The glitter cannon has officially gone off, which can only mean one thing: the Critics Choice Awards have arrived, and fashion has clocked in early, caffeinated, and ready to show off. The Critics Choice Awards 2026 fashion moment didn’t whisper its way onto the scene—it strutted in with confidence, intention, and a whole lot of sparkle. This is the night when cinema, television, and celebrity style collide in a glamorous group chat where everyone wants to be the most talked about message.
As part of the larger awards season, this ceremony has quietly become one of the most reliable predictors of where 2026 red carpet fashion is heading. Designers test ideas here. Stylists take smart risks. Stars decide whether they’re going classic, chaotic, or quietly iconic. The result? A night packed with statement fashion, elegant restraint, and a few jaw-on-the-floor surprises.
Held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica and hosted by Chelsea Handler, the 31st annual ceremony celebrated everything from prestige TV to buzzy blockbusters. But let’s be honest: while trophies matter, the real-time debates online were about who was best dressed at Critics Choice Awards 2026, which looks felt timeless, and which outfits would live forever in screenshots. Before we zoom in on individual outfits, it’s worth remembering that this carpet exists in conversation with past moments on the red carpet. Fashion never resets; it evolves. And this year, evolution looked very, very good.
Ariana Grande: Glinda, But Make It Couture
If there were a fairy godmother of the Best dressed Critics Choice Awards 2026, Ariana Grande might be floating at the top of the list. Nominated for Wicked: For Good, she leaned fully into Glinda-coded glamour with a custom pink satin off-the-shoulder Alberta Ferretti gown. The white embroidered tulle cape, scattered with silver floral appliqués, felt like a soft-focus dream come to life. This wasn’t just a dress; it was a mood board. Among all the Critics Choice Awards red carpet looks, hers felt theatrical without being costume-y, proving that couture gowns can still feel playful.
Elle Fanning: Liquid Gold, No Notes
Some looks don’t need explaining. Elle Fanning’s archival Ralph Lauren Collection gown was one of those. The plunging, liquid-gold silhouette shimmered like it had its own lighting crew. With soft waves and minimal distractions, this was old-Hollywood energy reintroduced for modern times. If anyone asks what high fashion celebrities look like when they get it exactly right, show them this moment. It’s easily one of the Best red carpet looks 2026 delivered.
Danielle Brooks: Drama Done Right
Danielle Brooks knows how to command a room, and her Critics Choice Awards outfits 2026 entry did exactly that. The off-the-shoulder, semi-sheer gown hugged in all the right places, while the choker, stacked rings, and flippy ponytail added personality. This was celebrity red carpet fashion 2026 that felt confident, joyful, and unapologetic—like fashion saying, “I’m here, and I know it.”
Jessica Biel: Sheer Confidence
Jessica Biel showed up and reminded everyone that subtlety can still be sizzling. Her sheer Lanvin gown played with transparency and structure in a way that demanded a double take. This was not about shock value; it was about control. Among the Most stylish celebrities at Critics Choice Awards, Biel’s look balanced elegance and edge like a seasoned pro.
Meghann Fahy: Sparkle with Intention
Sequins can go wrong fast, but Meghann Fahy’s halter-neck gown proved why they remain a red carpet staple. The shimmer, the train, the Tiffany & Co. jewelry—it all worked together without shouting. In the landscape of Awards season best dressed celebrities, this look felt like a reminder that glamour doesn’t need gimmicks.
Jackie Tohn: Sunshine on the Carpet
Jackie Tohn’s marigold Khoon Hooi bustier gown was a literal burst of warmth. In a sea of metallics and moody tones, this color choice felt brave and refreshing. Jewelry by Carina Hardy added polish without stealing the spotlight. File this under Critics Choice Awards fashion moments that felt genuinely joyful.
Michael B. Jordan: Tailoring That Speaks Softly
Michael B. Jordan went the refined route in a custom Louis Vuitton burgundy double-breasted suit, accessorized with David Yurman jewelry. This look leaned into quiet luxury—the kind that doesn’t need logos to prove a point. In a night full of bold statements, his outfit whispered excellence, earning its place among Celebrity fashion critics picks.
Ali Larter: Minimal, But Make It Dangerous
Ali Larter’s black Nina Ricci slip dress came with a deep V, low back, and thigh-high slit that did not come to play. Silver sandals sealed the deal. This was red carpet style stripped down to its most powerful elements, and it worked.
Nicole Brydon Bloom: Sequins with a Story
Supporting Paradise, Nicole Brydon Bloom styled her baby bump in a long sequined Akris gown that felt celebratory rather than cautious. It was elegant, thoughtful, and quietly radiant—a reminder that Celebrity style at Critics Choice Awards doesn’t have to follow outdated rules.
Ego Nwodim: Red, Reimagined
Ego Nwodim’s long-sleeve red dress with a ribbon-lined slit was playful and polished at the same time. Paired with Fred Leighton jewelry and black satin pumps, it stood out among the Standout red carpet looks Critics Choice Awards without trying too hard.
Rose Byrne: Soft Structure
Rose Byrne opted for a tulle top and drop-waist tiered skirt that felt architectural yet airy. Statement earrings completed a look that felt intentionally styled rather than trend-chasing—always a win in Awards season fashion 2026.
Quinta Brunson: Suited and Smart
Quinta Brunson continues to redefine red carpet expectations. Her pale peach blazer, lacy top, and wide-leg pants proved that suiting belongs firmly in the Critics Choice Awards fashion rankings conversation. This was modern power dressing with personality.
Jeff Goldblum: Classic, With a Twist
Jeff Goldblum did what he does best—made a classic tux feel personal. The ivory jacket and Blancpain timepiece added just enough flair to keep things interesting. Among Style icons 2026, he remains delightfully unpredictable.
Teyana Taylor: Fashion, Fully Committed
Teyana Taylor arrived in a full Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello look, complete with feathers, gloves, striped tie, and over-the-knee boots. This was not just an outfit; it was a performance. In the world of Viral red carpet looks, this one is already living rent-free.
Why This Carpet Mattered
The Critics Choice Awards 2026 best dressed list wasn’t about one dominant trend. It was about choice. Some stars leaned into drama, others embraced restraint, and a few rewrote the rules entirely. Together, they created a night rich with Celebrity fashion trends 2026, reminding us why these carpets still matter.
As fashion conversations spill beyond the awards and into everyday inspiration, the journey doesn’t stop here. From couture moments to wearable ideas, the influence of the night continues through broader celebrity style narratives, including how stars translate glamour off-duty at places like celebrity style. If this carpet proved anything, it’s that great fashion isn’t just worn—it’s remembered.
