Critics Choice 2026 Red Carpet The Best Dressed Stars Of The Night

The 2026 Critics' Choice Awards red carpet delivered a confident mix of old school glamour, sculptural silhouettes, and playful suiting, and some looks are already shaping how award season will dress from here on. Think liquid gold gowns, butter yellow two pieces, and power suits that treat tailoring like jewelry.​

When And Where It Happened

The 2026 Critics' Choice Awards took place on Sunday, January 4, 202,6 at the Barker Hangar, an aircraft hangar turned event space at Santa Monica Airport. The warehouse-like venue has become a regular home for the show, giving plenty of room for an extended red carpet and dramatic arrivals.​

Viewers in the United States could watch live from 7 to 10 p.m. Eastern on E and USA Network, with streams also available through the networks’ apps and sites. A dedicated red carpet pre-show ran earlier in the evening, with correspondents interviewing nominees and breaking down the fashion in real time.

The night leaned into dreamy color and dramatic shape, from ethereal pink and molten metallics to sharp black suits with floral appliqués. 

Here are standout looks that defined the carpet.

Ariana Grande in a custom baby pink Alberta Ferretti, a sparkling column gown topped with a sheer embellished cape that trailed behind her like Glinda in motion.​

Elle Fanning in archival Ralph Lauren, a liquid gold gown with a plunging cowl neckline and slim train that echoed Old Hollywood but photographed impossibly modern.​

Chase Infiniti in butter yellow Louis Vuitton, a high-neck cropped top that curved into a cape over a matching column skirt with a soft train.​

Wunmi Mosaku in a custom Gap Studio by Zac Posen, a sculpted indigo gown with draped charmeuse and precise pleating that caught every flash.​

Mia Goth in Dior, a white silk sheath with soft champagne off shoulder straps, minimal styling that put every line of the dress on display.​

Teyana Taylor in Saint Laurent, a tan suit layered with a huge black feather boa, long leather gloves, and over-the-knee boots for maximum rock star energy.​

Michael B Jordan in Louis Vuitton, a double- breasted burgundy suit with slim trousers, pink shirt, and glossy tie that made rich color feel as dressy as a tux.​

Jacob Elordi in Bottega Veneta, relaxed black suiting with an off-center closure and red lens sunglasses that turned quiet tailoring into a statement.​

Ethan Hawke in Bode, a black suit embroidered with white floral appliqués that looked like hand-drawn illustrations climbing up the jacket and trousers.​

Patricia Arquette in ruched gold, a structured bodice, and a full textured skirt that shimmered under the lights, contrasted by bold dark accessories.​

Rei Ami in black velvet with a sharp bodice cutout, wrist adornments, and a clean skirt line that made negative space the focal point.​

Audrey Nuna in sculptural Marc Jacobs, a futuristic sphere-like dress in black that reads as wearable art more than a traditional gown.​

Jessie Buckley in Dior, a refined gown that balanced classic couture lines with the slightly offbeat ease she always brings to the carpet.​

Jessica Biel in Lanvin, tiered black and gold lace that gave a boho nod while still reading red carpet ready.​

Sheryl Lee Ralph in Tony Ward, a couture-level gown with rich structure that mirrored the confident, regal way she wears every carpet.​

Star Style Takeaway

The best dressed at the 2026 Critics' Choice Awards proved that the most memorable looks are not always the loudest, they are the ones that tell a clear style story from color to silhouette to accessory. Whether you are drawn to Ariana’s pink fantasy, Elle’s molten gold, or the quiet sharpness of those embroidered and burgundy suits, the key is choosing one fashion idea and committing to it completely. Which Critics Choice inspired look are you trying next?​