Maura Higgins, known for her appearance on “Love Island” and the US edition of “The Traitors,” attended the EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday, turning heads in a striking red satin gown. The 35-year-old mingled with A-list celebrities at the Royal Festival Hall, following her recent acting debut in the Irish comedy film, “The Spin.”
Higgins’ ensemble featured a form-fitting silhouette with structured detailing and a dramatic train, complemented by sheer black opera gloves and minimal jewelry. She styled her hair in a sleek bun and opted for a glamorous makeup glance, according to reports from the event.
While Higgins has not yet received any award nominations, her role in “The Spin” marks her first foray into acting. However, her screen time in the 1 hour and 32-minute film is limited to less than two minutes. She plays Rose, and her lines consist of brief exchanges, including “Ah there you are, did you play already?” and “play Coldplay” during a scene in a local bar.
“The Spin,” directed by Michael Head, centers on Dermot (Brenock O’Connor) and Elvis (Owen Colgan), two friends attempting to save their record shop in Omagh, Northern Ireland. They embark on a journey to Cork in search of rare Robert Johnson records. Higgins appears alongside Pussycat Dolls singer Kimberly Wyatt and actor Brencock O’Connor.
Despite the brevity of her role, Higgins reportedly impressed industry executives, sparking interest in her future film projects. Sources indicated last year that attendees were discussing her potential, with conversations taking place about her next career moves, as reported by The Mirror.
The 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards, hosted by Alan Cumming, also drew stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Jacob Elordi, and Michael B. Jordan. Jessie Ware performed a Barbara Streisand cover during the In Memoriam segment, and KPop group HUNTR/X performed their track “Golden.”
Several awards were presented during the ceremony. “Hamnet” received the award for Best Film, while Akinola Davies Jr.’s “My Father’s Shadow” was recognized as Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer. Ludwig Göransson won the award for Original Score for “Sinners.”
Dame Donna Langley was honored with the BAFTA Fellowship, and Clare Binns received the BAFTA Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema award. Paul Mescal, nominated for Supporting Actor for his role in “Hamnet,” was among the Irish stars in attendance, alongside Cillian Murphy, as reported by the Irish Star.
“One Battle After Another” led the nominations with fourteen, followed by “Sinners” with thirteen, and “Hamnet” with eleven. The ceremony was broadcast on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK, and on E! in North America.
