Maura Higgins Turns Heads at the 2026 BAFTAs Amid Hollywood Buzz
Maura Higgins captivated attendees at the EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday, February 22, 2026, following her recent foray into Hollywood and appearance on Traitors US. The 35-year-old Love Island star mingled with A-list celebrities at the prestigious ceremony held at the Royal Festival Hall in London.
Red Carpet Statement
Higgins made a striking impression in a form-fitting red satin dress featuring structured detailing and a dramatic train. The gown was complemented by black sheer opera gloves and minimal jewelry. She styled her brunette hair in a sleek bun and completed the look with glamorous makeup.
Acting Debut in The Spin
While Higgins has yet to receive any award nominations, she recently made her acting debut in the Irish comedy film, The Spin. Sources reported that she “impressed substantial Hollywood executives” with her appearance, despite having a brief role in the movie.
A Blink-and-You’ll-Miss-It Cameo
Higgins’s role in The Spin is a cameo, with less than two minutes of screen time in the 1 hour and 32-minute film. She plays Rose, the onscreen girlfriend of Dermot (Brenock O’Connor), appearing briefly at the beginning of the movie. Her lines include, “Ah there you are, did you play already?” and “play Coldplay” during a scene in a local bar.
The Film’s Plot
The Spin follows Dermot and Elvis (Owen Colgan), two music lovers who run a struggling record shop in Omagh, Northern Ireland. Facing financial difficulties, they embark on a frantic two-day road trip across Ireland to acquire rare vintage records of blues legend Robert Johnson, hoping to save their shop.
BAFTA Ceremony Highlights
The 2026 BAFTA Film Awards, hosted by Alan Cumming, welcomed a star-studded guest list including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elordi, and Michael B. Jordan. Entertainment included a performance by KPop group HUNTR/X and a Barbara Streisand cover by Jessie Ware. Dame Donna Langley received the BAFTA Fellowship, and Clare Binns was honored with the BAFTA Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award.
Nominees and Winners
One Battle After Another led the nominations with 14, while Marty Supreme and Sinners received 11 nominations each. Hamnet broke records for the most nominations for a female-directed film. Key winners included:
- Best Film: Hamnet
- Outstanding British Film: 28 Years Later
- Supporting Actress: Wunmi Mosaku (Sinners)
- Supporting Actor: Sean Penn (One Battle After Another)
- Original Screenplay: Sinners
- Adapted Screenplay: One Battle After Another
- Cinematography: One Battle After Another
The ceremony was broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK and on E! in North America.