Don't rain on my parade! Lily James still manages to look sophisticated in slinky sleeveless gown

Don't rain on my parade! Lily James still manages to look sophisticated in slinky sleeveless gown, despite soggy red carpet at BFI Film Awards

Maintaining a sleek and sophisticated red carpet look in the teaming rain is tricky for even the most well-versed of movie stars. 

But Lily James somehow managed to look both chic and sleek as she arrived at the BFI Film Awards in London on Saturday night. 

The Downton Abbey Star was aided by a trusty umbrella as she posed for pictures in her slinky sleeveless gown teamed with silver drop earrings.

Drenched! Lily James still maintained a stunning red carpet appearance despite the teaming rain at the BFI Awards on Saturday night 

Her dark blonde hair was worn loose and long over her shoulders while smoky brown eyeshadow and a nude lipstick added to her dramatic appearance

The actress appeared to be without boyfriend Matt Smith at the event which was held at Banqueting House.

However, there were an array of stars from the British film industry at the event including Anna Friel who also plumped for a dark dazzling frock.

Under my umbrella: The star showed off her trim figure in the sleek gown 

Will it ever stop? The star looked a little anxious as she posed for snapshots 

Hot metal: The stunning actress accessorised with some silver drop earrings 

Under cover: Lily looked the chic and collected as she posed inside the venue ahead of the ceremony 

The sequinned number with black frilled panels fell well below the knee and was teamed with some towering peep toe black heels. 

The actress's dark brown hair was worn slicked back while deep red lipstick accentuated her features. 

A black and white patterned handbag completed the look. 

Why does it always rain on me? Anna Friel managed a smile despite getting drenched on arrival 

A soggy arrival: Anna Friel braved the pouring rain to make her way into the ceremony

Gimme shelter: Anna hotfooted it inside the venue to maintain her well put together look 

All that glitters: The former Brookside actress looked in good spirits at the event

Meanwhile Alicia Vikander amped up the glamour in a stunning white gown which showed off her slim figure to the maximum.

The short sleeved dress featured a sweetheart neckline, and was teamed with strappy white heels. 

With her hair pulled up in a chic updo, the 28-year-old Swedish star wore a simple touch of eyeliner and deep red lipstick for a dramatic feel.  

Strike a pose: Alicia caught up with Lily James with the pair adding some extra glamour to the occasion 

Protective measures: Alicia had to hold her skirt up while wearing a coast to protect her dress on arriving at the awards 

Me and my man: Alicia arrived with boyfriend Michael Fassbender

Dazzling: With her hair pulled up in a chic updo, the 28-year-old Swedish star wore a simple touch of eyeliner and deep red lipstick for a dramatic feel

Alicia was joined by her actor beau Michael Fassbender who looked dapper in a black tuxedo and bow tie. 

The Irish actor was on hand to see director Steve McQueen honoured with the BFI Fellowship award.

Fassbender starred in McQueen's 2012 Oscar winning film 12 Years A Slave alongside actress Lupita Nyong'o, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Benedict Cumberbatch.

I'm a celebrity, get me out of here! Alicia seemed rather relieved to escape the soggy carpet

Contrasting looks: Gugu Mbatha-Raw sported a plunging floral gown as she posed with Alicia 

Hosted by Michael Sheen, the ceremony was honoring director Steve McQueen who was nominated for an Oscar for 2012 Best Picture winner 12 Years A Slave. 

'I first walked into the BFI library and cinema 28 years ago,' Steve said in response to his award in a statement. 

'To think that I will now be a Fellow and honorary member, with such a distinguished list of people, is mindblowing. I’m humbly honoured.' 

Eclectic: Romola Garai sported an unusual long sleeved purple gown with orange stripe and blue lace detail at the neck

Cate Blanchett was the recipient of the prestigious prize last year. 

Meanwhile films in contention for the Best Film Award included Brimstone starring Dakota Fanning; Certain Women staring Michelle Williams, Laura Dern and Kristen Stewart, while Cynthia Nixon's Emily Dickinson biopic A Quiet Passion is also in contention. 

Other attendees included Michael Sheen who was hosting proceedings, and actress Romola Garai who sported an unusual purple gown, while Gugu Mbatha-Raw wore a plunging floral number. 

Host with the most: Michael Sheen looked a little bemused by the downpour