Ryan Gosling was not able to attend the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards on Sunday night (12Feb17) due to a "family matter."

Gosling's film La La Land had a big night at the prizegiving in London and took home awards for Best Film and Best Cinematography, while his co-star Emma Stone picked up Best Actress, Damien Chazelle was named Best Director, and Justin Hurwitz claimed the Best Original Music prize.

Stone was there but Gosling was noticeably absent and it has now been revealed he had to return to Los Angeles due to an undisclosed family issue.

"Ryan had a family matter to attend to," a spokesman for the La La Land producers said. "He sends his appreciation and thanks for everything."

The 36-year-old was up for the Best Leading Actor award, but that went to Casey Affleck for his role in Manchester by the Sea. The actors will now head to the Academy Awards later this month to face off in the same category.