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Megan Stalter and Paul W. Downs turned the Critics Choice Awards red carpet into a wink at pop culture, arriving in coordinated orange looks that nodded to Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet’s striking outfits from the “Marty Supreme” premiere. Their playful homage mixed costume comedy with high-fashion parody, and the moment quickly became one of the night’s buzziest visuals.
Deliberate mimicry: orange takes center stage
The duo leaned into a bold, monochrome motif. Paul W. Downs showed up in an orange leather suit paired with a black cross-body ping-pong bag. Megan Stalter chose a sculpted, cutout orange dress and layered cross-inspired jewelry for contrast.
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The look was a clear send-up of the orange-heavy styling tied to A24’s campaign for Marty Supreme. That film’s Los Angeles premiere earlier featured Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner in coordinated orange Chrome Hearts pieces, a visual the industry and fans have not forgotten.
What they wore and why it mattered
- Paul W. Downs: orange leather suit, casual cross-body accessory; playful and tailored.
- Megan Stalter: architectural orange dress with revealing cutouts and statement religious-themed jewelry.
- Both looks were intentionally theatrical—part cosplay, part fashion commentary.
By referencing a widely discussed premiere look, Stalter and Downs made fashion into a punchline and a salute at once. The stunt played well in photographs and on social feeds, where users quickly compared red-carpet moments.
Hacks at the Critics Choice Awards: nominations and presence
Hacks arrived at the show with serious awards momentum. The series was in the running for Best Comedy Series, and Paul W. Downs earned a nod for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. Across town and in the same awards conversation, Timothée Chalamet was up for Best Actor for his role in Marty Supreme.
- Awards night: Critics Choice Awards, Jan. 4, held at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
- Hacks’ legacy: the show has accumulated dozens of Emmy nominations over its run.
Hacks has been a frequent awards contender since its 2021 debut on HBO Max. Across four seasons the series racked up dozens of Emmy nominations and multiple wins, asserting itself as a critical favorite in the comedy realm.
Where Hacks is headed: final season and series arc
The show’s future has been mapped out. In May 2025, HBO Max confirmed a fifth season. Later that year, cast member Hannah Einbinder indicated the fifth cycle would be the show’s last.
Producers and cast fashioned the ending as a deliberate creative choice. The fifth season will bring the storyline to a close after several years of acclaim and awards attention.
Quick timeline
- 2021 — Hacks debuts on HBO/HBO Max.
- May 2025 — Fifth season announced.
- Sept 2025 — Cast signals the series will wrap with Season 5.
Megan Stalter’s approach to red carpet fashion
Stalter has a reputation for subverting red-carpet norms. She has previously favored low-key, everyday pieces in glamorous settings, turning casual choices into style statements.
At the 2025 Emmy Awards she chose a simple white tee, blue jeans, a classic leather belt and flats, finished with a handbag emblazoned with a bold message. The outfit read as both anti-glam and intentionally chic.
Stalter has said she prefers mixing comfort and commentary on the carpet, urging a return to familiar pieces like jeans in high-profile settings. Her looks often blur comedy and fashion, aligning with her on-screen persona.
Why the parody resonated
The orange tribute worked on multiple levels. It was timely, easily recognizable and photogenic. It referenced a major studio campaign and a high-profile premiere while keeping the focus on the actors and their sense of humor.
- It tapped into a trending pop-culture image.
- It showcased personality over pomp.
- It generated shareable visuals for social platforms and entertainment coverage.
For fans of Hacks, the move was a reminder that the show’s cast likes to blend performance with promotion. For fashion watchers, it was another example of how red carpets have become stages for commentary as much as couture.
