Only 96 hours into 2026, we already had our first major red carpet of the year, courtesy of the Critics Choice Awards.
On the evening of Sunday, Jan. 4, the heavyweights of film and television descended upon the Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport — yes, an actual hangar — to toast the top-tier series and movies of 2025. While the gala lacks the stiff-collared gravitas of the Oscars or the martini-fuelled chaos of the Golden Globes, it serves as something of a crystal ball for the red carpet onslaught to come. And if these looks are any indication, the 2026 fashion mood board will lean heavily into eclectic details and subversive silhouettes.
On the last leg of her “Wicked” celebration, Ariana Grande paid homage to actor Diahann Carroll in a custom Alberta Ferretti frothy cape gown. Best Actress winner Jessie Buckley of “Hamnet” went business casual in a Dior pant and top combo with oversized bow panniers. Newcomer Chase Infiniti, who starred in “One Battle After Another,” proved butter yellow is still the It colour. And her co-star Teyana Taylor borrowed a pair of memorable boots from Alexander Skarsgård.
Scroll on for the best dressed at the Critics Choice Awards 2026.
Ariana Grande in Alberta Ferretti
She topped our best dressed list of 2025, so expectations were high for Ari and her stylist Law Roach. They delivered, choosing Alberta Ferretti to create a Glinda-esque look that also pays homage to actor Diahann Carroll’s pink couture gown at the 1969 Academy Awards.
Chase Infiniti in Louis Vuitton
Our sincerest apologies to Chase Infiniti. We already knew she was a powerhouse actor thanks to her turn in “One Battle After Another,” but we didn’t realize she was coming for the fashion crown too. Draped in Louis Vuitton, Infiniti resembled a ray of sunshine in a sculptural butter-yellow two-piece that made minimalism look like a maximalist flex.
Jessie Buckley in Dior
Business casual at an awards show? It’s a risky move, but Dior managed to make it look entirely subversive. To collect her Best Actress trophy for Hamnet, Jessie Buckley asserted her sartorial dominance in a top and pant combo featuring exaggerated bow panniers from the French house.
Ethan Hawke in Bode
Will everyone like this suit? Probably not. But we appreciate a man who’s willing to experiment and embrace a floral. At the Critics Choice Awards, Ethan Hawke — wearing an embroidered Bode ensemble — was that man.
Teyana Taylor in Saint Laurent
Hey Teyana, Alexander Skarsgård wants his boots back! Channelling her rebel-rousing character from “One Battle After Another,” the actress blended military green with a sharp menswear silhouette. The Saint Laurent look was punctuated by those infamous thigh-high boots that Skarsgård made viral last summer — though Taylor may have worn them better.
Odessa A’Zion in OTT
Odessa A’Zion had a very good December. Between starring in “I Love L.A.” and “Marty Supreme,” the actress has officially moved from our screens to our moodboards. This disco-ball dress by Dubai-based brand OTT provided the perfect amount of high-fashion bohemian chaos for a woman who is clearly having the time of her life.
Elle Fanning in Ralph Lauren
An eternal lover of vintage, Elle Fanning continued her streak of wearing archival couture onto the red carpet. While she usually opts for something more mid-century, for the Critics Choice Awards 2026 she chose a glittery Ralph Lauren gown from 2003.
Jacob Elordi in Bottega Veneta
Jacob Elordi is a Bottega Veneta loyalist through and through, and he wasn’t about to break tradition. Sporting an all-black suit, orange-lensed shades and a moustache, the Aussie accepted the award for Best Supporting Actor for his work in ”Frankenstein.”
Alicia Silverstone in Stella McCartney
There are no Monets here — Alicia Silverstone looked every bit as gorgeous up close as she did from afar. In a sparkling Stella McCartney gown, she was the picture of effortless glamour. All that was missing was a yellow plaid jacket and a pair of knee-high socks to make us “totally buggin’.”
Mia Goth in Dior
Sometimes the best looks are the simplest. Case in point: this minimalist Dior dress that Mia Goth wore to the Critics Choice Awards 2026. With understated accessories and a soft updo, the actress made a big impact with an ensemble that whispered while everyone else screamed.
