Top 13 Fashion Highlights from the Critics Choice Awards Red Carpet
Hollywood’s 2026 awards season commenced with the 31st Critics Choice Awards on Sunday evening, marking a subdued yet elegant start to the annual event.
Regarded as a precursor to the Oscars, the Critics Choice Awards provide the film industry with a barometer for evaluating the performance of highly anticipated films such as “Sinners” and “Hamnet.” The ceremony also hints at upcoming fashion trends leading up to the Academy Awards in mid-March.
If the trends from this event are any indication, the coming months could see a prevalence of sleek dark gowns, neutral color palettes, and women’s interpretations of classic men’s tailoring.
The decision to use a black carpet instead of the traditional red set a more serious tone for the evening, which was echoed by many attendees donning black suits and dresses. However, elements of playfulness still emerged in various outfits.
Ariana Grande continues to embrace her “Wicked” character Glinda’s signature pink — this time in a custom cape gown by Alberta Ferretti.
The voice cast of “KPop Demon Hunters” displayed adventurous takes on the monochromatic style, particularly Audrey Nuna, who wore a voluminous Marc Jacobs circle shift dress. Teyana Taylor and Keri Russell opted for sharp tailoring, with Russell donning a reimagined tuxedo embellished with a striking brooch. Ethan Hawke added a folksy twist with his double-breasted suit from Bode, featuring white embroidered accents.
Odessa A’zion, star of “Marty Supreme,” captivated in a glamorous gown by the Dubai-based label OTT, while Chase Infiniti, nominated for her performance in “One Battle After Another,” turned heads in a sleeveless butter yellow two-piece from Louis Vuitton. Elle Fanning shimmered in a vintage gown by Ralph Lauren.
Jacob Elordi arrived in an all-black Bottega Veneta ensemble with shades.
Stylist Law Roach made waves by dressing Ariana Grande in a custom gown reminiscent of American actor Diahann Carroll’s iconic 1969 Oscar dress. Meanwhile, “Hacks” stars Megan Stalter and Paul W. Downs playfully referenced modern red carpet dressing by emulating Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner’s coordinated orange outfits from last month’s “Marty Supreme” premiere.
The event showcased a range of standout looks, hinting at the evolving fashion landscape as the awards season progresses.
Nominated for “The Diplomat,” Keri Russell offered a standout example of the ceremony’s women’s tux trend in a Tom Ford suit.
With this year’s awards season already unfolding, all eyes will be on how these trends influence future red carpet events.
