London, February 23, 2026 – Irish actor Paul Mescal, 30, stole headlines at the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday evening, not just for his nomination but for making his official red carpet debut with girlfriend Gracie Abrams.

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The couple, who have been dating since sparking rumors in mid-2024, walked hand-in-hand at the Royal Festival Hall, sharing a sweet kiss and plenty of PDA that delighted fans and photographers alike.

Mescal, dressed sharply in a sleek black Prada suit with a white shirt and pocket square (no tie for that effortless cool), was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet, portraying William Shakespeare.

This marks his third BAFTA nomination following nods for Aftersun (Best Actor, 2023) and All of Us Strangers (Best Supporting Actor, 2024). Though he didn’t take home the award—Sean Penn won in the category—his presence added star power to the night.

The evening wasn’t without a lighthearted moment: Host Alan Cumming playfully called out Mescal for scrolling on his phone during the ceremony, leaving the actor visibly red-faced and the audience in stitches when he missed a cue in a gag.

The viral clip quickly circulated on social media, with fans joking about the relatable mishap amid the glitz.

Abrams, the acclaimed singer-songwriter known for hits like “Close to You,” complemented Mescal in a floral Chanel gown from the brand’s 2026 Métiers d’Art collection.

The pair’s coordinated, affectionate appearance marked a major relationship milestone, transitioning from paparazzi sightings to a formal awards-season hard-launch. Sources describe them as supportive partners, with Abrams cheering on Mescal during the high-profile event—one of the last major stops before the Oscars.

Mescal’s recent projects include the blockbuster Gladiator II (released November 2024), where he starred as Lucius alongside Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Connie Nielsen under Ridley Scott’s direction.

Looking ahead, he’s attached to Richard Linklater’s long-gestating Merrily We Roll Along and Sam Mendes’ ambitious four-part Beatles film franchise (set for 2028 release).

Despite the busy schedule, Mescal remains grounded, often praised for his humility and talent. His BAFTA night—complete with romance, a nomination, and a cheeky phone blunder—cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s most captivating rising stars.

Fans are already buzzing about potential Oscar buzz for Hamnet and what’s next for the couple. As awards season heats up, Paul Mescal continues to charm both on and off screen.