Critics Choice Awards 2026: Stunning Red Carpet Fashion Moments

As we step into the New Year, the glitterati of television and film have wasted no time in gracing the red carpet with their dazzling presence. The Critics Choice Awards, held on Sunday, January 4th, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, marked one of the first major award ceremonies of the season. This prestigious event celebrates excellence in both film and television from the previous year, making it a highly anticipated affair.

The Anticipation and Nominations

2025 was a remarkable year for both the small and silver screens, with outstanding screenplays, adaptations, and originals. This made the 31st Critics Choice Awards one of the most eagerly awaited events. The nominations this year are particularly exciting, with Hollywood heartthrob Timothée Chalamet going head-to-head with Leonardo DiCaprio for the title of Best Actor. Timothée is nominated for his role in the sports drama Marty Supreme, while Leonardo is recognized for his performance in One Battle After Another.

The Best Actress category is equally competitive, with Amanda Seyfried nominated for her role in The Testament of Ann Lee and Emma Stone for her impeccable performance in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Bugonia. Other notable nominees include Ariana Grande for Wicked: For Good, Jacob Elordi for Frankenstein, Elle Fanning for Sentimental Value, and Paul Mescal for Hamnet.

Red Carpet Fashion Highlights

The Critics Choice Awards is not just about celebrating cinematic achievements but also about showcasing stunning fashion. The red carpet was a spectacle of gilded sheer dresses, strapless gowns, and custom-made ensembles. Here are some of the best-dressed stars who graced the event:

Jacob Elordi: The man of the moment, Jacob Elordi, had hearts pounding as he stepped onto the red carpet in a sleek suit and sunglasses combination from Bottega Veneta. He finished off the look with a pair of black leather woven dress shoes.
Leighton Meester: Making Blair Waldorf proud in purple, Leighton Meester turned heads in a chic strapless ensemble from Carolina Herrera’s SS26 RTW collection, made from sheer fabric and adorned with dainty floral accents. She paired it with dazzling Chopard jewellery.
Ariana Grande: Channelling her inner Glinda, Ariana Grande stole the show in a custom Alberta Ferretti baby pink satin gown finished with a sheer floral-encrusted overlay. She accessorized the dreamy look with Swarovski jewellery.
Natasha Lyonne: Festive dressing isn’t over for Natasha Lyonne, who stepped onto the red carpet in a sequin long-sleeve top and matching flare trousers.
Chase Infiniti: Looking ethereal in a custom Louis Vuitton butter yellow fitted floor-length skirt and draped crop top combo, Chase Infiniti oozed SS26 energy.
Kristen Bell: Kristen Bell championed luxe lace and cutouts, styling a slim-fitting black halterneck gown accented with a bow motif by Elie Saab.
Britt Lower: Severance’s Britt Lower perfected winter dressing in a fluffy white backless top, which she wore over cream satin trousers. The whole look oozed cool-girl energy and was from Bottega Veneta’s SS26 collection.
Amanda Seyfried: Nominated for Best Actress, Amanda Seyfried dressed for the occasion in a black and pink dress designed to look like a fitted black velvet corset and skirt combo. The gown was elevated with a fuchsia pink bow at the waistline, and she topped the look off with Tiffany & Co. jewellery.
Ego Nwodim: Looking ravishing in red, Ego Nwodim opted for a long-sleeve gown from Carolina Herrera, made all the more alluring thanks to a thigh-high slit accented with a black velvet bow. She paired it with Fred Leighton jewellery.
Rose Byrne: Up for the title of Best Actress, Rose Byrne took to the red carpet in a black 80s-inspired tiered prom dress.
Jessie Buckley: Jessie Buckley effortlessly nailed the trousers and an elegant top pairing for the occasion, styling black trousers and a silk halterneck combo from Dior.
Elle Fanning: Elle Fanning oozed elegance in a Ralph Lauren FW03 RTW plunging gold metal-esque gown. The dazzling dress fitted her like a glove, and she paired it with Cartier jewellery.
Paul Mescal: Opting for all-black, Paul Mescal looked handsome in a custom Gucci classic tuxedo, which he styled over a shiny V-neck shirt.