Australian actor and comedian Rebel Wilson has raised a middle finger to Russian President Vladimir Putin at the BAFTAs awards ceremony in London, which she hosted in the early hours of this morning, Australian time.

Wilson was introducing a performance inspired by the film CODA about a teenager coming of age in a deaf family.

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"In this performance there are two different interpreters," Wilson said.

"One is signing ASL, which is American sign language, and one of them is signing BSL which is British Sign Language.

Wilson raised her middle finger as the audience laughed and clapped.

Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine cast a shadow on the awards ceremony, with references made throughout the night.

Some nominees wore ribbons and badges in the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag.

Others spoke about the crisis on the red carpet and on stage.

British actor Benedict Cumberbatch said the blue and yellow lapel badge he wore was to oppose the "megalomaniac" Russian President Vladimir Putin "raining down terror" on Ukraine.

"It's a very scary and sad time," he said on the red carpet.

"Although this is a gesture, and people can say it's hollow, it's just something I can do tonight."

Cumberbatch is also keen to pressure British politicians to take in more refugees from the war.

Jonas Poher Rasmussen, the director of the animated feature "Flee," which is the story of an Afghan refugee, said it was "surreal" to be at an awards show when "the world is burning".

Rasmussen emphasised that images of millions of people driven from their homes in Ukraine highlighted the fact that "these stories need to be told".

British film academy chairman Krishnendu Majumdar opened the awards show with a message of support for Ukraine.

The BAFTAs returned to an in-person celebration this year after last year's ceremony was largely conducted online, with only the hosts and presenters appearing in person.

This year's show took place at London's Royal Albert Hall.

ABC/Wires