The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards red carpet is setting the tone for awards season, and it looks like 2026 will bring us a host of thoughtfully expressive looks to talk about. Known for its slightly more relaxed, insider-facing energy compared to other major ceremonies, Critics Choice attendees consistently deliver some of the most interesting style moments of the season, and tonight was no exception.
This year’s arrivals balanced classic Hollywood polish with modern risk-taking ensembles, as stars leaned into sculptural silhouettes, fluid metallics, and rich jewel tones that photographed beautifully against the evening’s black step and repeat and carpet. There was a clear emphasis on craft and intention: gowns that moved with ease, tailoring that felt deliberate (hello, Paul Mescal!), and styling choices that spoke to personality as much as trend awareness.
Among the night’s earliest appearances were Jessie Buckley in an elegant design by Dior, Chase Infiniti in a quietly commanding Louis Vuitton number, and Wunmi Mosaku in a timeless yet cinematic gown—all of whom were ELLE Women in Hollywood 2025 honorees.
The lineup also included Ariana Grande, Elle Fanning, and a many fashion-forward fellas, from Michael B. Jordan to Jacob Elordi. The Critics Choice Awards are off to a chic start. The sartorial fun starts just ahead.
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