Evening Standard·United Kingdom·Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 08:14 AM UTC

Best red carpet looks as BFI London Film Festival opens with star-studded premiere

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Megan Howe

The Weekender

Billie Piper was among the best-dressed stars gracing the red carpet for the opening night of the BFI London Film Festival.

The Doctor Who star commanded attention in a dramatic monochrome gown as she arrived at London’s Southbank on Wednesday night for the premiere of biographical drama Elsinore.

Making perhaps the biggest fashion statement of the evening, the 44-year-old actress stepped out in a striking strapless black-and-white floral gown, which featured a voluminous gathered silhouette and sweeping train.

She paired the statement dress with long black opera gloves and pointed black ankle boots, while wearing her hair swept back into a sleek bun to ensure all eyes remained on the gown.

Billie Piper attends the "Elsinore" 2026 Opening Gala during the 70th BFI London Film Festival

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Piper, who plays real-life casting director Patsy Pollock in the film, attended the premiere alongside co-stars Andrew Scott, Olivia Colman, Johnny Flynn and Joe Locke.

Elsinore, written by BAFTA winner and Golden Globe nominee Stephen Beresford, has already generated Oscar buzz and received standing ovations at premieres across the pond.

The film is set for a wide UK cinema release on January 27.

Billie Piper at the Elsinore premiere

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Luke Thompson, Billie Piper and Andrew Scott

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Billie Piper at the Elsinore premiere

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Fleabag star Scott, who stars as actor Ian Charleson in the film, looked suave in a camel-brown double-breasted blazer, teamed with sleek black trousers and matching shoes.

He wore a dark tie decorated with white paisley-style motifs, while a small cluster of flowers tucked into his lapel provided a charming finishing touch.

Irish actor Andrew Scott and British actor Olivia Colman pose on the red carpet

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Oscar-winning actress Colman, 52, also embraced monochrome dressing for the occasion, making an elegant entrance in a sweeping floor-length gown.

The high-necked design featured billowing sleeves and a sharply tailored black bodice. She accessorised with sparkling drop earrings and wore her hair swept into an elegant up-do.

Olivia Colman attending the European premiere of Elsinore at the Southbank Centre

Colman appeared in particularly high spirits as she reunited with Scott on the red carpet, with the friends posing hand-in-hand before embracing in front of photographers.

Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman attend the "Elsinore" 2026 Opening Gala during the 70th BFI London Film Festival

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Elsewhere, actress Sadie Soverall opted for a delicate spaghetti-strap dress finished with a contrasting white hem, while Monica Dolan brought a welcome burst of colour to the event in a stunning coral-pink ensemble.

Elsinore is directed by Simon Stone and written by Stephen Beresford, starring Andrew Scott, Olivia Colman, Billie Piper, Johnny Flynn, and Luke Thompson.

Set in 1989, it tells the powerful true story of Scottish actor Ian Charleson (Scott) as he prepares to take on the role of Hamlet at London's National Theatre while secretly battling HIV/AIDS.

Following its festival run, it will have a limited US theatrical release on November 20, 2026 via Focus Features, and a UK-wide cinema release on January 29, 2027 through Studiocanal.

Here are some of the standout looks from the opening night of the BFI London Film Festival, as selected by The Standard.

The BFI London Film Festival will run from October 7 to October 18.