Critics Choice Awards 2026 red carpet: see the night’s biggest celebrity looks

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• Top red carpet showstoppers and unforgettable looks
• Which designers led the evening — brand highlights
• Men’s fashion: tailoring, texture and statement accessories
• Women’s fashion trends: colors, cuts and standout accessories
  • Notable female looks and designers
• Who was nominated — awards and buzzworthy contenders
• Red carpet gallery picks — photographs and memorable pairings
• Street-to-stage moments and surprise pairings
• What fashion editors will remember — trends to watch

Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar buzzed with cameras and couture on Jan. 4 as stars gathered for the Critics Choice Awards 2026. Chelsea Handler returned to the stage as host, and the evening mixed awards season drama with a high-stakes red carpet for fashion fans.

Top red carpet showstoppers and unforgettable looks

Design houses and daring silhouettes shared the spotlight. From classic Hollywood glamour to edgy modern tailoring, several outfits dominated the conversation.

• Ariana Grande dazzled in a flowing gown by Alberta Ferretti.
• Timothée Chalamet turned heads in a tailored ensemble for his role in Marty Supreme.
• Leonardo DiCaprio made a restrained, elegant statement in black for One Battle After Another.
• Michael B. Jordan embraced sharp tailoring in Louis Vuitton while promoting Sinners.
• Emma Stone brought a bold, textured look representing Bugonia.
• Elle Fanning opted for timeless glamour in Ralph Lauren.
• Jacob Elordi favored a modern cut from Bottega Veneta.
• Kate Hudson channeled eco-luxe in Stella McCartney.
• Amanda Seyfried chose Valentino for a refined, old-school moment.
• Paul Mescal impressed in Gucci, combining classic and contemporary touches.

Which designers led the evening — brand highlights

Big names reappeared on numerous stars. The red carpet was a runway for luxury labels and bespoke creations.

• Louis Vuitton: worn by Michael B. Jordan and Chase Infiniti.
• Dior: Mia Goth and Jessie Buckley showcased signature tailoring.
• Prada: Justine Lupe and Bella Ramsey brought sleek lines and modern edge.
• Ralph Lauren: Elle Fanning favored classic, wearable elegance.
• Stella McCartney: Kate Hudson and Alicia Silverstone echoed sustainable luxury.
• Valentino: Amanda Seyfried and Rose Byrne chose romantic silhouettes.
• Gucci and Bottega Veneta: favored by younger stars like Jacob Elordi and Paul Mescal.
• Zegna and Giorgio Armani: appeared on musicians and actors who favored refined menswear.

Men’s fashion: tailoring, texture and statement accessories

From slim suits to creative layering, male attendees showed variety. The night balanced classic tuxedos with experimental menswear.

• Jacob Elordi in Bottega Veneta embraced clean lines.
• Michael B. Jordan opted for a powerful, polished Louis Vuitton suit.
• Paul Mescal chose statement details in his Gucci look.
• Ryan Coogler appeared alongside Zinzi Coogler in coordinated luxury pieces.
• Timothée Chalamet blended tailoring with an artistic twist for his premiere night.
• Joel Edgerton and Brian Tyree Henry favored elegant ties and tailored jackets.
• Veterans like Ethan Hawke and Stellan Skarsgård kept it classic with textured blazers.

Women’s fashion trends: colors, cuts and standout accessories

Gowns ranged from minimalist to ornate. Accessories and small details made several looks memorable.

• Monochrome and neutral palettes remained popular among established stars.
• Vivid reds and deep jewel tones appeared on breakout performances.
• Sheer panels, cutouts, and sculpted shoulders gave modern shape to gowns.
• Capes and subtle trains added theatrical movement to eveningwear.
• Statement jewelry and vintage-inspired pieces finished many looks.

Notable female looks and designers

• Jessica Biel in Lanvin showcased refined glamour.
• Teyana Taylor wore Saint Laurent with bold confidence.
• Kristen Bell selected Elie Saab for a red-carpet moment.
• Renate Reinsve and Natasha Lyonne both favored modern, minimalist tailoring.
• Jessie Buckley appeared in Dior, embracing romantic textures.
• Ginnifer Goodwin and Rose Byrne chose Giorgio Armani and Valentino respectively.

Who was nominated — awards and buzzworthy contenders

Alongside fashion came the industry’s awards chatter. Several nominees arrived straight from conversation to camera.

• Ariana Grande earned notice for Wicked: For Good.
• Timothée Chalamet was in the running for Marty Supreme.
• Leonardo DiCaprio drew attention for One Battle After Another.
• Michael B. Jordan secured a spot for his work in Sinners.
• Emma Stone was nominated for Bugonia, attracting both fans and reporters.

Red carpet gallery picks — photographs and memorable pairings

Photographers captured candid smiles, posed duos, and group arrivals. These images reflect the night’s mood.

• Ariana Grande in Alberta Ferretti — a soft, iconic moment.
• Jacob Elordi in Bottega Veneta — a portrait of modern tailoring.
• Elle Fanning in Ralph Lauren — classic silhouette and poise.
• Kate Hudson in Stella McCartney — eco-forward glamour.
• Amanda Seyfried in Valentino — romantic, camera-ready elegance.
• Michael B. Jordan in Louis Vuitton — polished and powerful.
• Jessica Biel in Lanvin — refined and composed.
• Teyana Taylor in Saint Laurent — edgy and dramatic.
• Paul W. Downs and Megan Stalter — comedic pair on the red carpet.
• Leighton Meester in Carolina Herrera with Adam Brody — vintage-inspired couple styling.
• Kristen Bell in Elie Saab — a luminous gown moment.
• Alicia Silverstone in Stella McCartney — nostalgic yet modern.
• Meghann Fahy and Meghann’s look in Ludovic de Saint Sernin — a statement of sleek confidence.
• Rose Byrne in Valentino — timeless and poised.
• Mia Goth in Dior — bold choices that pay off.
• Rhea Seehorn in Louis Vuitton — tailored and chic.
• Natasha Lyonne in Celine — sharp and contemporary.
• Jessie Buckley in Dior — a red carpet fairytale.
• Justine Lupe in Prada — minimal and fashion-forward.
• Chase Sui Wonders in Miu Miu — playful and polished.
• Chelsea Handler in Monique Lhuillier — the host’s striking arrival.
• Ego Nwodim in Carolina Herrera — poised elegance with personality.
• Odessa A’zion in OTT — youthful and daring.
• Ginnifer Goodwin in Giorgio Armani — refined simplicity.
• Kaley Cuoco in Simkhai — a glossy, contemporary gown.
• Paul Mescal in Gucci — modern menswear on display.
• Bella Ramsey in Prada — sharp tailoring with edge.
• Emilia Jones in Thom Browne — statement tailoring and structure.
• Quinta Brunson — bright energy and classic styling.
• Sarah Snook in Akris — impeccable tailoring for drama.
• Janelle James in Pamella Roland — a poised, show-stopping gown.
• Sheryl Lee Ralph in Tony Ward Couture — bold color and shape.
• Hannah Einbinder in Louis Vuitton — youthful and sleek.
• Wunmi Mosaku in custom Zac Posen — couture crafted for the moment.
• Ali Larter in Nina Ricci — old-Hollywood silhouettes revitalized.
• Tyler James Williams in Emporio Armani — classic menswear polish.
• Renate Reinsve in The Row — quiet luxury and restraint.
• Owen Cooper in Bottega Veneta — contemporary menswear.
• Keri Russell — elegant presence in a modern, refined look.
• Britt Lower in Bottega Veneta — a youthful take on luxury style.
• Adam Scott in Dolce & Gabbana — tailored and traditional.
• Erin Doherty in Louis Vuitton — a striking eveningwear choice.
• Adam and Jackie Sandler — a comfortable, coordinated arrival.
• Sterling K. Brown in Brunello Cucinelli — refined and understated.
• Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney — late-night faces on a glamorous night.
• Jean Smart — graceful and elegant in a timeless look.
• Katherina LaNasa in Louis Vuitton — strong presence and polish.
• Lisa Ann Walter in Solangel — bold color and fun details.
• Chris Perfetti in Emporio Armani — minimal and refined.
• Denée Benton in Bach Mai — bright and couture-forward.
• Seth Rogen in Zegna — relaxed tailoring with ease.
• Ryan Michelle Bathe — elegant supporting arrivals.
• Ludwig Göransson in Zegna — a composer’s sleek red-carpet style.
• Wood Harris — classic presence on a high-profile night.
• Diego Luna in Zegna — suave and well-fitted.
• Nick Offerman — a memorable, understated look.
• Mary Steenburgen — seasoned elegance and warmth.
• Ted Danson — confident, classic styling.
• Ethan Hawke in Bode — artistic menswear choices.
• Jeff Goldblum — vintage influence with modern polish.
• Noah Schnapp in John Varvatos — youthful tailoring with edge.
• Benicio del Toro in Giorgio Armani — cool, classic presence.
• Marcello Hernández in Dolce & Gabbana — bold menswear cadence.
• Kathy Bates — a dignified and stylish arrival.
• Nicole Beharie — luminous and composed on the carpet.
• William H. Macy — steady, classic presence.
• Ike Barinholtz in Dior — modern tailoring with flair.
• Alexander Skarsgård — clean lines and timeless style.
• Charlie Hunnam in Balenciaga — textured and contemporary.
• Jon M. Chu — director-energy with approachable style.
• Ramy Youssef in Dolce & Gabbana — refined and confident.
• Omar Benson Miller — classic and composed.
• Sebastian Maniscalco — classic suiting for comedy’s night.
• Miles Caton in Louis Vuitton — youthful, tailored presence.
• Michael Chernus — understated and elegant.
• Skye P. Marshall — bold and camera-ready.
• Ariel Dumas — lively and modern styling.
• Chloé Zhao in Rodarte — auteur style translated to fashion.
• Patricia Arquette — seasoned star, quietly elegant.
• Asher Grodman — tailored and poised.
• Timothy Simons — classic red-carpet demeanor.
• Rose McIver — luminous, award-season ready.
• Craig Robinson — relaxed, charismatic arrival.
• Oscar Nuñez — polished, comfortable style.
• Rebecca Wisocky in Bibhu Mohapatra — sculpted eveningwear.
• Patricia Arquette and others in mixed couture and ready-to-wear.
• Lee Byung-hun — international star, timeless tuxedo style.
• Marin Ireland in Zuhair Murad — intricate and elegant detailing.
• Arden Cho — bold and poised for cameras.
• Babou Ceesay — quiet confidence in tailored pieces.
• Patrick Ball and Elysia Roorbach — couple styling with polish.
• Sherry Cola in Rebecca Vallance — playful and polished.
• Krys Marshall — sharp and modern dress choices.
• Delroy Lindo — commanding presence and classic suiting.
• Sarah Shahi — elegant and poised for photo calls.
• William Stanford Davis — strong, low-key styling.
• Sophia Lillis — modern and youthful approach to eveningwear.
• Keltie Knight — polished media presence on the carpet.
• Matthew Rhys in Giorgio Armani — classic and composed.
• Stellan Skarsgård in Dior — veteran elegance with modern lines.
• Mona Fastvold in Miu Miu — creative and on-trend tailoring.
• Jessica Williams — bright presence in a chic outfit.
• Ashley Walters, Hannah Walters, Stephen Graham, Owen Cooper and others — group arrivals and ensemble moments.
• Michael Emerson and Carrie Preston — seasoned performers, camera-ready.
• Joel Edgerton in Louis Vuitton — actor-meets-tailoring finesse.
• Amy Landecker and Bradley Whitford — comfortably stylish pairings.
• Sara Wells and Noah Wyle in Brioni — classic menswear and refined tailoring.
• Leo Woodall in Paul Smith — modern British tailoring on display.
• David Alan Grier — commanding, classic presence.
• Jillian Bell — playful and bold on the carpet.
• Alexandre Desplat — composer-style meets casual polish.
• Brian Tyree Henry in Giorgio Armani — standout actor in classic suiting.

Street-to-stage moments and surprise pairings

The Critics Choice carpet also revealed unexpected duos and group photos. Hosts, nominees and filmmakers mixed during arrivals.

• Host Chelsea Handler balanced humor with high-glam style.
• Couples and collaborators posed together, giving fans photo-worthy moments.
• Directors, composers and writers joined actors on the carpet, showing the industry’s breadth.

What fashion editors will remember — trends to watch

In the weeks ahead, stylists and editors will reference this night for cues. Expect a rise in tailored minimalism and vintage-inspired glamour.

• Minimal tailoring with clean lines will be influential for menswear.
• Soft, flowing gowns and sustainable designs will keep growing among high-profile stars.
• Statement jewelry and bespoke pieces will remain red-carpet staples.