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BAFTA 2016: Rebel Wilson Sparks Controversy With 'Transgender Face' Joke In Attempt To Address Hollywood Diversity

Rebel Wilson Sparks BAFTA Backlash With 'Transgender Face' Joke
Ashley Percival

Rebel Wilson has divided opinion with a joke attempting to highlight the Hollywood diversity row.

The ‘Pitch Perfect’ star sparked controversy when she made a quip about “practising her transgender face” BAFTAs on Sunday (14 February) night.

Rebel made reference to the continuing debate about diversity that has dominated this awards season, as she took the stage to present the Best Supporting Actor gong.

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Rebel Wilson

She said she had “been practicing her transgender face” in the hope of winning an award in future years.

Not everyone was impressed with the way Rebel highlighted such issues, however, with many taking to Twitter to comment on her joke.

Rebel also made a quip about the Oscars, which have been at the centre of the row, after only white actors were nominated in the four main acting categories.

“I’ve never been invited to the Oscars, because as we know they are racists,” she said.

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She then made another controversial joke while flirting with Idris Elba, saying that he made her nervous.

“I’m programmed to want chocolate on Valentine’s Day,” she said.

The comment also raised some eyebrows on the social networking site, but many also saw the funny side:

Take a look at all the pictures from the 2016 BAFTAs in the gallery below...

BAFTA 2016 Red Carpet
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(01 of64)
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Actor Leonardo Di Caprio poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(02 of64)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Julianne Moore attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(03 of64)
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Actress Cate Blanchett poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Jonathan Short/Invision/AP) (credit:Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(04 of64)
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Presenter Laura Whitmore poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(05 of64)
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Presenter Laura Whitmore poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(06 of64)
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Presenter Sarah-Jane Crawford poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(07 of64)
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Presenter Sarah-Jane Crawford poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(08 of64)
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Actress Olga Kurylenko poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(09 of64)
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Actress Olga Kurylenko poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(10 of64)
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Actress Saoirse Ronan poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(11 of64)
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Actress Annabel Wallace poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(12 of64)
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Actress Annabel Wallace poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(13 of64)
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Actress Annabel Wallace poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(14 of64)
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poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Jonathan Short/Invision/AP) (credit:Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(15 of64)
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Actress Cate Blanchett poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Jonathan Short/Invision/AP) (credit:Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(16 of64)
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Actor John Boyega poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Jonathan Short/Invision/AP) (credit:Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(17 of64)
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Actor John Boyega poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(18 of64)
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Actress Laura Haddock poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(19 of64)
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Actor Matt Smith poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(20 of64)
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Actor Matt Smith poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(21 of64)
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Actress Alicia Vikander poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Jonathan Short/Invision/AP) (credit:Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(22 of64)
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Actress Laura Haddock poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(23 of64)
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Actress Laura Haddock poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
EE British Academy Film Awards - Red Carpet Arrivals(24 of64)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Angela Bassett attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Gavan via Getty Images)
BAFTA Film Awards 2016 - Arrivals - London(25 of64)
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Julie Walters attending the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London.EMPICS Entertainment Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 14, 2016. Photo credit should read: Doug Peters/ EMPICS Entertainment (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
BAFTA Film Awards 2016 - Arrivals - London(26 of64)
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Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw attending the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 14, 2016. See PA Story SHOWBIZ Baftas. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire (credit:Yui Mok/PA Wire)
BAFTA Film Awards 2016 - Arrivals - London(27 of64)
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Jack O'Connell attending the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London.EMPICS Entertainment Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 14, 2016. Photo credit should read: Doug Peters/ EMPICS Entertainment (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
BAFTA Film Awards 2016 - Arrivals - London(28 of64)
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Benicio del Toro attending the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London.EMPICS Entertainment Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 14, 2016. Photo credit should read: Doug Peters/ EMPICS Entertainment (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
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Valentino arriving at the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House, London, Britain on 14 Feb 2016.

Pictured: ValentinoRef: SPL1227538 140216
Picture by: Jon Furniss / Corbis

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Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(30 of64)
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Actress Gemma Chan poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(31 of64)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Sacha Baron Cohen (L) and Isla Fisher attend the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(32 of64)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Antonia Thomas attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(33 of64)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Jack Whitehall attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(34 of64)
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Actress Rebel Wilson poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(35 of64)
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Actress Emilia Clarke poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(36 of64)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Julianne Moore attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
BAFTA Film Awards 2016 - Arrivals - London(37 of64)
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Mark Ruffalo and Sunrise Coigney attending the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 14, 2016. See PA Story SHOWBIZ Baftas. Photo credit should read: Yui Mok/PA Wire (credit:Yui Mok/PA Wire)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(38 of64)
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EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(39 of64)
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EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(40 of64)
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EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(41 of64)
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EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(42 of64)
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EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(43 of64)
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EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(44 of64)
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EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(45 of64)
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EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(46 of64)
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Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(47 of64)
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Actress Dakota Johnson poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(48 of64)
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Actress Dakota Johnson poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(49 of64)
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Actor Leonardo Di Caprio, left, and director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(50 of64)
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Actor Leonardo Di Caprio poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(51 of64)
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Actor Leonardo Di Caprio poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Jonathan Short/Invision/AP) (credit:Jonathan Short/Invision/AP)
Britain BAFTA 2016 Film Awards Arrivals(52 of64)
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Actor Cuba Gooding Jr poses for photographers upon arrival at the BAFTA 2016 film awards at the Royal Opera House in London, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2016. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP) (credit:Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(53 of64)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Matt Damon (R) and Luciana Barroso attend the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(54 of64)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Stanley Tucci (L) and Felicity Blunt attend the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) (credit:Dave J Hogan via Getty Images)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(55 of64)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Gwendoline Christie attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(56 of64)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Hannah Bagshawe (L) and Eddie Redmayne attend the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(57 of64)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Eddie Redmayne attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(58 of64)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Luciana Barroso (L) and Matt Damon attend the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(59 of64)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Idris Elba attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
EE British Academy Film Awards - VIP Red Carpet Arrivals(60 of64)
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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: Eddie Izzard attends the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House on February 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images) (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
BAFTA Film Awards 2016 - Arrivals - London(61 of64)
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Stefanie Powers attending the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London.EMPICS Entertainment Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 14, 2016. Photo credit should read: Doug Peters/ EMPICS Entertainment (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
BAFTA Film Awards 2016 - Arrivals - London(62 of64)
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Zoe Ball attending the EE British Academy Film Awards at the Royal Opera House, Bow Street, London.EMPICS Entertainment Photo. Picture date: Sunday February 14, 2016. Photo credit should read: Doug Peters/ EMPICS Entertainment (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
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Domhnall Gleeson arriving at the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House, London, Britain on 14 Feb 2016.

Pictured: Matt DamonRef: SPL1227564 140216
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Domhnall Gleeson arriving at the EE British Academy Film Awards at The Royal Opera House, London, Britain on 14 Feb 2016.

Pictured: Eddie RedmayneRef: SPL1227564 140216
Picture by: Jon Furnis

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