The Critics’ Choice Awards 2026 red carpet confirmed a night where elegance prevailed over spectacle.
On 4 January, the Barker Hangar hosted a new edition of the Critics’ Choice Awards, with Chelsea Handler as host. Beyond celebrating the year’s standout achievements, the ceremony delivered a notably refined red carpet. Far from excess, fashion leaned into precision, archive references and a contemporary reading of classic glamour.
While titles such as ‘One Battle After Another’ dominated the awards conversation — and names like Paul Thomas Anderson, Timothée Chalamet and Jacob Elordi defined the cinematic narrative — style carved out its own story, one expressed through silhouette, fabric and a deep respect for each house’s heritage.
08 · Leighton Meester (with Adam Brody)
Meester chose a Carolina Herrera creation paired with Chopard jewellery, reaffirming her affinity for restrained, feminine elegance. Brody complemented the look in Valentino, making them one of the evening’s most cohesively styled couples.
07 · Elle Fanning
One of the most celebrated gestures of the night came from Fanning, who revived an archive Ralph Lauren gown from the Autumn/Winter 2003 collection. Finished with Cartier jewellery and a Tyler Ellis bag, the look proved once again that the archive remains a powerful style statement.
06 · Ariana Grande
Grande wore a custom Alberta Ferretti design: a blush satin, off-the-shoulder gown wrapped in a long tulle cape embroidered with silver floral appliqués. Ethereal, yet impeccably constructed.
05 · Owen Cooper
Among the men, Cooper stood out in Bottega Veneta — a leather jacket with an intrecciato collar, wool trousers, poplin shirt and leather lace-ups. A quietly sophisticated, modern approach to menswear.
04 · Chloé Zhao
Zhao opted for Rodarte, staying true to her delicate, artistic aesthetic. A coherent choice, free of unnecessary embellishment.
03 · Jacob Elordi
Elordi delivered a bespoke total-black look by Bottega Veneta, paired with Cartier jewellery — minimalist, controlled and undeniably confident.
02 · Natasha Lyonne
True to her identity, Lyonne chose Celine, accented with rings by Le Vian and L’Dezen. A look blending attitude, personality and uncompromising elegance.
01 · Kristen Bell
The top spot went to Bell, who shone in a black halter gown by Elie Saab from the Resort 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection. Strategic lacework, clean lines and impeccable finishing, completed with Jimmy Choo shoes and EFFY jewellery.
The Critics’ Choice Awards 2026 red carpet made one thing clear: true luxury doesn’t need excess. Archive pieces, couture craftsmanship and aesthetic coherence defined a night where fashion spoke softly — and with absolute clarity.
