Bafta Gala Fizzles: Stars Flee Sustainable Feast

The post-ceremony dinner following the Bafta awards in London this year failed to generate the expected buzz, with many A-list attendees reportedly leaving early. The Royal Festival Hall ballroom, typically vibrant with industry stars, was observed to have empty chairs and half-filled tables. Guests described the atmosphere as muted and lacking the usual convivial spirit, contrasting sharply with the excitement of the earlier ceremony.

Criticism was directed towards the largely plant-based menu, commissioned by Bafta with caterers Caper & Berry as part of their sustainability efforts. While organizers aimed for an 'indulgent and inclusive' experience, some attendees found the food disappointing, with comments about poor taste and tiny portions. The 'social dining' concept also seemed to fall flat, as many stars, including Timothee Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio, were seen departing before the main courses were finished.

Several prominent nominees and stars, such as Kate Hudson, Emma Stone, and Kirsten Dunst, were noted to have left the dinner before dessert. Some guests departed for other after-parties, suggesting a shift in where the real celebrations occur. The evening concluded with dessert options served in paper cups, which also drew mixed reactions, further contributing to a sense that the gala did not meet previous years' standards.