The Critics Choice Awards 2026, All The Best Dressed Stars

Critics Choice Awards was the event everyone looked at when the 2026 awards season started. Celebrities gathered at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica in outfits that told their own stories. Cameras flashed and social feeds lit up with fashion details that mattered that night, from sweeping gowns to tailored suits. www.eonline.com and Vogue confirmed stunning looks across the red carpet.

Jessica Biel arrived in shimmering Lanvin, a backless halter-neck dress that fell like liquid gold. She paired it with Cartier jewelry that caught every flash. Her gown was both classic and current, and it set the tone for a night of polished silhouettes.

Ariana Grande stood out in at the Critics Choice Awards in a custom Alberta Ferretti gown in shade of soft pink. The gown had delicate embroidery and a floor-length tulle cape that trailed as she walked. Swarovski jewels complemented its sparkle. Her look referenced Old Hollywood glamour but carried a modern sweetness that felt personal.

Chase Infiniti made a bold first impression at the Critics Choice Awards in a butter yellow from Louis Vuitton. The dress was a two-piece design with a high-waisted skirt and matching crop top, accented with Messika diamonds that added quiet shine. Its draped fabric looked effortless but intentional.

Elle Fanning moved away from her usual pastel palette, choosing an archival Ralph Lauren gold gown from a 2003 collection. It hugged her frame and fell in soft waves. Cartier rings and tousled hair finished the look, proving strong style choices don’t always need bright color.

Teyana Taylor turned traditional red carpet dressing on its head with a Saint Laurent menswear-inspired outfit. Feather detailing, leather gloves, and huge diamonds from Tiffany & Co. gave her look both edge and elegance.

Justine Lupe surprised in a pale teal Prada chiffon gown with crystal ties at the waist, accented by Boucheron jewels. It was easy to imagine this look transitioning from red carpet to editorial.

Audrey Nuna leaned into sculptural Marc Jacobs with circular shoulders and a uniquely shaped skirt. In black, the ensemble felt modern and boldly architectural.

Bella Ramsey brought a jumpsuit moment from Prada to the Critics Choice Awards, layered with beaded fringe and a contrasting red shirt. This look disrupted the expected dress code in a way that worked on camera.

Ego Nwodim’s Carolina Herrera dress stood out for its long silhouette and high slit, paired with a subtle black bow that made it feel both fresh and classic.

Ginnifer Goodwin honoured fashion history in a floral Giorgio Armani gown that nodded to classic structure while feeling new on the carpet.

Chase Sui Wonders chose a red Miu Miu halter that was simple but strong, proving that minimal doesn’t mean forgettable.

Owen Cooper mixed white shirt and leather jacket with oversized Bottega Veneta trousers, bringing a nuanced casual formality to the Critics Choice Awards crowd.

No one ignored Kaley Cuoco. She borrowed from iconic early 2000s tailoring with a black satin suit by Simkhai. Pomellato jewelry and a retro beehive made the homage to Jennifer Aniston feel thoughtful rather than derivative.

Beyond the fashion, the night still delivered big moments. Timothée Chalamet won Best Actor for Marty Supreme and used his stage time to speak about love and support, calling out his partner with genuine emotion that rippled through the audience.

Jessie Buckley took Best Actress for Hamnet. She walked up in a Dior silk ensemble that blended trousers and a halter top, and when she spoke it was clear she was grounded in gratitude, praising her team and the stories that shaped her year.

Jacob Elordi received Best Supporting Actor for Frankenstein. His acceptance came with a nod to craft and connection, and on the red carpet his head-to-toe black Bottega Veneta suit and retro inspired moustache made him a talker for fashion reasons too.

The Critics Choice Awards also celebrated ensemble and series wins. Adolescence dominated in television categories, lifting up names like Owen Cooper and bringing energy to the stage that matched the fashion buzz.

As the show wound down, photographers and editors agreed that the red carpet was not just a prelude to Oscars chatter. The outfits, the speeches, and the night’s highlights made the Critics Choice Awards feel like a clear glimpse at what 2026 awards season will remember.

Critics Choice Awards was a place where fashion and film stood together under one light, and the best dressed stars defined that moment at Critics Choice Awards.