The BAFTA Awards or the British Academy of Film and Television Arts are a huge deal as film buffs around the world look forward to this day. On February 18, 2018, BAFTA awards took place at the Royal Albert Hall for the second time. Many things were changed this year at the ceremony, including the host of the show and their dress code.

Stephen Fry who has been hosting the ceremony for almost thirteen years stepped down and Joanna Lumley took the stage. Fry announced his withdrawal from hosting by saying, "After so long a time I felt it only right to stand down." Lumley expressed her excitement as she said, "It's just so unbelievably thrilling, Who thought I'd turn into Stephen Fry?"

The dress code followed by BAFTA ceremony was to show solidarity with the American Golden Globes held last month. A vast majority of other attendees wore black as well as Time's Up badges - all in reference to a push for greater respect and equality since the Hollywood sexual harassment scandal. Though a few ditched the black attire. The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton wore a dark green dress with a black ribbon belt. Bethan Holt, fashion news and features director at The Telegraph, told the publication: "The Royal Family very rarely get involved in political messaging, so perhaps it's not such a surprise that she didn't join in with the rest of the women and wear black tonight."

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While a red carpet black-out is every stylist's nightmare, the sartorial displays on the show proved that black did not have to mean boring. Lawrence opted for a stunning Dior dress, fresh off the runway from their Spring 2018 couture show. She added even more glamour with a bright red lipstick. Jolie, on the other hand, went for her usual thigh-slit silhouette in an off-the-shoulder black velvet gown by British couturiers Ralph and Russo.

Starting the ceremony, the host said: "Right let's start giving out some of those beautiful BAFTAss shall we? And we start with the award for Outstanding British Film and who better to kick the whole evening off than the hottest actress on the planet. Soon to be seen in 'Red Sparrow', it's the ravishing Jennifer Lawrence." Lawrence placed the award on the stand before turning to Lumley and laughing. "Hi," she said to the audience, adding: "That was a bit much but thank you Joanna."

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfX8yJFhP20/?taken-by=peepingmoon

A British daily reported that Ridley Scott, the director behind films Blade Runner 2049, All the Money in the World, Hannibal and Black Hawk Down was awarded one of the highest honours in the British movie industry for his contribution to the entertainment industry in a four-decade-long career, a Fellowship at the BAFTA.

The Shape Of Water, an American dark fantasy drama film directed by Guillermo del Toro, lead the nominations for the BAFTA with 12 nominations including Best Film, Original Music, Cinematography, Production Design, Costume Design, Sound, Editing and Special Visual Effects.

A group of female protesters wearing 'Time's Up' T-shirts invaded the red carpet. The women were dressed in black as part of the 'BAFTA blackout', chanting "sisters, united, we'll never be defeated". Protesting against domestic violence and calling on the British Prime Minister Theresa May, to do more. A group of activists from Sisters Uncut jumped onto the carpet as celebrities were arriving at the ceremony wearing t-shirts declaring "Time's Up Theresa."

Check out the highlights shared by BAFTA:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMkMBeZ8B-0&t=2s