Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams gave fans a rare glimpse into their relationship on Sunday night as they shared a kiss on the red carpet at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards.
The Irish actor, who was nominated for his role in Hamnet, arrived at London’s Southbank Centre alongside the US singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams — marking one of their most public appearances together to date.
@instylegermany #GracieAbrams and #PaulMescal at the #Bafta Awards 2026. Credits: Klâra Šimonová/Getty Images #PaulMescaledits #gracieabramsedits ♬ sonido original - albe🍸
Mescal was nominated in the acting categories for his performance in Hamnet, the literary adaptation that has been widely hailed as one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year. Although he did not ultimately take home a trophy on the night, the film itself was one of the ceremony’s standout successes. His co-star Jessie Buckley made history by becoming the first Irish woman to win Leading Actress at the BAFTAs for her portrayal of Agnes Shakespeare.
Hamnet was also named Outstanding British Film, underlining its impact with voters and cementing its reputation as one of the year’s most celebrated releases. Directed by Oscar-winner Chloé Zhao and based on Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel, the film has been praised for its emotional depth and intimate storytelling — with particular acclaim directed at Mescal and Buckley’s performances as William and Agnes Shakespeare.
While Mescal’s nomination alone represented another milestone in his rapidly ascending career, it was his red carpet moment with Abrams that captured widespread attention.
The couple have been notably private since first being linked in 2023. Unlike many high-profile celebrity pairings, they have largely avoided discussing their relationship publicly, rarely appearing together at major events and keeping social media references to a minimum.
That is why Sunday night’s affectionate display — including a brief kiss for photographers — felt especially significant. It was a rare, unguarded moment from two figures who have carefully maintained boundaries around their personal lives.
Mescal, who rose to global fame in Normal People, has consistently spoken about the importance of privacy. In previous interviews, he has pushed back against public fascination with his personal life, stressing that his work should remain the focus. Abrams, meanwhile, has carved out her own successful career in music, earning a devoted following and critical acclaim for her confessional songwriting style.
@vanityfair “I feel that their relationship will stand the test of time.” #PaulMescal takes a walk down memory lane with VF’s Scene Selection, revisiting the roles that shaped his career—including the Connell to #DaisyEdgarJones ♬ original sound - Vanity Fair
Their decision to attend the BAFTAs together — and to share such a public moment — suggests a quiet confidence, even if they continue to keep most aspects of their relationship out of the spotlight.
The ceremony itself was packed with high-profile winners. Robert Aramayo won Leading Actor for I Swear, while One Battle After Another took home Best Film and Director for Paul Thomas Anderson. But for Irish viewers, much of the pride centred around Hamnet and its strong showing across categories.
@bbc Radical 👏 Disobedient 👏 Brilliant 👏 Jessie Buckley wins Leading Actress 🤩 #BAFTA #BAFTAFilmAwards #JessieBuckley ♬ original sound - BBC
Although Mescal did not add a BAFTA to his trophy cabinet this time, the nomination further cements his status as one of Ireland’s most sought-after talents. In just a few short years, he has moved from breakout television star to leading man in some of the industry’s most prestigious projects.
And while awards season may be about accolades and recognition, Sunday night proved that sometimes the most talked-about moments aren’t about trophies at all — but about a fleeting, rare glimpse into a love story that the couple have largely kept out of public view.
