Ferddyjay's Blog: Emma Thompson accidentally exposes her tummy on British Independent Film Awards red carpet... but recovers to accept the Richard Harris gong

It was a night full of glamorous ensembles, where stars came out in full force to attend the annual British Independent Film Awards on Sunday.

However, Emma Thompson suffered quite the fashion faux pas when she arrived at the star-studded bash at Old Billingsgate Market in London.

Dressed in a blue satin number, the 55-year-old actress ended up showing more skin than she had planned for when she leant in to hug Dame Helen on the red carpet.

Unfortunately, the slit gaped open revealing a bit more of her tummy than she might have liked.

Although, it wasn’t all doom and gloom as she later took to the stage to accept the Richard Harris award, presented for an outstanding contribution to British film.

Wearing her short blonde hair swept back, Emma paired her outfit with a small black clutch bag while keeping her makeup to a minimum.

Oh dear... However, the 55-year-old actress suffered quite the fashion faux pas when she leant in to hug Dame Helen on the red carpet at the London event

Exposed: Unfortunately, the slit on the dress gaped open revealing a bit more of Emma's tummy than she might have liked

Upon winning the prestigious award, she said: ‘I could thank everyone I've ever worked with but it would be pointless as many of them are dead.’

Dame Helen, 69, also looked stunning at the event in an elegant full length black lace dress with a scooped neck and revealing just a little shoulder.

She added a splash of colour to the proceedings by slicking on a bright red shade of lipstick and sparkly silver earrings.

The glamorous pair were joined at the prestigious awards ceremony by stars including Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley.

Benedict, 38, was honoured with the Variety Award after playing roles from codebreaker Alan Turing in The Imitation Game to voicing a wolf in the animated film Penguins of Madgascar.

Speaking after the award, the Sherlock star said: ‘It’s a huge honour. The past recipients have had volume and quality of their work - Kenneth Branagh, Jude Law, I think Paul Greengrass won it a couple of years ago. It’s a hell of a category to be included, so I’m incredibly flattered by the fact that I am.

‘I’m a huge fan of independent cinema. And as a Brit it makes you very proud. That’s what it’s about recognition wise. I’m very lucky.’

No rivalry here: The two national treasures shared a hug and a kiss on the red carpet at the bash

Comparing notes: Helen took a closer look at Emma's short dress as they had a cosy catch up on the red carpet

Stealing the show: Emma takes a moment to take pictures with her award and personalised bottle of Moet

Sweet embrace: Emma shares a tender moment with Benedict Cumberbatch

Mingling: She also spoke to Benedict's fiance Sophie Hunter

Oh so merry... Emma caught up with Keira Knightley and her husband James Righton

Poking fun! Emma pretends to guzzle down a large bottle of Moet

Hold tight: The British stars warmly embrace one another

Top guest: The Saving Mr. Banks star radiated a gorgeous glow as she posed with her award

Miss Knightley, who did not win, was nominated for Best Actress following her role in The Imitation Game, in which she plays Joan Clarke, a code breaker at Bletchley Park during World War II.

Cumberbatch missed out on the Best Actor accolade for his turn as Turing to Harry Potter star Brendan Gleeson for his performance as a troubled Catholic priest in Calvary.

Pride won the most awards of the night, also scooping Best British Independent Film and Imelda Staunton taking home Best Supporting Actress for her role as a Welsh union activist in the comedy.

'I could thank everyone I've ever worked': the British actress said upon winning the prestigious award

Chuffed: Emma was handed the Richard Harris Award by Bill Bailey

Prestigious: Benedict was handed The Variety Award at the Moet British Independent Film Awards on Sunday

Special moment: The 38-year-old looked emotional as he spoke to the audience

Overjoyed: Gugu Mbatha-Raw accepted the award for Best Actress for Belle

In his element: Andrew Scott won the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in Pride

Benedict Cumberbatch + Martin Freeman on Sherlock's 'rebirth'

Gugu Mbatha-Raw was named Best Actress for her title role in Belle, the true story of Dido Elizabeth Belle, the illegitimate mixed-race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral, raised by her aristocratic great-uncle Lord Mansfield who as Lord Chief Justice helped end slavery in England.

The Special Jury Prize honoured 81-year-old director John Boorman, whose films include Deliverance, Point Blank, Excalibur and Hope and Glory, while the Best International Independent Film award went to Richard Linklater's Boyhood.

A main attraction: Keira joined Mark Strong on stage to hand one of the awards

Sealed with a hug: Mark congratulates Benedict with his award

On duty: Christine Bottomley and Maxine Peake were also among some of the stars to hand out awards

Take it... Paloma Faith jokes around on stage as she hands Stephen Rennicks his prize

Here come the boys! Simon Bird, Craig Roberts and Max Irons take to the stage during The Moet British Independent Film Awards

Well-wisher: Sophie Turner congratulates Dave McKean, who accepted The Raindance Award for Luna

Joyous occasion: Brendan Gleeson took home the Best Actor award for Calvary

Lovely setting: Keira and James caught up with fellow guests as they ate dinner surrounded by various A-listers

Proud: Emma watches the rest of the ceremony from her table

Catching up: Sanjeev Bhaskar (L) and Olivia Williams (R) appear to be having an interesting conversation

The film, hotly tipped for Oscar success, was filmed over 12 years, charting a boy's life as he grows up from five to 18.

The BIFAs, created in 1998 by Raindance Film Festival founder Elliot Grove to celebrate independently funded British movie-making, began as a low-key event but have gathered momentum over the years and now regularly boast a glamorous guest list.