British actress Naomi Ackie arrived at the Royal Festival Hall for the opening night of the 70th BFI London Film Festival wearing a striking Marine Serre halter gown. The dress, part of the designer’s Fall 2026 collection, featured a sculptural silhouette that highlighted Ackie’s shoulders and created a sleek, elongated line. Its surface was woven with 850 tiny metallic ferrules that caught the lights, giving the impression of moving constellations. Paired with a sleek slicked-back hairstyle and minimal jewellery, the look let the garment speak for itself, confirming Ackie’s growing reputation as a red-carpet risk-taker.
From runway to interview: Ackie’s frank take on the Hollywood machine
Later that evening, Ackie joined a panel discussion titled “Screen Talk” moderated by BFI programmer Grace Barber-Plentie. The conversation quickly turned to the differences between the British and American film landscapes. Ackie described the London scene as a “home” where long-standing friendships foster creative freedom, while she characterised Hollywood as a well-oiled machine that, though impressive, feels less personally stimulating. She noted that Oscar campaigns often resemble political campaigns, demanding countless appearances, whereas BAFTA nominations tend to arrive more unexpectedly.
Why horror is the genre of the moment, and a surprising prep habit
Ackie admitted a particular affection for the horror genre describing it as “the funniest job” because of its blend of tension and dark humor. She linked the genre’s surge to a collective global anxiety, citing recent crises such as a tornado in Sydney. In a moment of levity, she revealed a personal preparedness routine: a stockpile of canned food, candles, matches, and a crank radio for emergencies. While she joked about being afraid, she emphasized that the same nerves that drive horror fans also fuel her creative choices.
Challenging roles and future ambitions
When asked about the most demanding part of her career, Ackie pointed to portraying Whitney Houston in “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”. She described the task as a “mountain” of pressure, given the iconic status of the singer and the impossibility of fully capturing another’s essence. Despite mixed box-office results, the experience reshaped her approach to acting, leaving her eager for any new challenge. Looking ahead, she expressed a wish to star in a musical—a genre she loved growing up with “West Side Story” and “Grease”—and even fantasises about a film where she conveys a story without uttering a single word, echoing a mute role she played in “Lady Macbeth”.
Styling choices and the lasting impact of the night
The Marine Serre gown, previously seen on Spanish actress Ester Expósito and American star Taraji P. Henson, proved adaptable across very different occasions, from an artistic gala at the Louvre to a Hollywood premiere. Ackie’s decision to keep accessories understated allowed the dress’s intricate construction to dominate the frame, reinforcing her reputation for letting clothing narrate the moment. As the festival continues through October 18, her performance on and off the carpet demonstrates a multifaceted talent comfortable navigating both avant-garde fashion and thoughtful industry critique.
