A Two-Hour-In Red Carpet Recap, Straight from 'Marie Claire' Editors
"The red carpet rotation is officially underway, with even more grand entrances still to come. If you’re just joining my fellow editors and I, welcome. It’s already been a night to remember. Sheryl Lee Ralph started the step-and-repeats strong in a Saiid Kobeisy Spring 2026 Couture gown, and the red carpet's brightest smile to boot. Mere minutes later, Chase Infiniti became senior fashion news editor Halie LeSavage's best-dressed (so far) in a 1920s-inspired skull cap.
Once Mia Goth arrived, statement skirts became a red carpet trend. Her lace slip featured a detachable bustle. Keri Russell's little black dress similarly included an elongated train, which partner Matthew Rhys fluffed along the carpet. There are still two hours until Netflix’s livestream begins, so don’t step away now. Put on your fashion critic hat and grab some popcorn: The Actor Awards are only getting started."—Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer
Sheryl Lee Ralph was all smiles at the 2026 Actor Awards.
Chase Infiniti brought '20s-inspired drama in a skull cap.
Mia Goth's lace dress appeared to include a detachable bustle.
Keri Russell's skirt was equally glamorous.
Fran Drescher Is Having "Fun" With the 2026 Actor Awards Dress Code
"After flaunting her sequin black dress, pink feathers, and top hat, Fran Drescher told Associated Press she's 'putting on the ritz' for the dress code, Reimagining Hollywood Glamour From the ‘20s and ‘30s. 'I loved the theme so I wanted to have fun with it,' she added. She even had Marie Claire fashion contributor Kelsey Stiegman endorsing a top hat renaissance."—Meguire Hennes, staff fashion writer
Fran Drescher gave 'em the old razzle dazzle in a top hat.
Drop-Waist Dresses Are the Leading Actor Awards' Trend
"Drop-waist silhouettes are swiftly taking over the Actor Awards red carpet. First, I noticed Michelle Monaghan in a gorgeous layered gown. Then came Sarah Pidgeon, who flaunted a pink strapless slip pulled straight from Balenciaga's Spring 2026 runway. And most recently, Sofia Carson graced the carpet in a billowing black gown stitched with an embroidered bodice. As the old phrase goes, 'three is a trend,' so I'll continue to keep my eyes on this look throughout the evening."—Lauren Tappan, fashion editor
Michelle Monaghan started the drop-waist dress trend early.
Sarah Pidgeon followed suit shortly after Monaghan.
Sofia Carson's ballgown emphasized the drop-waist bodice even more.
Pantone's Cloud Dancer Twirls Onto the Red Carpet
"After dominating the 2026 Golden Globes, Pantone's color of the year—Cloud Dancer—is back at the Actor Awards. Best Female Actor nominee Rose Byrne chose Look 81 from Chanel's Métiers d'Art Spring 2026 collection: a white, ankle-grazing shift decorated with silver rhinestones atop the hips. Meanwhile, only half of Quinta Brunson and Dove Cameron's gowns featured Cloud Dancer, while the other channeled 'black-and-white cookie-core.'"—Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer
Rose Byrne arrives in Cloud Dancer white at the Actor Awards.
Quinta Brunson channeled black-and-white cookie-core.
Dove Cameron did the same at the 2026 Actor Awards.
Chase Infiniti Pulls Off a '20s-Coded Skull Cap With Ease
"One week after wearing a mermaid silhouette at the 2026 BAFTAs, Chase Infiniti revived the fit-and-flare shape at the 2026 Actor Awards in a gorgeous shade of crystalized gold. What's more, 1920s-esque skull caps were high on my 2026 Actor Awards mood board—my fellow Gen Z'er read my mind."—Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer
"That's a best dressed for me."—Halie LeSavage, senior fashion news editor
Chase Infiniti brought '20s skull caps to the 2026 Actor Awards.
Megan Stalter Brings "ICE OUT" Pins Back to the Red Carpet
"During New York Fashion Week, 'ICE OUT' pins were as much a Fashion Month mainstay as celebrities. Everyone from Rachel Scott at Proenza Schouler to Collina Estrada's Hillary Taymour took their final Fall 2026 bows with the black-and-white pin atop their blouses. Now, the queen of camp brought the pin back to red carpets, after Hailey Bieber, Tessa Thompson, and more styled it at the 2026 Grammys and 2026 Golden Globes respectively. Here's hoping the pin distribution system was as successful at the Actor Awards as it was NYFW."—Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer
Megan Stalter decorated her leopard-print dress with an "ICE OUT" pin.
Sarah Pidgeon Makes Her Actor Awards Red Carpet Debut
"Sarah Pidgeon has been on a roll channeling her on-screen Love Story character, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. While I've loved seeing her recent twists on '90s minimalism by the likes of Khaite and Chanel, I'm even more enamored when she breaks out of the CBK-inspired mold. Tonight, she branched out into a petal-pink gown with a drop waist (and matching high-vamp heels), both from Balenciaga Spring 2026. It's softer and more delicate than her recent looks—I'm in love!"—Halie LeSavage, senior fashion news editor
Sarah Pidgeon arrives at the 2026 Actor Awards in Balenciaga.
Odessa A’zion Trades a 2026 Actor Awards Gown for a Pantsuit
"According to my colleague, fashion features editor Emma Childs, Odessa A’zion loves a jumpsuit with pants. Armani Privé crafted the one-piece from silk and beaded crystal fringe, its centerpiece a plunging neckline alongside peekaboo thigh cutouts."—Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer
"Female Actor in a Supporting Role" nominee made a case for pantsuits at the 2026 Actor Awards.
Claire Danes Poses Two Hours Before the 2026 Actor Awards
"There's something so charming to me about Claire Danes, a legend, arriving so early to the carpet. And, she's modeling a trend first spotted by my colleague Emma Childs: the anti-jewelry embellishment, aka detailing that makes extra accessories unnecessary. No wonder Danes is so punctual—her dress did the styling for her."—Halie LeSavage, senior fashion news editor
Claire Danes surprised everyone at Marie Claire by arriving before 6 p.m.
2026 Actor Awards Host Kristen Bell Starts the Naked Dress Trend
At first, fashion features editor Emma Childs thought hostess with the mostest Kristen Bell was in a naked Dior dress. The delicate drapery of her gown's nude bodice looked Jonathan Anderson-esque. Turns out, its rhinestone-embellished skirt and pleated train boasts Georges Hobeika Couture tags.
Kristen Bell arrives in Georges Hobeika Couture to host the 2026 Actor Awards.
This 'Bridgerton' Actor Is a 2026 Actor Awards Diamond
"Yerin Ha in Balenciaga? That's my diamond of the season!"—Christina DAmbrosio, deputy social media director
"I couldn't applaud the Season 4 star's look any better, Christina. I'm especially excited to see Ha in pants. Perhaps the diamond of the Bridgerton season could start a 2026 Actor Awards trend."—Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer
Yerin Ha arrived in Balenciaga pants at the 2026 Actor Awards.
Stars of 'The Pitt' Arrive at the 2026 Actor Awards
"Thursdays at 9 P.M., the doctors and nurses on The Pitt save as many lives as they can. Tonight at the Actor Awards red carpet, early arrivals from the cast, who are nominated for Ensemble in a Drama series, are already taking my breath away. Supriya Ganesh looks radiant in a swirling silver gown (and a bold red lip), while Isa Briones took the night's dress code to heart in a burnt orange slip with a sheer black overlay—very flapper chic. Where is Dr. Robby to revive me when I need him?!" —Halie LeSavage, senior fashion news editor
Supriya Ganesh arrives at the 2026 Actor Awards.
Isa Briones checked in just minutes later.
The Pre-Actor Awards Party Teased the ‘20s-Inspired Looks to Come
On February 26, nominees and their peers arrived at “Actors Rising,” the first official collaboration between Elle and The Actor Awards. It didn’t require a dress code like tonight’s event, but certain guests viewed it as a red carpet rehearsal. The magazine said the 2026 Actors Rising fête spotlighted “the next generation of performers making their mark,” including The Pitt actor Supriya Ganesh.
The 28-year-old proved she thought long and hard about the “Reimagining Hollywood Glamour From the ‘20s and ‘30s” dress code in a yellow gold gown from Georges Hobeika. The Spring 2026 style featured subtle homages to the theme—its sculptural satin corset felt especially timeless. Mark my words: Ganesh may only wear scrubs in the Emmy-winning show, but under the on-screen uniform is a fashion girl to watch.
Supriya Ganesh shined out of scrubs at a pre-Actor Awards event.
What Will Stars Wear to the 2026 Actor Awards Red Carpet?
"I spend a lot of Fashion Month fantasizing about the runway looks that will be anointed as red carpet material during awards season. Most seasons, it's a game of parsing the 5-15 eveningwear looks at the end of the main collections—or the Haute Couture calendar—for pieces that feel like a personality fit. This year's inaugural dress code gave more direction. For the 'glamour' of the 1920s and 1930s, I'm expecting to see a strong showing from both Chanel and Dior. Recent collections have gone all-in on drop-waist dresses and bow detailing—finishes that are right up the alley of the night's theme. Of course, I wouldn't mind some of Louise Trotter's Bottega Veneta in the mix: The feathered coats are maybe not what you expect from a red carpet gown, but they definitely deliver on the 'glamour.'" —Halie LeSavage, senior fashion news editor
Please save this Bottega Veneta coat a spot on the Actor Awards red carpet.
What to Expect from the 2026 Actor Awards Dress Code
Just last month, a week after SAG-AFTRA announced the nominees, the ceremony’s first-ever dress code made headlines. Jon Brockett, showrunner and executive producer of The Actor Awards, called Elle editor-in-chief Nina Garcia and fashion director Alex White “brilliant in coming up with this concise idea for fashion that’s very easily digestible, I think, to talent, stylists, fashion houses, and designers.” Elle shared it just so happens to be Brockett’s favorite time period, particularly for the “strong leading lady, [like] the Katharine Hepburns, the Bette Davises, the Joan Crawfords.” The magazine believes it’s “perfect sartorial timing,” given the rise of Roaring Twenties-inspired designs on Spring 2026 Couture runways.
It seems Brockett, Garcia, and White hope to see Fendi’s “flapper-inflected” 100th anniversary collection, Chanel’s sheer organza slips, Valentino’s showgirl headdresses, and Schiaparelli’s Surrealist nightlife looks on the red carpet. “I think it’s a great well to keep going back to, because it never seems to go out of style, that period. It’s always classic,” Brockett added. Old Hollywood references are second nature to most fashion girls, including Sydney Sweeney, Kaia Gerber, Jennifer Lawrence, Zendaya, and nominee Selena Gomez.
A sheer look from the Chanel Spring 2026 Couture show.
Schiaparelli's Spring 2026 Couture show was all drama.
Valentino Spring 2026 Couture could have a starring role tonight.
Your TikTok FYP's Favorite Fashion Girls Are Arriving
Just as I suspected, the step-and-repeats started early at the 2026 Actor Awards. Getty Images currently looks a lot like my TikTok FYP, with Summer House star Paige DeSorbo, Haley Baylee, Nava Rose, Nia Ivy, and Anna Sitar on the red carpet. DeSorbo, for one, was the picture of elegance in a bronze strapless gown from Dubai designer Marmar Halim. Meanwhile, influencer Nava Rose brought the drama in a black-and-red dress, featuring a sheer waist cutout and a hand-shaped, gold appliqué.
The 2026 Actor Awards proved bronze is most certainly Paige DeSorbo's color.
Nava Rose's Actor Awards gown proved she's a fashion girl to watch.
How to Watch the 2026 Actor Awards Red Carpet Live
Netflix will air the 2026 Actor Awards live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, but you’ll miss out on some trophy-worthy fashion if you only tune in then. So see who’s wearing who and what on E!’s Live from the Red Carpet at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT, available on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Once 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT rolls around, switch to Netflix for the official 2026 Actor Awards pre-show, hosted by Paige DeSorbo and Scott Evans.