William and Kate dazzle Hollywood stars
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wow Hollywood royalty at a glittering Bafta dinner in Los Angeles, outshining superstars such as Tom Hanks and Jennifer Lopez.
Some of the biggest names in Tinsel Town were out supporting British creative talent last night, including living legends from Tom Hanks to Barbara Streisand who were received by the world’s most famous newlyweds.
The royal couple have become the toast of California after jetting into America on Friday for a whirlwind three-day visit, which comes after a successful tour of Canada.
Jennifer Lopez, Jack Black and James Gandolfini were also among the guests at the reception and black-tie banquet held at the 1920s art deco Belasco theatre in central LA.
I think they are lovely. I just got off the phone to my mum and she said ‘I’m so glad you’re going, you’re Australian’ – they just make you smile. Nicole Kidman
British celebrities were represented by Stephen Fry, Cat Deeley and Gordon Ramsay.
But the loudest screams on the night from the hundreds waiting against crash barriers outside the theatre came when the Duke and Duchess arrived.
The Duchess looked stunning in a lavender coloured dress by Alexander McQueen and a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes.The world famous actors who would normally draw large crowds in their own right appeared to be excited at the prospect of meeting the royals.
Before a reception in the theatre’s ballroom, Duncan Kenworthy, the Academy’s vice-president and one of Britain’s leading producers, told the celebrities and other guests in the room to “be cool” and not to rush at the royals when they came in, but the couple proved a big draw.
Moulin Rouge star Kidman summed up the mood towards the Duke and Duchess when she said: “I think they are lovely. I just got off the phone to my mum and she said ‘I’m so glad you’re going, you’re Australian’ – they just make you smile.”
William is president of Bafta – the British Academy of Film and Television Arts – and the organisation hosted the evening to highlight the range and depth of British talent in film, television and video games.
Forty-two emerging Brits were selected to attend the event to introduce them to the “movers and shakers” in Hollywood.
In a speech to the guests, William said: “As president of Bafta, I am immensely proud of the success Brits have had in the fiercely competitive world of film, television and video games.
“Their creative and hi-tech achievements have contributed greatly to our national wealth, not to mention our personal pleasure.
“Tonight I celebrate them: but I particularly celebrate the fact that, hard on their heels, comes another wave of enormously talented Brits, whom you have the chance to meet this evening. They deserve equal success and, with your help, will surely achieve it.”
The royal couple later chatted to the 42 up-and-coming directors, actors, producers, cinematographers and video game designers before sitting down to dinner.