Monday night kicked off the 2026 awards seasons with the 35th Gotham Awards, celebrating some of the most exciting voices in independent film. Held at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, the ceremony honoured 40 feature films and 25 standout performances across categories, including Best Director, Breakthrough Performer, and Best Feature. Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident dominated the night, winning all three of its nominated categories.

While the Gotham Awards aren’t as formal as the Oscars, the red carpet has become a space for stars to experiment – and this year, fashion did not disappoint. Names like Jennifer Lawrence, Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Jacob Elordi, Elle Fanning, and Tessa Thompson turned the carpet into a runway, showcasing everything from sharp tailoring to dramatic gowns. Designers including Dior, Armani, Schiaparelli and Prada had their key looks debut from their Spring 2026 collections.

With bold colours, sleek silhouette and playful couture details taking centre stage, here are 15 of the best dressed celebrities from the 2025 Gotham Awards.

Li Jun Li

Sinner actress Li Jun Li stunned in a sheer David Koma gown adorned with three-dimensional floral appliques that trailed down the bodice and centre panel. The look flowed into a low-waisted long skirt with a dramatic train. She completed the ensemble with Effy jewellery and styling by Jessica Paster.

Jennifer Lawrence

Nominated for Lead Performance for Die My Love, Jennifer Lawrence delivered sleek elegance in a Dior skirt suit. The cropped blazer and a high-slit maxi skirt created a sharp silhouette, finished with black heels and gold jewellery for a refined, modern look.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky

Fashion’s favourite couple, Rihanna and A$AP, stole the carpet in Balenciaga and Chanel. Rihanna wore a voluminous strapless, pink gown by Pierpaolo Piccioli for Balenciaga, complete with a dramatic train, ruched black gloves, feathered cap and Briony Raymon jewels. A$AP Rocky opted for a clean Chanel suit featuring a long blazer, crisp white shirt, striped tie, leather tote and diamond earrings.

Jacob Elordi

Frankenstein star Jacob Elordi impressed in a custom Bottega Veneta look, wearing a grey tailored suit with a matching oversized overcoat. Minimal, structured and effortlessly sleek.

Teyana Taylor

One Battle After Another actress Teyana Taylor made a statement in a red Chanel from the Spring/Summer 2026 runway. Styled by Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald, Taylor wore a cream satin short-sleeve top paired with a voluminous feathered skirt featuring a high-low hemline. The cascading feathers revealed classic black-and-white Chanel cap-toe heels.

Tessa Thompson

Spotlight Tribute honouree Tessa Thompson turned heads in a Schiaparelli Spring 2026 ensemble. The liquid-silver satin look featured an asymmetrical top with a sculptural ruffled shoulder detailing, paired with a matching bias-cut skirt for maximum impact.

Michael B. Jordan

Sinners actor Michael B. Jordan looked refined in a Prada ensemble consisting of a dark slate-grey double-breasted blazer, soft green poplin shirt and satin black tie. He completed the look with black brushed-leather lace-up shoes.

Amanda Seyfried

Amanda Seyfried, styled by stylist Elizabeth Steward, looked radiant in a Valentino black column gown. The dress’s striking coral-pink sculpted ruffle – from the Spring 2026 collection – added bold contrast and couture-level drama.

Zoey Deutch

Zoey Deutch brought playful glamour to the carpet in a vibrant yellow Prada tulle gown. The dress featured paillettes cut to mimic bird feathers, creating movement and texture. Embracing the moment, Deutch captioned her Instagram post, “Tweet Tweet Mother ******,” leaning into the look’s ‘Big Bird chic’ energy.

Elle Fanning

Elle Fanning delivered ethereal elegance in a white Ralph Lauren gown with a halter neckline and cinched waist. The flowing skirt and backless silhouette created effortless movement. She completed the look with Cartier jewellery, styled by Samantha McMillen.

Riley Keough

Riley Keough wore a striking Chanel Spring 2026 ready-to-wear collection gown in bold red. The ruched design featured black ruffled trims along the high neckline and sleeves, falling into a dropped-waist skirt crafted from red, black and white fabric.

Tonatiuh

Actor Tonatiuh kept it classic in a sharp all-black ensemble featuring pieces from Armani and Canali. Styled by Brad Goreski, the tailored suit delivered timeless sophistication.

Jayme Lawson

Sinners actress Jayme Lawson looked elegant in a grey Prada silk duchess satin gown. The dress featured a one-shoulder bow detail and was paired with silver satin decollete heels for a polished finish.

Hilaria Baldwin

Hilaria Baldwin stepped out in a floral Zimmermann mini dress while accompanying her husband, actor and film producer, Alec Baldwin. She styled the romantic look with sparkling silver heels for an extra touch of glamour.

Felicity Jones

Nominated for Best Supporting Actress for the The Brutalist, Felicity Jones opted for a black fringed Armani Prive Fall 2025 Couture gown with shimmering silver accents. She was styled by Nicky Yates, completing the look with understated elegance.

By Melanie Solari

Melanie is on LinkedIn