partner, model Oliver Cheshire, wearing a white midi dress that featured ruffled tiers on the skirt.
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Actor Alice Eve chose a silver Ralph & Russo gown for the Baftas. The dress featured an embroidered bodice and skirt made from three tiers of fringing.
Irish actor Aisling Bea chose a metallic silver dress by Hasan Hejazi that featured black satin detailing and a thigh-high split.
This Is England star Jo Hartley attended the event wearing a satin emerald green ballgown which featured a flattering V-neck and handy pockets in the skirt.
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British actor Saskia Chana opted for a sleek black jumpsuit for this year's ceremony. She accessorised the look with a black Valentino handbag and matching heels.
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British actor Anthony Welsh chose a classic black double-breasted two-piece suit for the Baftas. He completed the look with a white shirt and black bow tie.
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Irish actor Niamh Algar arrived on the red carpet wearing a satin blue halter neck dress that featured a front split and buckled waist belt.
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Outside of the references to the lack of diversity within the nominations, Norton’s monologue was largely quaint and celebratory.
“I’m not going to be mean to anyone,” he joked, pointing out that he’s a chat show host so has never seen a film he didn’t enjoy. “I loved Cats ,” he added. “I really did! Cats but with hands, so clever.”
You can follow the awards live here . For the full list of winners, visit here .
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