2008 BAFTA Awards

Hollywood may have crossed the pond for England in honor of the Orange British Academy Film Awards awards, but the weather was far from California sunny. Stars like Jessica Biel-in a dramatic Dior by John Galliano gown and more than $700,000 in Cartier diamonds-braved icy temperatures to show off their red carpet finest as they arrived at London's Royal Opera House for the annual event. But while Keira Knightley declared the night to be "freezing," before rushing inside, Tilda Swinton felt the warmth radiating from the crowd of onlookers who hoped to catch a glimpse of their favorite actors. "The fans are hot!" Swinton declared. "It's so much fun out here, I don't want to go in!"

-Bronwyn Barnes, with reporting by Pat McNulty

Looking every bit the drama queen in her gown by Valentino Couture, Keira Knightley played the part to the fullest. "Where is my entourage?" the Best Actress nominee called out before heading inside for the ceremony.

Sienna Miller stayed mum about the status of her relationship with Welsh actor Rhys Ifans, but kept him close during the ceremony and post-show after-party, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel. Upon arrival, Miller appeared quite conservative in her midnight-hued Dior by John Galliano gown. But a quick turn revealed the dramatic backless view.

"I chose this because it's comfortable and I could dance in it," golden girl Kate Hudson said of her glittering Dior gown. For added effect, the actress accessorized with emerald earrings from jeweler Bulgari and a long blonde braid. "Do you you like it? It was my idea!" the Fool's Gold actress said of her plait.

After being named BAFTA's Orange Rising Star in 2007, Best Actor nominee James McAvoy (in a Clemens en August tux) was worried that the world might already be getting tired of him. "It's nice to be here again, but it's a little bit weird," said the Atonement actor, who squired wife Anne-Marie Duff to the event. "I promise I won't be here to annoy you next year!"

Emily Blunt opened up about the difficult task of choosing the perfect gown for the occasion. "I had about 50 to choose from, then it came down to 8. I chose this one by Marc Bouwer because I love the color and it's a sexy shape," the actress explained. The bad news? "I'll probably have to give it back," the beautiful Brit sighed. "You don't get to keep the dress that often."

Who was that masked woman? Michael Clayton star Tilda Swinton, who took home the BAFTA trophy for Best Supporting Actress. The flame-haired Swinton wore a scene-stealing Dior dress-adorned with jet black feathers-for the occasion. "How did I decide what to wear?" she asked reporters. "I basically put this on and couldn't take it off!"

BAFTA winners-and Oscar front runners-Javier Bardem and Marion Cotillard (in Chanel) hit the Miramax post-show party at the Hilton Hotel Park Lane. Though Bardem's friend Penelope Cruz was off at the Berlin Film Festival, the actor's thoughts were on another woman. "I want to send a kiss to my beautiful agent who took a flight from L.A. to make sure...that I gave the right speech," the No Country for Old Men star (in Prada) said when he accepted his prize.

"We're in the same hotel as Daniel Day-Lewis and Julie Christie!" squealed a starstruck Amanda Peet, who was in town with husband David Benioff for the event. "We're going to sneak around the hallways and see if we can [find] them." Peet braved the London chill in a black, one-shoulder Galliano gown (and Cartier diamonds).

"This is an opportunity to celebrate what we do and recognize that Great Britain and Europe are very much players in the world of cinema," said London resident Thandie Newton. Newton also spoke out about being a big fan of her elegant Alexander McQueen gown. "Usually I wear dresses that are so constricting," she confessed. "For once I can actually go to the loo without too much difficulty!"