STARS arriving for the BAFTA film awards in London were over-shadowed in the glamour stakes by the Duchess of Cambridge.

Kate Middleton wore a stunning one-shoulder white Alexander McQueen gown and was joined by husband William, for the Royal Albert Hall bash.

It is said Kate, 37, is wearing Princess Diana's favourite earrings for the function.

Other stars attending included Bradley Cooper, Olivia Cooper and Rachel Weisz.

The Favourite has got off to a winning start by collecting the outstanding British film prize at the star-studded ceremony.

The film also collected the best production design prize and best make-up and hair.

Meanwhile, Bafta chairwoman Dame Pippa Harris said the lack of women in this year's directing category at the film awards is an "industry-wide problem".

She said the nomination of Netflix film Roma had "marked a real change in the way people are consuming film".

She said: "I make Call The Midwife for BBC One, which is going out tonight. We almost entirely use female directors so there are female directors out there - they are extremely good.

"There has been a traditional problem with getting females to be noticed in terms of their TV work and then get picked up to make feature films.

"Men seem to find that transition much easier."

She hailed Roma's nomination adding: "Audiences are delighted to see films on the big screen but they are equally delighted to see something of the calibre of Roma going out on their TV at home, so I think that has been a bit of a game-changer for everyone."

Dame Pippa said she was excited by the British names in the actress and supporting actress categories.

She said: "Claire Foy - who we all know for her TV work - but her first film nomination. Also Olivia Colman has never had a film nomination before but there she is right up in contention to win best actress. So it's a really great year."

The Favourite leads the Bafta nominations this year with 12 nods, including for best film and outstanding British film.