Paul Bafta being caught out

Star scolded by host Alan for looking at his phone

- BY BLATHIN DE PAOR

IRISH actor Paul Mescal was left red-faced and embarrassed after being called out by Alan Cumming at the BAFTAs.

The Co Kildare-born star, who was nominated for Supporting Actor but lost to Sean Penn, was caught on his phone as Alan prepared to introduce the next award.

Host Alan quipped: 'The next award is for Outstanding British Film in honour of Alexander Korda. Paul, Paul... Oh, he's on his phone.

"We were supposed to do the gag, you know... it's fine... don't you worry," he laughed.

Paul's face was caught on camera going red as he hurried to put his phone away. As he arrived for the awards event, Paul posed for photos with his Hamnet costar Jessie Buckley.

Both were nominated for their roles in the film, but it was Jessie, 36, from Killarney, Co Kerry, who walked away with the top honour.