Carey Mulligan (41) Glows in Pleated White at the ‘Wildwood’ London Premiere
Some red carpet looks are all about spectacle, and others succeed because they quietly suit the moment. Carey Mulligan’s arrival at the ‘Wildwood‘ premiere in London belonged firmly to the second group. In a luminous pleated white dress, she brought a soft, storybook elegance to one of the festival’s biggest nights.
Mulligan has a long history on the BFI London Film Festival carpet. Over the years she has worn Chanel Couture at the 2015 screening of ‘Suffragette’ and an oxblood Giambattista Valli Couture gown in 2017. This year she was back for a very different kind of project, a stop-motion fantasy from Laika.
On Sunday, October 11, the actress attended the world premiere of ‘Wildwood’ at the 70th BFI London Film Festival, posing for photographers alongside director Travis Knight. She chose a long-sleeved white pleated dress with a wide, boat-style neckline and a gently shimmering finish. She wore her honey-blonde hair in loose, tousled waves and added small drop earrings, and photos from the carpet show her laughing and relaxed.
Carey Mulligan – ‘Wildwood’ premiere, 70th BFI London Film Festival, UK – 11 Oct 2026 #CareyMulligan FULL SET : https://t.co/v8r6dHHSUE https://t.co/rHFZwy4wYd
— HQCelebCorner (@Pawe66862800) October 12, 2026
The dress fell in fine vertical pleats from the neckline to the hem, giving it movement and a subtle metallic gleam under the carpet lights. The oversized sleeves and clean, fitted line kept the silhouette simple while still feeling dramatic. Paired with understated jewelry and natural makeup, the overall effect was calm and polished.
Carey Mulligan attends the "Wildwood" Gala during the 70th BFI London Film Festival at The Royal Festival Hall in London, England. More #GettyVideo #LFF 🎥 Ming Yeung 👉 https://t.co/3NA4ygbsVQ https://t.co/gQvMyKsBfB
— Getty Images Entertainment (@GettyVIP) October 11, 2026
It was a quieter statement than some of her recent appearances. At the 2026 BAFTAs, for example, she wore a custom navy satin Prada gown with a halter neckline and an open back, after earning a Best Supporting Actress nomination for ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island.’ This time, the softness of the fabric suited the film’s fairy-tale tone.
Carey Mulligan attending the premiere of Wildwood in Celine ss27! https://t.co/4gdWseh34A
— linda (@itgirlbackup) October 11, 2026
Mulligan voices Alexandra, the Dowager Governess, in the film. Alexandra once ruled the kingdom hidden within the forest outside Portland but has become unhinged with grief after the accidental death of her 12-year-old son. She leads an army of coyotes, and her pursuit of Prue’s baby brother drives the plot.
Carey Mulligan for the premiere of ‘Wildwood’ today in London!! 🥹🤍 https://t.co/uwXs0UnLLE
— hourly carey mulligan ✮⋆˙ (@hourlymulligan) October 11, 2026
Critics have singled out the performance. One festival review called her grief-stricken villain complex, noting that audiences feel for her and even want her to be saved. Another said she is the standout of an already stellar cast, driving home some of the film’s most powerful scenes.
The premiere marked a milestone for the studio, which is returning with its first film since 2019’s ‘Missing Link.’ Peyton Elizabeth Lee voices Prue, with Jacob Tremblay as her classmate Curtis, and the cast also includes Mahershala Ali, Angela Bassett, Awkwafina, Tom Waits and Charlie Day. Knight directs from a script by Chris Butler, adapting the 2011 novel by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis.
Early reaction has been enthusiastic. The film premiered to rave reviews and currently leads Gold Derby’s odds for the Best Animated Feature Oscar. Reviewers have also praised its ambition, though some have noted differences in how well the story supports the animation.
The film will open the AFI Fest later this month for its North American premiere. It then arrives in theaters on October 23 in the US and UK, with Fathom Entertainment handling the release, and a day earlier in Australia. For Mulligan, that means more red carpets and more conversation about a villain who has already won over critics.
There are places you don’t go. One choice changes everything. Watch the Teaser Trailer for Wildwood now, and see the movie in theatres everywhere October 23. #Wildwood https://t.co/1COoQT3REY
— LAIKA (@LAIKAStudios) May 13, 2026
With a role that critics are talking about and a carpet look that matched the film’s gentle magic, Mulligan had one of the evening’s most memorable moments. If the early buzz holds, the next few weeks could bring plenty more.
Did Carey Mulligan Nail Her White Dress Look at the Wildwood Premiere?
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!
