Stars hit red carpet for Baftas

The movie world hit the red carpet tonight for the biggest event in the British film calendar.

Keira Knightley, Daniel Radcliffe and Kate Hudson were among the stars at the Baftas.

Unlike previous years, where the rain has turned the red carpet into a soggy mess, the nominees were able to show off their frocks without getting drenched this time.

Tonight’s glittering event ceremony will see 'Atonement', starring Knightley and Scottish actor James McAvoy, competing for 14 awards while other films in the running include 'There Will Be Blood' and the Coen brothers’ thriller 'No Country For Old Men'.

Among those who graced the red carpet – which took three hours to roll out this morning – were Ricky Gervais, British actress Emily Blunt, Kevin Spacey, Jeff Goldblum and Tilda Swinton.

Hundreds of film fans waited outside the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden to catch a glimpse of the stars.

Knightley, who is nominated for leading actress for Atonement, kept the February chills away by wearing a blue jacket over a tiered grey Valentino couture strapless gown.

She said: “I don’t know how many awards we are going to win but I’m so excited the film has 14 nominations.

“I’m not going to say I’m confident about winning (best actress) because there are some really amazing inspiring performances.

“Marion Coutillard is my hero at the moment. She’s amazing in the La Vie En Rose.”

She added: “It’s cold so I’m wearing this jacket but I’ve been told that I have to take it off in a moment which I’m a bit p****d off about.

“I’ve been doing DIY recently, but not today, and re-grouting the bathroom. I have only just started and I don’t think I like it. I think I’m making a mess.”

'Harry Potter' star Radcliffe got one of the biggest cheers of the night from the crowd.

The actor is presenting an award. He said: “I’m very excited. I’ve never been to the Bafta’s before. This is great, even better than the Oscars because it’s British.

“I’m so excited about all these amazing people that turn up.”

Asked about walking down the red carpet, he added: “If anything it gets more scary, particularly this time when there are all these amazing people. It’s a big night.

McAvoy who is up for leading actor for 'Atonement' arrived with his actress wife Anne-Marie Duff.

He said: “It’s a nice thing to come to. I’m confident for Atonement but it will be nice if some of the awards are shared out because there are a lot of intelligent films this year.”