The stars have been giving an inside look at what it is like to be a part of the biggest event of the British film calendar.

Turning out for the red carpet at this year’s Bafta awards, some of film’s biggest names admitted to feeling a little nervous and spending a long time getting ready for the event.

Nominee Eddie Redmayne, who at a previous Baftas was so sick he couldn’t make it onto the stage, said: “I’m probably feeling a bit queasy for all kinds of other reasons. No I’m actually feeling good.

Hannah Bagshawe Eddie Redmayne Baftas
Eddie Redmayne and his wife Hannah Bagshawe (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

“A couple of years ago when I did indeed have food poisoning at the Baftas I basically sweated my way down this red carpet and then it all came to a horrible end, so I’m hoping not to repeat that tonight.”

His competition Michael Keaton revealed he was having trouble believing his awards buzz for Birdman was real: “Sometimes I pinch myself, literally and metaphorically.”

Talking about partying in the UK he said: “It’s really good, there was a pre-party last night and you guys do this really well, I gotta say. I’m not saying we don’t have as much fun, I guess I’ll find out, but this has been really fun over here.”

Michael Keaton
Michael Keaton (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

He added of the pressure of doing the awards rounds: “I can’t imagine when people run for office – I can’t imagine what that’s like because this is hard but it’s fun, and you can’t take it seriously. You have to eat well before, otherwise you get really tired.”

Meanwhile, Unbroken star Jack O’Connell said of his preparations for the evening: “I got up about 3pm, had a bath, stuck on some tunes, had my mum and sister with me, I had a ham, cheese and mustard toastie, so now I feel geared up for it. Put on a tux, now I feel up for it.”

Imelda Staunton talked of her pride at celebrating British film: “We like our British films here and we’ve got some good ones this year. I was hoping that Mr Turner would be nominated but it isn’t, but anyway, I’m flying the flag for Pride tonight.”

Jim Carter Imelda Staunton Baftas
Imelda Staunton arrives with Jim Carter (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Patricia Arquette, who won Supporting Actress for Boyhood, said of experiencing awards season: “It doesn’t get boring, because I know this is not the norm. The norm is you never get invited, the norm is this never happens to you. Even if you make great films.

“So I know this is an exceptional tiny moment in my life, and I’m appreciating it, getting to meet great people in my industry who’ve contributed beautiful things to film.

Patricia Arquette
Patricia Arquette (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

“And to be here – now I’ve been a Bafta nominee it’s part of British cinema history and I’m really grateful for that, and I’m grateful for the audiences who have come out and supported this movie.”

Ethan Hawke, who also starred in Boyhood, added of the film: “This movie is not a job to me. Richard Linklater (director) is my closest friend, this is a movie we’ve been working on for over 20 years, so I’m proud of it this far.”