Dakota Johnson Makes a Bold Update to Her Signature Hairstyle at the 2025 Governors Awards

Dakota Johnson welcomed the start of the long awards season ahead with a fresh hair aesthetic at the 16th annual Governors Awards hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Hollywood on Sunday. The 36-year-old “Materialists” lead decided to shed her signature chocolate brown coloring for a much moodier hue thanks to colorist Tracey Cunningham and stylist Mark Townsend.

Dakota Johnson at The 16th Governors Awards held at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood on November 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

In certain lights, Johnson’s roots appeared inky, while her ends boasted a warmer, saddle brown shade down to her lower back. The Gothic coloring — which coated her long fringe, too — was embellished by pitch black mascara. The rest of her countenance was — conversely — sunny and bright, comprised of nude, peach, and warm taupe hues, plus sage green courtesy of her Valentino spring 2026 gown.

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The “Fifty Shades of Grey” star’s minimal makeup was the work of Georgie Eisdell, the artist who also painted Jennifer Lawrence’s face for the annual event. Eisdell has worked with a slew of stars, from Lawrence and Johnson to Anya Taylor-Joy and Keri Russell. Johnson’s makeup for the Governors Awards was, for the most part, even-toned; her cheeks dressed in the faintest layer of blush.

Dakota Johnson at The 16th Governors Awards held at The Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood on November 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Elsewhere on the black and gold carpet outside the Ray Dolby Ballroom on Sunday night, Hollywood bigwigs such as Sydney Sweeney, Kate Hudson and Zoey Deutch brought golden age glamour with sophisticated updos and curly bobs. Sweeney and Hudson, specifically, channeled Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly with their blond, chin-length hairstyles, while Ariana Grande fished for a 21st-century version of Audrey Hepburn with a twisted bun and slicked side bangs. Kristen Stewart arrived in the aesthetic she knows best, opting for her usual bespoke grunge, shaving the sides of her head and combing her uneven fringe on her forehead.