Best Dressed Critics’ Choice Awards 2026
Kicking off the new year and the start of awards season, the Critics’ Choice Awards returned with a celebration of the finest achievements in film and television. The 31st annual ceremony was broadcast live on Sunday 4 January at Barker Hangar In Santa Monica, California, and hosted by comedian and actress Chelsea Handler.
Alongside established categories such as Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Drama Series, this year’s ceremony introduced four new accolades: Best Variety Series, Best Stunt Design, Best Casting and Ensemble, and Best Sound. Frankenstein and Sinners led the film categories, each taking home four awards.
The historic airplane hangar was filled with a star-studded guest list dressed to impress on the black carpet. Known for its more experimental approach to red carpet fashion compared to the Globes and Oscars, the Critics’ Choice Awards showcased old Hollywood glamour with a modern twist. With a new year came fresh ways of dressing up as celebrities played with silhouettes, textures and hues. From Ariana Grande to Michael B. Jordan and Jacob Elordi, attendees delivered more than just tailored suits and beautiful gowns – they set the tone for the season ahead.
Who was your favourite celebrity look of the night? Below are 15 of the best dressed looks from the 2026 Critics’ Best Choice Awards.
Elle Fanning in Vintage Ralph Lauren
Pulled from the archives, Elle Fanning was the golden girl in a liquid-gold Ralph Lauren gown from 2003. The Sentimental Value nominee wore the plunging neckline design with Cartier jewellery, including diamond earrings, and was styled by Samantha McMillen.
Wunmi Mosaku in Zac Posen
Sinners star Wunmi Mosaku looked stunning in a custom Zac Posen for Gap Studio gown. The indigo-hued design featured ombre silk charmeuse draping and pleating, finished with Messika jewellery from the Midnight Sun high jewellery collection. Mosaku was styled by Shameelah Hicks.
Ariana Grande in Alberta Ferretti
Channelling her Glinda character, Wicked: For Good actress, Ariana Grande looked ethereal in a custom bejewelled pink gown by Alberta Ferretti. She paired the look with Swarovski jewellery and was styled by Law Roach.
Chase Infiniti in Louis Vuitton
One Battle After Another nominee Chase Infiniti turned heads in a custom Louis Vuitton look by Nicolas Ghesquiere from the SS26 collection. The newly announced house ambassador wore a sculptural, avant-garde butter-yellow two-piece with a swooping bra and cape detail, accessorised with Messika jewellery. Infiniti was styled by styling duo Wayman + Micah.
Michael B. Jordan in Louis Vuitton
Sinners nominee Michael B. Jordan looked sharp in a burgundy double-breasted Louis Vuitton suit, paired with a pink shirt and ruby-striped tie. The look was finished with black derbies, alongside a garnet ring and tennis bracelet from David Yurman. Jordan was styled by Jason Bolden.
Jacob Elordi in Bottega Veneta
Winner of Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi looked suave in a custom Bottega Veneta double-breasted twill jacket and trousers, paired with a shirt and Roma lace-up shoes. He completed the look with ruby-tinted lenses and Cartier jewellery. Elordi was styled by sister styling team Wendi + Nicole.
Tramell Tillman in Anamika Khanna
Winner of Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Severance, Tramell Tillman wore an impeccably tailored ivory ensemble by Anamika Khanna. The Indian couture look featured hand-embroidered floral leaf motifs and straight-leg trousers, styled with black contrast shoes and Lagos jewellery. Tillman was styled by Chaise M Dennis.
Ethan Hawke in Bode
Blue Moon nominee Ethan Hawke opted for a Bode Snowdrop Applique suit from the Fall 2025 collection. The jacket and trousers featured hand-crocheted floral appliques around the lapels, yoke, and pockets, and were styled by Michael Fisher.
Lisa Anna Walter in Solangel
Abbott Elementary actress Lisa Ann Walter looked radiant in a turquoise crystal long-sleeved maxi gown by Solangel. She accessorised with a matching crystal bag by Marina Raphael and jewellery by Le Vian, Anabela Chan and A.JAFFE. Walter was styled by Kelly Johnson.
Tyler James Williams in Emporio Armani
Best known for Everybody Hates Chris and Abbott Elementary, Tyler James Williams looked dashing in a deep navy Emporio Armani tailored tuxedo with satin trim. He completed the look with Christian Louboutin black oxfords and a diamond and spinel ring by Simone Jewels, styled by Law Roach.
Sheryl Lee Ralph in Tony Ward
Abbott Elementary actress, Sheryl Lee Ralph stunned in a deep burgundy Tony Ward couture gown from the FW25 Couture collection. The dress featured hand-crafted 3D embroidered motifs and was paired with jewellery by Selim Mouzannar. Ralph was styled by Ivy Coco Maurice and tailored by Madison McFarland.
Leighton Meester in Carolina Herrara
Nobody Wants This actress Leighton Meester wore a beautiful semi-sheer lilac Carolina Herrera column gown with delicate crystal embroidery. She accessorised with white gold, pink sapphires and diamonds from Chopard and styled by Jordan Johnson.
Janelle James in Pamella Roland
Winner of Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Abbott Elementary, Janelle James wowed in a Pamella Roland Resort 2026 black crepe column gown. The sculpted design featured hundreds of hand-sewn mirror embellishments across the bodice. James was adorned in jewellery by Anayah, Jason of Beverly Hills, Shay Jewellery and A.JAFFE, and styled by Damien.
Teyana Taylor in Saint Laurent
Multi-faceted One Battle After Another star Teyana Taylor made a statement in a dandy-inspired Saint Laurent menswear look. The ensemble featured a double-breasted blazer, matching trousers, thigh-high patent leather boots and a black feathered scarf, finished with Tiffany & Co. jewellery and Ray-Ban glasses.
Quinta Brunson in Chloe
Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson looked chic in a baby pink Chloe suit featuring an oversized jacket and wide-leg trousers. Brunson completed the look with Brilliant Earth jewellery and was styled by Jessica Paster.