The 2026 BET Awards broadcasted live from Hollywood on June 28, months after this year's award season officially wrapped. Still, the award show's best fashion moments from Keke Palmer, Doechii, and Janet Jackson were double-take worthy.

Last night, Black musicians, actors, athletes, and even a Love Island alum or two received their much-deserved flowers inside Peacock Theater, after the evening's naked dressing theme dominated the red carpet. Contrary to last year's Miu Miu bandana top, Doechii bared it all in a vintage Dsquared2 Spring 2006 gown. The BET Her award winner—and her risqué cut-outs—gave summer's signature crochet dress a super sultry makeover. Then, Lizzo arrived in a crystalized, chocolate brown gown from Christian Cowan. One week after Zendaya wore his Fall 2026 fringe, Lizzo looked "Good as Hell" in custom peekaboo corsetry.

Once stars warmed up the red carpet, the music legends just kept coming. Queen Latifah, Janet Jackson, and Lauryn Hill all made appearances in riffs on their signature styles. Needless to say, these BET Awards red carpet fashion moments deserve a second look.

Keke Palmer wearing Gucci

Picking up where her 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party look left off, Keke Palmer sourced Gucci again for a $10,500, one-shoulder dress crystalized from top-to-bottom. The price tag wasn't the most jaw-dropping part, however. Once she turned around, the Nope actor's open back revealed a chainlink thong. Belly chains, be gone.

Lizzo wearing Christian Cowan

Lizzo claimed her Christian cowan crown in a sleeveless, semi-sheer slip, which sparkled with every step. Zoom in to appreciate the chocolate chiffon's delicate drapery atop her blink-and-you'll-miss-it corset.

Doechii wearing Vintage Dsquared2

Clearly, Doechii took a page from Zendaya's Big Book of Archival Dressing. Stylist Sam Woolf tracked down a crocheted halter-neck number from Dsquared2 Spring 2006 for his star client. Not only was the entire espresso-tinted style mostly transparent, the Grammy winner's neckline plunged just as far as her waist cut-outs.

Cardi B

Cardi B skipped the red carpet, but winning Female Hip-Hop Artist of the Year gave her black BET Awards gown a proper close-up. Thankfully, its velvet bodice, lacy skirt, and feather-fluffed train didn't go unnoticed.

Teyana Taylor wearing Stéphane Rolland

After a stellar award season run, Teyana Taylor returned to the red carpet in a Stéphane Rolland Spring 2026 Couture ballgown. Rich burgundy-dyed taffeta atop her strapless corset and voluminous skirt matched the Golden Globe winner's gravity-defying headband.

Chase Infiniti wearing custom GapStudio

GapStudio's Zac Posen is collecting fashion girls like infinity stones. At the 2026 BET Awards, the designer dressed Chase Infiniti in a custom, mock-neck long-sleeve and a ruched, mermaid maxi skirt. The blue, red, green, ivory, and brown matching set was sculpted from Gap's recognizable "Happy Stripe" pattern, which dates back to the '90s.

Jodie Turner-Smith wearing Roberto Cavalli

What's a summer red carpet without a little Roberto Cavalli? Jodie Turner-Smith represented the label's Pre-Fall 2026 line in a plunge, multi-color halter gown. She accessorized with fingerless opera gloves.

Queen Latifah wearing Kilian Kerner

Leave it to Queen Latifah to give an independent designer—German creative Kilian Kerner—the spotlight at the 2026 BET Awards. The Last Holiday actor played with proportions by stacking a satin slip dress beneath a bubbled, robe-style jacket.

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson endorsed the graphic tee renaissance in a Tupac T-shirt, layered over a cuffed, pinstripe button-down. The "Rhythm Nation" singer's grommeted belt and leather waist cincher gave her two tops an hourglass silhouette. Always on board for extra accessories, Jackson pulled off a tilted fedora, a birdcage veil, and no shortage of shiny silver bangles.

Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill was the embodiment of her new Living Legend Icon Award in a voluminous, puff-sleeve gown crafted from brown, crinkle-effect nylon. Turns out, Beyoncé debuted the same ruffled style from Saint Laurent before the 2026 Met Gala. It seems the Spring 2026 style was made for icons.

A few weeks after receiving her first Tony nomination, Nichelle Lewis found herself seated at the annual luncheon celebrating this year’s nominees—and it was there that the reality of the honor really sunk in.

Speaking on Zoom ahead of a Friday night performance, she recalled exactly how that felt: “I was [thinking], I have this plaque with my name on it, and I'm here with all these other people who once had a dream. That was what hit me, just the fact that I got to be in this room full of so many of my friends and so many people that I love and have looked up to for so long.”

Lewis, 26, earned that nod for her role in Ragtime, the stirring Broadway revival of the 1996 musical from Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty, and Lynn Ahrens (which is based on E.L. Doctorow’s 1975 novel by the same name). The story is grand in scale: it follows three groups of people in turn-of-the-century America—Black Americans, Jewish immigrants, and the white upper class—as their fates, hopes, and futures all intersect during a period of immense social change.

As Sarah, one of the story’s central characters, Lewis goes on an emotional journey that spans despair, hope, love, and tragedy. It’s one of the banner roles for Black women in musical theater—Audra McDonald won one of her six Tony Awards for playing Sarah in the original production—and Lewis has poured herself into making the character her own.

Here, she speaks with Marie Claire about the cosmic way the role came to her, drawing on her grandmother for inspiration, and how the body keeps the score when portraying a painful—but also hopeful—story that still resonates today.

Marie Claire: You made your Broadway debut in 2024 as Dorothy in The Wiz. Coming off of that, what made Sarah a role that you wanted to play?

Nichelle Lewis: I really loved the depth that she has. Coming off of The Wiz, where I got to play this character that signifies Black joy and love and finding home—what “home” means to you—I wanted to do something that, not only encompassed that, but also the pain that Black people, especially Black women, go through on a daily basis, whether back in the day or now. I just wanted to really dig in, do more research, and feel connected to my ancestors, all the things that mean something special to me.

MC: Two other actresses were initially cast as Sarah before Ragtime opened Off-Broadway, but both had to drop out—and then it became yours. Did that change how you approached the role at all?

NL: I didn't really let it. One of the things that I live by is “When it is the right time, it's the right time.” I also live by this quote—it sounds so stupid, but, “Everyone has their own Crock Pot, so we all cook at different times.” The women who came before me, Joy Woods and Joaquina Kalukango, they’re both so incredible. They went on other really big exciting opportunities, and then [the role of Sarah] was just there for me to step into. I felt like the path was right for all of us, and everything happens for a reason.

MC: What, or who, did you draw on as you were deciding how you wanted to play her?

NL: I definitely drew from my grandmother. She’d planned to come see this show before she passed, and I remember being so nervous for her to come see it, because I knew that she had a lot of trauma. A lot of people don't realize that this really wasn't that long ago. When I think about my grandmother, I think about the fact that she was alive at a time where she was turned away from a lot of restaurants, and she was around when Ruby Bridges went through the doors of that school building [in 1960]. I watched her as I grew up. I watched how, because of her history and her trauma, when she would interact with a lot of white people, she would shrink herself. She would look down, she wouldn't really look them directly in the face. And I feel like it got better as she got much older and started to not care, but I derived the way that I move my body in this show from how she moved. When Sarah is around other Black people, or with immigrants, she’s a little bit taller, but when she’s around white people, I might make myself smaller. That’s all from her knowledge that she shared with me. But also, just from everything I know of that time, how they were just set free from slavery, there's no world in which Sarah would not be traumatized from these things. There’s so many things that have helped me build this story, including all the research I've done, talking to my family, and also all the knowledge that I have as a Black woman as well.

MC: Sarah goes on such an emotional journey over the course of the show. We meet her at her absolute lowest point, but then see her find love and hope before her story becomes tragic. How do you prepare yourself to go to those places eight times a week?

NL: It’s really hard because I do allow myself to go to a deep and painful place every night. I just feel it’s my duty as someone who hasn't had to live through things like the Tulsa massacre. I have to hold this weight and spread both the joy and the pain, and so I think that that’s something that gives me strength every day to do it. But my body does carry it, and I often get chills as I come off stage. It’s a really weird sensation when your body decides, “I know what you're doing, so I'm going to do it too.” But I find that I also feel extremely strong, and I wonder if that's similar to things my ancestors felt—it’s the pain, but also the strength that comes from it. I think that's what's so beautiful about this story in particular, and why it’s been resonating with people.

MC: You and Joshua Henry, who plays Coalhouse Walker Jr., are just incredible together. Your big duet, “Wheels of a Dream”—where he and Sarah are singing about their hopes for their son and his future—is so powerful. Tell me about building your characters’ relationship with him.

NL: The very first day that I met Joshua, and the very first day we did our reading, the characters just had this spark, and everyone in the room felt it. It was the most insane feeling. I remember we sang “Wheels of a Dream,” and we both felt so energized. I can’t explain how the souls of those characters just locked into one another so quickly, but it was immediate. I feel like a lot of us say theater is church, but it does feel like that, especially after “Wheels of a Dream,” when we have this moment of joy together and their connection just fills up a whole entire theater. It's the most wonderful thing ever.

MC: How has your performance changed over the course of the run? You’ve had so much more time with her now.

NL: Oh, it has changed and deepened in so many ways. I think I've learned a lot about myself and about Sarah and Coalhouse, and all the relationships Sarah builds and grows in. I feel like I find new things every night, somehow. Because everybody in the cast are such generous actors, it feels right every time. I don't know how it’s possible, but it’s one of those shows that continues to just blossom every night.

MC: Audra McDonald was the original Sarah, and I know that she gave you some advice about leaving Sarah at the theater when you go home. Are you able to do that, or is it hard?

NL: So it was very hard for me for a while, because again, I might be able to leave it, but my body remembers it; the body keeps score. There are just so many people that come into play here that help me to keep going, because without them, I don't know if my body could withstand the trauma that this character goes through eight shows a week. Some people can move throughout space and not go through that on stage every night, but for me it's important to allow myself to go through those things. I come home, I take a deep breath, I sit with my dog, maybe watch a few TV shows, do what I have to do to get my mind out of that place, and hopefully relax my body. I do try really hard to take what she told me, and remind myself that it's okay to let it go and come back tomorrow.

MC: When this is done, you'll get to pay it forward and give that advice to the next Sarah.

NL: Yeah! I'm gonna be like: Get you a heated blanket, get you a therapist, a psychiatrist— all the things.

MC: This show takes place more than 100 years ago, but we’re still dealing with versions of what these characters experienced—people of color, immigrants, women. Why do you think Ragtime is speaking so strongly to us today?

NL: I think people, when they come and they sit in those seats, they're like, “We're still living through these stories.” We all came together and talked about the ending—Sarah and Coalhouse both have passed, and their little baby goes to a white family even though Sarah still has family down in the South—it’s not the most beautiful ending, you know? It's messy, it's raw, and it's sad. We all just sat in a room one day and we just said, “How can we make sure this feels the way it needs to feel?” And Lear [DeBessonet, the director] said, “We're not going to be sitting around with big smiles on our face, because it’s a moment filled with so many things.” That pause right before we all sing the word “dream” is so important, because it allows people to really feel all those things. I think that's why it’s resonating, because we allow them to come into our world and feel the things that we feel as well.

MC: You’re so right—it leaves that hope that the future will be better. But I also thought about everything Sarah and Coalhouse’s son would have lived through in America over the 20th century. It’s not a fully happy ending.

NL: Yeah, it’s not. Maybe that isn't talked about enough. I feel like a lot of people talk about the hope, and there is a lot of hope, but hope a lot of the time comes with pain. Because when we feel this pain, we feel like the world needs to change. That's when we start holding on to hope that things will change for the better.

MC: How has this experience made you think differently about the kind of performer you are?

NL: I don't know if this has really changed my perspective, but it has expanded my perspective. I've always wanted to change others' lives, and that has always been the biggest thing for me since my father passed. I remember just realizing the impact people can make while living, and even after they've passed. I wanted to make an impact and a positive one at that. I just didn't know how—I think doing this role has made me realize this is how we do it. It's by telling stories that may feel difficult, that may be challenging to take on, but are also beautiful and hopeful, and it gives people something to hang on to and to think about when they leave the theater. It has helped it grow into something so much bigger, and I just hope to be able to continue impacting people's lives and to continue sharing the love and the joy that I have and the stories that I have to share.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

My first thought when Sarah Pidgeon arrived at the 2026 Gotham Awards was, "Wow, her black dress could be on loan from her Love Story costume rack." Plot twist: The Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy-coded LBD wasn't an LBD at all. Pidgeon stacked a backless jumpsuit from Tom Ford over matching trousers. It's still channeling her onscreen character, but with a contemporary cool-girl twist.

Little did Pidgeon know, she'd wear the illusion red carpet look to accept her first accolade for Love Story. She won the Ensemble Tribute award with her co-star, Paul Anthony Kelly, but the actress's matching set was trophy-worthy on its own.

First, stylist Emma Jade Morrison dressed Pidgeon in an $8,980 cap-sleeve top, which stretched far beyond a T-shirt's typical hemline. The stretchy, double-georgette textile continued all the way to the red carpet, much like her gowns at the 2026 Vanity Fair Oscar Party and the Met Gala. Pidgeon's front profile was completely covered, making her open back even more jaw-dropping. If she didn't show some skin, I might've never noticed the pants beneath her reverse train.

The "Impossible Bipart Jumpsuit" originally comes with straight-leg trousers in the peony pink color trend. Perhaps inspired by her Love Story character's neutral color palette, Pidgeon went with a black high-rise pair instead. Simply sliding her thumbs into the blink-and-you'll-miss-them pockets confirmed they're indeed pants. Each hem was so elongated, I could barely make out the shape of her stilettos. Another angle showcased just the pointy tip of Pidgeon's black pumps.

Pidgeon's accessories were as minimalist as her black-on-black Tom Ford 'fit. She skipped earrings, necklaces, and rings to showcase the star of the show: a $650,000 cuff bracelet from New York-based jewelry brand Belperron. The vintage bangle blended platinum curvatures with old mine-cut diamonds. (Yes, that's the same center stone on Taylor Swift's engagement ring.)

Pidgeon didn't need a dress to tap into 2026's leading red carpet trend: backless looks. Emma Stone's back was on full display at the 2026 BAFTAs; Zendaya shut down the Euphoria Season 3 premiere in a haltered chocolate brown dress from Ashi Studio; and Cate Blanchett bared her spine beneath a fringed Givenchy gown at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.

It's only a matter of time before backless looks move from the red carpet to the street style scene. Pidgeon's Gothams outfit proved tailored trousers or shorts will do the trick.

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Considering its number of record-breaking moments and long-awaited wins, the 2026 Oscars will go down in film history.

Last night, the 98th annual Academy Awards arrived to cap off a long and exciting awards season. (You can thank the Winter Olympics for the slight extension.) The nominees marked a year of wins for representation, with diverse films like Sinners and KPop Demon Hunters as frontrunners; triumphal returns for auteurs like Paul Thomas Anderson and Chloé Zhao; and huge strides for international films, as Hollywood's most-coveted awards became truly global.

As the best movies of 2025 were honored, we at Marie Claire kept track of the ceremony's highlights, from host Conan O'Brien's best segments to the moving speeches that brought tears of joy to the upsets we could not have predicted. Read on for the most memorable moments of the 2026 Oscars.

Conan O'Brien ran through this year's nominees as Aunt Gladys—and got really political—to open the awards show

Conan O’Brien returned to host for the second year in a row and delivered a stellar opening monologue, both for its biting sense of humor and thoughtful political bent. The comedian opened the ceremony with a fun journey through many of this year’s nominated films, courtesy of a nod to the final scene of Weapons. In Aunt Gladys drag, O’Brien was chased by an angry mob of children—just like Amy Madigan’s character in the horror blockbuster—traveling through memorable scenes of F1, Marty Supreme, Hamnet, One Battle After Another, KPop Demon Hunters, Sentimental Value, and Sinners, until eventually bursting through the crowd of the Dolby Theatre in L.A. and onto the stage.

Throughout his monologue, the host pulled heartthrobs and Best Actor nominees Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, and Timothée Chalamet into jokes. But for the most part, he used his platform to discuss the dire state of the world—and encouraged talent to speak up throughout the night. “I should warn you that tonight could get political, and if that makes you uncomfortable, there’s an alternate Oscars hosted by Kid Rock down the street,” he joked, referring to the right’s reaction to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show. And he didn’t stop there; O’Brien made digs at the country’s lack of affordable health care, the poor handling of the Epstein files, and more. However, he mostly encouraged optimism and referenced how many of the nominated films have universal messages. “We pay tribute to the ideals of global artistry, patience, collaboration, and the rarest of qualities today, optimism,” he concluded. “Let us celebrate not because all is well but because we work and hope for better.”

Of course, he couldn’t go out without one more bonkers joke: O’Brien awarded himself an Oscar, while being crowned the equivalent of the Oscars Prom King with a robe, crown, and trophy handed to him from an eagle, all the while Josh Groban serenaded him. It’s Cinema’s Biggest Night, baby!

Scream Queen Amy Madigan won Best Supporting Actress

Horror seldom gets recognition by the Academy, so it was somewhat of a surprise when Weapons star Amy Madigan received a Best Supporting Actress nomination—and an even more pleasant surprise when she took home the trophy during the awards ceremony. The actress, who plays the cult-loved wig-wearing, witchcraft-wielding Aunt Gladys, was “flummoxed” by the win and cackling with laughter as she joked about thinking about what she might say on stage while taking a shower and shaving her legs the night before.

With the win, Madigan also made history as the actress with the longest break between nominations, as she returned to the Academy’s stage for the first time in 40 years. Having last been nominated in 1986 for Twice in a Lifetime, as she stepped on stage, she shared her feelings about the record-breaking moment: “This is great! Everybody's asking me in the press and all this, ‘Well, it's been 40 years, and, you know, what's different about this time?’ What’s different is that I’ve got this little gold guy.”

While it was exciting to see Madigan return to the stage and receive recognition from her peers—as well as shout out her fellow nominees (Wunmi Mosaku, Elle Fanning, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Teyana Taylor)—her win also marked the first time in quite some time that the Academy honored a performance in a genre film. (Demi Moore was nominated last year for The Substance, and Natalie Portman won in 2011 for Black Swan, although others, like Lupita Nyong’o for Us and Toni Collette for Hereditary, have been snubbed in the years since. Let’s go, scream queens!)

'Sinners' brought its most iconic scene to the stage

To celebrate the most-nominated film in Oscars history, the ceremony brought Sinners’s mystifying juke-joint scene to life. In a performance of the film’s Best Original Song-nominated “I Lied to You,” the track’s producer Raphael Saadiq gave a quick intro before Sammie himself, Miles Caton, serenaded his co-stars Jayme Lawson and Li Jun Li, as well as the dancers swaying in the juke. Lawson and Li weren’t the only co-stars who appeared; fictional vampires Jack O’Connell, Peter Dreimanis, and Lola Kirke were briefly shown trying to join the fun, but they were turned away.

As the performance summoned musical storytellers from the past and present, an array of stars joined the performance. Buddy Guy and Bobby Rush represented blues legends. Alice Smith joined Caton on backup vocals, along with rising country star Shaboozey. Eric Gales, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, and Brittany Howard shredded on rock guitar as a DJ brought in the beat. Meanwhile, African, hip hop, and traditional Chinese dancers filled the stage, and the grand finale was trailblazing ballerina Misty Copeland. As the crowd broke into a standing ovation, it was clear that Sinners’s astonishing display of the legacy of the blues had translated from screen to stage.

The first-ever nominees for Achievement in Casting got their time to shine

This year’s Oscars introduced an all-new category: Achievement in Casting, honoring the casting directors who help assemble the A-listers and fresh faces that make up a film’s ensemble. While the Academy airs every award during the live show, it has a bad rap for not always giving below-the-line nominees their moment. But Achievement in Casting got an extra-special nod (that was more than well-deserved, considering the department was previously overlooked in the award show’s 98-year history). Each casting director who received a nod—Nina Gold (Hamnet), Jennifer Venditti (Marty Supreme), Cassandra Kulukundis (One Battle After Another), Gabriel Domingues (The Secret Agent), and Francine Maisler (Sinners)—got a shout-out from one of the stars of the film they worked on, including Paul Mescal, Gwyneth Paltrow, Chase Infiniti, Wagner Moura, and Delroy Lindo. It felt personal and sincere, and like a peek behind the curtain at their essential yet often thankless cast. The moment ended with Kulukundis ultimately taking home the award and making history as the first-ever winner in the category.

The Best Animated Feature win for 'KPop Demon Hunters' was one for the dreamers

It wasn’t a big surprise when KPop Demon Hunters won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature; the global sensation spent awards season sweeping every awards body and guild. When co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, and producer Michelle Wong took the stage, they made sure to highlight how much the film has meant to the Korean diaspora.

“For those of you who look like me, I'm so sorry that it took us so long to see us in a movie like this,” Kang, who’s Korean-Canadian, said. “But it is here—and that means that the next generations don't have to go longing. This is for Korea and for Koreans everywhere.”

Appelhans also honored the film’s global impact with a message to other young artists with a story that’s never been told before. “Music and stories have this power to connect us as humans across cultures and borders,” he said. “So I just wanna take a moment to say to all the young filmmakers, artists, musicians in all corners of the globe: Tell your story, sing in your voice, I promise you the world is waiting.”

Rob Reiner, Diane Keaton, and Robert Redford’s In-Memoriam tributes made us ugly-cry

We lost many Hollywood legends in 2025, and the Academy honored them with one of the best In Memoriam sequences in recent memory. While the tribute included the typical montage of artists and creatives, including actors like Isiah Whitlock Jr., Graham Greene, Val Kilmer, and Robert Duvall, several stars also came to the stage to honor some of the film industry’s most famous icons.

The extended segment began with Billy Crystal, who shared fond memories of the late director Rob Reiner and a nod to “the millions who have enjoyed his films.” He was then joined by some of the actors who have appeared in Rob Reiner movies through the years, from Crystal’s When Harry Met Sally co-star Meg Ryan, to Misery’s Kathy Bates, to A Few Good Men’s Demi Moore, to The American President’s Annette Bening.

Rachel McAdams also highlighted the incredible actresses we lost last year, like Claudia Cardinale, Diane Ladd, Catherine O’Hara, and Diane Keaton. McAdams became emotional as she honored Keaton, her co-star from The Family Stone and Morning Glory. “She wore so many hats...literally and figuratively. But no hat more important to her than being mother to her two children,” McAdams said. “To our friend, Diane Keaton, celebrating a life in silver and gold, a legend with no end."

Finally, Barbra Streisand graced the stage to honor her The Way We Were co-star Robert Redford, fondly recalling how he used to call her “Babs.” She concluded by singing a snippet of her Oscar-winning ballad from the film, ensuring that there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

The 'Bridesmaids' cast reunited and had us in stitches

There’s only one comedy ensemble that became instantly iconic and can still say they are more beautiful than Cinderella, smell like pine needles, and have a face like sunshine. Obviously, it’s the women of Bridesmaids—and we were overjoyed that Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, and Ellie Kemper reunited on stage in honor of the blockbuster’s 15th anniversary. The legends presented the awards for Best Score and Best Sound, and made us audibly crack up in the process.

In a hysterical bit, they read “notes” sent up from the audience that just so happened to dish out backhanded compliments. Stellan Skarsgård, for example, thought they were “aging well,” and “the kid from Hamnet” was bored, wanted to go home, and was disappointed there was no pizza. They each got to highlight their individual comedic strides, like when Rudolph dropped the quick-witted, “earlier today when I was counting my money,” and Kemper explained she learned what sound was from “a woman [she] met on a rollercoaster.” It also looked like they got a kick out of each other’s deliveries and broke a little. All in all, it was a delight to see them all together again—and we’re still holding out for Bridesmaids 2.

Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman to win Best Cinematography

After 98 years, the Oscar honored its first woman for Best Cinematography. Sinners cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw took home the historic honor for the male-dominated craft, to the explosive applause of her film’s cast and crew. Arkapaw began her speech by thanking the people who supported her throughout her career, including Sinners director Ryan Coogler (who she called ”a very, very honorable person”), cinematography pioneer Ellen Kuras, and Black Panther cinematographer and Oscar nominee Rachel Morrison. She then asked every woman in the room to stand, saying, “I feel like I don't get here without you guys…and I want to thank you for that.”

Arkapaw went on to thank the Sinners cast and crew, naming each actor in the ensemble. “These people are so beautiful, and I’m honored to be there photographing them,” she said. Finally, she highlighted her family in the room, including her young son Aiden, whom Coogler had collected from the back of the theater and ran up to join the cast. She concluded, “Thank you so much. This is an honor. Thank you.”

EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna of HUNTR/X get their “Golden” moment

After spending the past several months on the Billboard charts, the titular KPop Demon Hunters brought their record-breaking hit “Golden” to the stage. The performance began with a short history lesson on the Korean folk tale that inspired the film; as traditional Korean instrumentalists performed the “Hunter’s Mantra,” demon hunters of the past fought an ancient version of the film’s demon boy band. When EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna began singing, the Dolby Theater turned into the Golden Honmoon, thanks to a sea of flag dancers onstage and the lightsticks swaying among the audience.

Soon after, “Golden” was announced as this year’s Best Original Song, becoming the first K-pop song to win the Oscar. Though the songwriting and producing team’s acceptance speech was cut short, EJAE gave an emotional speech thanking her family, her fiancé, and the film’s cast and crew. “Growing up, people made fun of me for liking K-pop, but now everyone's singing our song and all the Korean lyrics,” she said. “I'm so proud. And I realized, like this song, this award is not about success, it's about resilience.”

Michael B. Jordan became part of Black Oscars history with his Best Actor win

In a year when none of the actor races had a clear frontrunner, Michael B. Jordan’s win for Best Lead Actor was the biggest surprise of the night. The Sinners actor, who gave a transformative performance as twin gangsters Smoke and Stack, is only the sixth Black actor to win the category. He honored those who came before him, past winners Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, and Will Smith, as well as Halle Berry, the only Black woman to win Best Lead Actress.

After taking the stage to rapturous applause, Jordan shouted out his family in the room before thanking Warner Brothers for “betting on the culture, original ideas, and original artistry.” He went on to thank Ryan Coogler, who has directed him in four films so far. “You’re an amazing, amazing person. I’m so honored to call you a collaborator and a friend. You gave me the opportunity and space for me to be seen,” he said. As the camera showed Coogler sending Jordan love through sign language, Jordan said back, “I love you, too, bro. I love you to death.”

Jordan went on to thank his Sinners co-stars, highlighting his love interests Wunmi Mosaku and Hailee Steinfeld. As he became emotional, he called the Black actors who paved the way for him “giants” and “greats.” And, to conclude, he thanked the fans who made Sinners a cultural phenomenon and all of his supporters. “I know you guys want me to do well, and I want to do that because you guys bet on me. I’m going to keep being the best version of myself I could be.”

Jessie Buckley dedicated her Best Lead Actress win to "the beautiful chaos of a mother's heart"

Oscars night took place on Mother’s Day in the U.K., so it was a lovely bit of kismet when Jessie Buckley was announced as Best Lead Actress. Though it was a competitive field, the Irish actress’s portrayal of an Elizabethan mother’s mourning received the title. Still, Buckley began her speech by thanking her “incredible” fellow nominees, saying, “I am inspired by your art and your heart, and I want to work with every single one of you.”

The Irish performer went on to seek out her family in attendance, thanking her parents “for teaching us to dream and to never be defined by expectation, but to carve from your own passion.” In her usual candid style, she told her husband, Fred, “You’re my best friend and I want to have 20,000 more babies with you.” As for her 8-month-old daughter, Buckley admitted that the infant “has absolutely no idea what's going on and is probably dreaming of milk,” before sharing her love. “This is kind of a big deal, and I love you, and I love being your mom, and I can't wait to discover life beside you,” she added.

Finally, Buckley thanked Hamnet author Maggie O’Farrell and director Chloé Zhao, before expressing her gratitude for the film. “To get to know this incandescent woman and journey to understand the capacity of a mother's love is the greatest collision of my life,” she said. “I would like to dedicate this to the beautiful chaos of a mother's heart. We all come from a lineage of women who continue to create against all odds. Thank you for recognizing me in this role,” she concluded, before honoring her Irish roots by repeating her thanks in Gaelic. (She's now the first Irish woman to win in the category.)

'One Battle After Another' won best prize—and took a moment to honor the women at the film's center

At the end of the night, One Battle After Another took home the coveted prize for Best Picture. Earlier during the evening, the writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson also scored Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, as the film adapts Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland, and Sean Penn won Best Supporting Actor. As the team accepted the award for Best Picture, they were overjoyed—so much so that star and Best Supporting Actress nominee Teyana Taylor couldn’t stop giving Anderson passionate, playful hugs as he helped lead her up the steps to the stage. Chase Infiniti, meanwhile, kept adorably jumping up and down with unadulterated joy.

After producer Sara Murphy spoke about what an honor it was to work on the political action-drama, Anderson gave another speech, noting how it was an incredible year in film. He pointed to the memorable films all nominated for Best Picture in 1975 (One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Barry Lyndon, Dog Day Afternoon, Jaws, and Nashville), which have stood the test of time, likening them to this year's crop and how they all deserved to come out on top.

The filmmaker also joked that he “blew it” while accepting Best Director because he forgot to thank his cast. The auteur (who had been nominated for 11 other Oscars before winning any tonight) primarily directed his attention at the women at the film’s center whose performances kept it grounded, human, and compelling. He “especially” thanked Infiniti, calling the lead actress who portrayed Willa his “American Girl,” in reference to the heartwarming Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers needle drop in the film’s final moments. “You are the heart of this movie.”

After a long season of surprises, snubs, and red-carpet glamour, the 98th annual Academy Awards are just a few days away. This year's ceremony will cap off one of the most unpredictable awards seasons in recent years; most of the best drama movies of 2025 have picked up honors over the past three months, and there's no clear frontrunner in most of the acting races and Best Picture.

This year's nominees include a mix of record-breaking blockbusters (Sinners, KPop Demon Hunters, Marty Supreme), beloved auteur-led films (One Battle After Another, Hamnet), and strong international contenders (Sentimental Value, The Secret Agent, It Was Just an Accident). Plus, first-time nominees like Jacob Elordi, Michael B. Jordan, Renate Reinsve, Rose Byrne, Teyana Taylor, Wagner Moura, and Wunmi Mosaku hope to stamp their place in Hollywood history.

Read on to learn everything to know about the 2026 Oscars, including how to watch the ceremony and the nominated films.

When are the 2026 Oscars?

The 2026 Oscars will air live on ABC on Sunday, March 15 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. (Note: This is an hour earlier than the usual 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT start time for awards shows like the Golden Globes or the Grammys.)

As always, the ceremony will be held at L.A.'s Dolby Theatre.

How can I watch the 2026 Oscars?

Viewers with cable can tune into their local ABC channel or use their cable login to watch on a computer, phone, or tablet via ABC's app or website.

The Oscars will stream live on Hulu for all subscribers, regardless of subscription tier. (Ideally the streamer has created fixes for last year's glitches.) The full ceremony will also be available to watch on demand the following day.

If you don't have cable or a Hulu subscription, there are other ways to stream the Oscars online. Live streaming TV services like DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Sling TV, and YouTube TV provide access to ABC (and offer free trials).

How can I watch the 2026 Oscars red carpet?

ABC's official pre-show, On the Red Carpet at the Oscars, starts at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT on March 15. E! Live from the Red Carpet is also expected to start soon after at 4:00 p.m. ET/1:00 p.m. PT.

Who is hosting the 2026 Oscars?

Emmy winner Conan O'Brien will host the Oscars ceremony for the second year in a row. The comedy legend signed up to return to the awards show just two weeks after his well-received hosting debut in 2025.

Who is presenting at the 2026 Oscars?

The Academy of Motion Pictures announced that the ceremony's presenters will include: Anne Hathaway, Bill Pullman, as well as his son Lewis Pullman, Channing Tatum, Chase Infiniti, Chris Evans, Delroy Lindo, Demi Moore, Ewan McGregor, Gwyneth Paltrow, Javier Bardem, Jimmy Kimmel, Kumail Nanjiani, Maya Rudolph, Nicole Kidman, Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Robert Downey Jr., Rose Byrne, Sigourney Weaver, Wagner Moura, and Will Arnett. Last year's acting winners, Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, Mikey Madison, and Zoe Saldaña, will also return as presenters.

Meanwhile, Matt Berry will serve as the ceremony's announcer.

Who is performing at the 2026 Oscars?

After last year's controversial decision to skip the Best Original Song performances, the Oscars are bringing them back...but just the two biggest hits.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that this year's ceremony will include live performances of “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters and “I Lied to You” from Sinners. Oscar producers explained their decision, citing how the two songs "have played a defining role in their global cultural impact and audience connection this year."

They should be pretty big numbers. It's been confirmed that the singing voices behind HUNTR/X—EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna—will take the stage to sing "Golden." Meanwhile, "I Lied to You" will be performed by Sinners star Miles Caton and R&B icon Raphael Saadiq. They'll also be joined on the stage by an exciting roster of musicians and performers, including Misty Copeland, Eric Gales, Buddy Guy (who had a cameo in Sinners), Brittany Howard, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Jayme Lawson, Li Jun Li, Bobby Rush, Shaboozey, and Alice Smith.

Elsewhere during the awards show, Josh Groban and the Los Angeles Master Chorale will also perform.

According to THR, the other three tracks up for Best Original Song—"Train Dreams" by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner (Train Dreams), "Sweet Dreams of Joy" by Nicholas Pike (Viva Verdi!) and "Dear Me" by perennial nominee Diane Warren (Diane Warren: Relentless)—will be "introduced via custom-produced segments featuring film and behind-the-scenes footage."

Who is nominated at the 2026 Oscars?

As for this year's race, Sinners leads this year's Academy Award nominees with 16 nods. The vampire musical-thriller claimed a new record for the most nominations for an individual movie in one year, surpassing All About Eve, Titanic, and La La Land's 14 nods.

Following closely after Sinners is One Battle After Another, with 13 nominations; Frankenstein, Marty Supreme, and Sentimental Value with 9 nods each; and Hamnet with 8 nods. These five films are all nominated for Best Picture, along with Bugonia, F1, The Secret Agent, and Train Dreams.

Other notable nominations include Chloé Zhao's Best Director nod for Hamnet; Best Animated Picture and Best Original Song nods for KPop Demon Hunters; first-time acting nods for Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein), Elle Fanning (Sentimental Value), Rose Byrne (If I Had Legs I'd Kick You), and Delroy Lindo (Sinners); second career nominations after decades-long gaps for Kate Hudson (Song Sung Blue) and Amy Madigan (Weapons); and the four nods for non-English acting performances—The Secret Agent's Wagner Moura and Sentimental Value's Renate Reinsve, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Stellan Skarsgård. There's also a brand-new category this year: Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, and Sinners nabbed the first-ever nominations for Achievement in Casting.

How can I watch the movies nominated for the 2026 Oscars?

If you still need to catch some of these films before finishing your voting ballot this week, you can watch most of the Oscar-nominated movies from the comfort of your couch.

Most of the Best Picture nominees are already available to stream. Bugonia is on Peacock; F1 is on Apple TV; Frankenstein is on Netflix; Hamnet is on Peacock; One Battle After Another is on HBO Max; The Secret Agent is on Hulu; Sinners is on HBO Max; and Train Dreams is on Netflix. As for other top films, Blue Moon is on Netflix; KPop Demon Hunters is on Netflix; If I Had Legs I'd Kick You is on HBO Max; It Was Just An Accident is on Hulu; Song Sung Blue is on Peacock; and Weapons is on HBO Max.

Meanwhile, Marty Supreme, Sentimental Value, andThe Voice of Hind Rajab are all available to rent or own on demand. All of these are also playing in theaters nationwide, as well as Best Visual Effects frontrunner Avatar: Fire and Ash.

For those of us who have too many streaming subscriptions and are willing to wait until after the ceremony: Sentimental Value will be on Hulu starting March 26, and Marty Supreme is expected to arrive on HBO Max sometime in April or May.

Well, it’s official: Marie Claire’s Award Season is in full swing. Our big shebang of a program—the Marie Claire 2026 Beauty Awards—has been open for a few weeks now (our skincare and body care entries are now closed, but you’re not too late to enter hair, makeup, and nail products!), and products are slowly but surely rolling into the MC offices. But because Team Beauty hates a dull moment, we have also decided to kick off our much-anticipated 3rd annual Marie Claire Fragrance Awards (!!) this month.

This is my personal favorite program because not only do I stumble upon new brands and niche fragrances, but it also provides the perfect setting to rediscover classics. Each entry costs $250 and will be tested by multiple members of the Marie Claire Beauty Team. We spend hours (neigh, weeks) spraying, smelling, and wearing hundreds of different formulas on a mission to find the best 53 scents encompassing traditional perfumes, candles, home fragrance, laundry detergent, and scented body care. The result is a crop of products we can wholeheartedly recommend to our readers.

If you have yet to enter, act fast. Our application is only open until Friday, April 3, with the sample delivery due to the MC offices no later than Friday, April 10. All fragrances that will be eligible to shop in May 2026 are eligible to enter. The only caveat: if you are entering for the Best New Fragrance Award, the product must have launched between May 2025 and May 2026—no sooner, no later, no exceptions.

Winners will be announced on marieclaire.com and our accompanying social platforms in May 2026, photographed as part of a beautiful custom photoshoot, and celebrated at our Fragrance Awards Party, which will take place in early June. It’s my favorite night of the year, bringing together incredible noses, brand founders, industry leaders, and genius marketers.

If you have any questions, please visit our awards website or reach out to our very helpful and responsive team at marieclaireawards@futurenet.com. Good luck, everyone—we can't wait to start testing!

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Stylist Law Roach held down the fashion fort for his star client, Zendaya, at the 2026 SAG-turned-Actor Awards on March 1. Not being nominated would've been reason enough for Zendaya to skip the 32nd annual red carpet. However, her explanation by proxy was much more headline-making: She's already married to longtime boyfriend Tom Holland.

Minutes before the red carpet closed, Law Roach blessed Access Hollywood with a mic-drop interview: “The wedding has already happened,” he proclaimed with a sing-songy tone. "You missed it.” The interviewer thankfully asked, "Is that true?" to which Roach replied, "Very true." He tip-toed away from the microphone with that post-Zendaya wedding glow, dressed in a classic black-and-white suit.

Zendaya and Holland have been one of Hollywood's most low-profile couples for their six-year-long relationship—they haven't walked a red carpet together since December 2021. So it's no surprise fans didn't receive a "Save the Date" before they said "I do." Plus, Roach warned us last May that wedding photos will be hard to come by.

"It will probably be a wedding dress that nobody will ever see," he told Complex. "They [just] try to be as private as possible so there won't be a Vogue spread; there won't be pictures of the wedding."

By July, Roach doubled down on his claims to E! News, saying Zendaya will be "a secret bride." Good on Zendaya and Holland for inviting guests "respectful of their privacy," just as Roach predicted to Complex. Not a single bouquet, boutonnière, Christian Louboutin "So Kate," or slice of cake surfaced on Instagram. Neither did any glimpses at her wedding dress.

Roach left his Associated Press interview before he could tease Zendaya's wedding dress. Next month's The Drama might be the first and last time we see Zendaya, aka Emma Harwood, in a white dress. Even so, Marie Claire suspects her character's fit-and-flare Jenny Yoo gown doesn't seem too out of character for the actor. Its scoop neckline, plunging back, and A-line skirt complemented Zendaya's off-duty affinity for minimalism. Knowing her, she could've sourced Louis Vuitton, Alaïa, Loewe, Armani Privé, or Maison Margiela—her go-to red carpet ateliers—to craft the secretive style.

Law Roach's news came two weeks after Zendaya was photographed not wearing her east-west Jessica McCormack engagement ring, but a low-profile band instead. On Feb. 18, she styled an ivory Valentino Spring 2021 jacket, black The Row Canal Loafers, Loewe's Flamenco Bag, and a never-before-seen wedding band.

It was yellow gold, just like the button-back engagement ring the Challengers actor debuted at the 2025 Golden Globes. The main difference? Zendaya's five-carat, Old Mine-cut diamond—the same silhouette as Taylor Swift's sparkler—was surprisingly MIA. At the time, zero reports clarified if Zendaya indeed tied the knot, or if she just didn't want to lose the $120,000 Jessica McCormack creation in L.A. Now, it seems the former is more likely. Roach wouldn't joke about something this serious and special—he is a Cancer after all.

Zendaya and Holland have yet to comment on Roach's announcement—they might never prove him right or wrong. "Our relationship is something that we are incredibly protective of and we want to keep as sacred as possible," Holland told The Hollywood Reporter in Jan. 2024. But if she arrives at the April 3 premiere of The Drama with her wedding band and engagement ring in tow, count that as a first-person confirmation: Zendaya is officially a wife.

The 2026 Actor Awards best-dressed list promised a shake-up before the night even started. This year, nominees including Teyana Taylor, Jenna Ortega, and Keri Russell had a red carpet fashion assignment: Follow the ceremony's first-ever dress code.

"Reimagining Hollywood Glamour from the '20s and '30s" was the directive. And no, it didn't end up requiring a sea of flapper-inspired slips and fringe to make the 2026 Actor Awards best-dressed list. The Fashion Month runways—and connections to major houses like Chanel, Dior, and Prada—allowed several guests to meet the requirements while staying true to their personal style. Rose Byrne and stylist Kate Young sourced an angelic look from Chanel's latest Metiers d'Art collection, while Chase Infiniti worked her ongoing Louis Vuitton collaboration to source a shimmering gold gown and matching beaded cap.

A few stars branched out from traditional Old Hollywood codes to equally chic effect—like Quinta Brunson in a custom Gabriela Hearst gown painted in halves: one stark white, the other black. Or, Love Story star Sarah Pidgeon, who swapped Carolyn Besette-Kennedy minimalism for off-the-runway Balenciaga.

From Gwyneth Paltrow in Givenchy to Teyana Taylor in custom Thom Browne, this event delivered opulence in every form. Ahead, see how the best-dressed stars from the 2026 Actor Awards red carpet handled the "Hollywood glamour" dress code their way.

Teyana Taylor wearing custom Thom Browne

Teyana Taylor's arrival on the 2026 Actor Awards red carpet was almost outshined by her adorable date: her daughter, Rue Shumpert. Still, the pair's adorable joint interview gave Taylor plenty of airtime for showing off every angle of her custom Thom Browne dress. The One Battle After Another star approaches each and every red carpet ready to challenge herself and push her style limits: Tonight, she went the distance in a dress fusing a trompe l'oeil, painted-on bodice with a liquid sequin skirt.

Michelle Williams wearing Prada

Michelle Williams is taking home an Actor Award for her performance in Dying for Sex and a best-dressed accolade. Williams tapped Prada for a custom twist on the year's apron dress trend—but rather than neutrals like on Prada and Miu Miu's runways, she chose a peony-pink silk organza coated in micro sequins and crystals.

Kate Hudson wearing Valentino

Song Sung Blue actor Kate Hudson would have already made this list in her cut-out Valentino gown alone. But then jeweler Emily P. Wheeler supplied approximately $500,000-worth of custom diamond jewelry, and it ascended to another plane. Actors rarely have bespoke jewels made for their red carpets, even when they're nominated. As stylist Sophie Lopez told Marie Claire , "To collaborate directly with Emily to design an entirely original suite specifically for Kate allowed us to approach the look with complete intention."

Rhea Seehorn wearing Louis Vuitton

Rhea Seehorn plays the unhappiest person on Earth on Pluribus. On the 2026 Actor Awards red carpet, she's a beam of joy in custom Louis Vuitton. Following her Golden Globes win in a trophy-inspired gown, she picked a similarly sculpted look at the March 1 ceremony—swapping a gilded fabric for rich, midnight brocade.

Wunmi Mosaku wearing custom Louis Vuitton

No one is doing maternity red carpet dressing like Sinners star Wunmi Mosaku. She's been a best-dressed regular throughout awards season, extending her streak at the 2026 Actor Awards in custom Louis Vuitton. The moment two assistants joined her to arrange the tails of her red shoulder wrap, it was clear: Mosaku and her darling plus-one understood the dress code.

Chase Sui Wonders wearing Miss Sohee Couture

The Studio would go on to win big at the 2026 Actor Awards, including for Comedy Ensemble. But cast member Chase Sui Wonders was already a winner when she hit the red carpet in this Miss Sohee Couture gown. The sculpted cups and shimmering floral print were just the start of her Old Hollywood homages; the vintage-loving actress even committed to the look with a wavy, slicked-back hairstyle and delicate drop earrings.

Rose Byrne wearing Chanel Métiers d'Art

Chanel's latest Métiers d'Art collection has been racking up the red carpet credentials, from Kendall Jenner to Sarah Pidgeon and now, If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You star Rose Byrne. She and stylist Kate Young pulled look 81 from Chanel's subway runway, an angelic white dress with a subtle drop waist coated in silver embellishments. Byrne will have more to say about the look in an exclusive edition of Marie Claire's The Close-Up column—stay tuned.

Chase Infiniti wearing Louis Vuitton

There are no limits on the creativity between One Battle After Another star Chase Infiniti, stylists Wayman + Micah, and the house of Louis Vuitton. The duo reunited once again for the 2026 Actor Awards red carpet, and sent Infiniti back to the best-dressed list in a glittering, long-sleeve dress with a sculpted, mini mermaid skirt. Infiniti said it's her way of bringing the immortal Josephine Baker back to the red carpet spotlight—including her coordinating beaded cap.

Gwyneth Paltrow wearing Givenchy

She's back! After nearly 26 long years, Gwyneth Paltrow returned to her first Actor Awards red carpet since 2000 in a dress that was well worth the wait. Paltrow, nominated alongside the cast of Marty Supreme for an ensemble award, combined 1920s-esque lace with her signature minimalism in the form of a Givenchy by Sarah Burton gown. Between the navel-grazing neckline and the full, balletic skirt, every stitch of Paltrow's gown arrived in perfect proportion. GP, we missed you.

Yerin Ha wearing Balenciaga

Fresh off her first season of Bridgerton, Yerin Ha is on her way to becoming the diamond of the awards circuit. She tapped stylist Holly White for a refreshing alternative to the usual red carpet gowns: a two-piece top and pants from Balenciaga's latest runway. A few women on the carpet wore tuxedos, but this set was an even bigger swerve, thanks to the fringe dripping from the shoulders to her torso.

Viola Davis wearing Gucci

Speaking to E! correspondents on the 2026 Actor Awards red carpet, Viola Davis said she wanted to feel like "a queen." Her custom Gucci dress definitely looked regal while checking the "Hollywood glamour" box. On a carpet where black, white, and champagne gowns were in heavy supply, her metallic pleated gown (and that diamond and emerald choker necklace!) packed a punch.

Demi Moore wearing Schiaparelli Couture

Just a few days ago, Demi Moore was sitting front-row at Demna's Gucci runway debut in skintight leather. Tonight at the 2026 Actor Awards, she's walking the red carpet in Schiaparelli Couture, styled by Brad Goreski. This gown's train is an explosion of tulle, and of joy: a bit of early twentieth-century showgirl mixed with thoroughly 2026 drama.

Hannah Einbinder wearing Willy Chavarria

Hacks star Hannah Einbinder's take on the "Reimagining Hollywood Glamour" dress code was no laughing matter. She tapped Willy Chavarria for a strong-shouldered, textured black gown with a surprise in the back: a pale blue cape that flowed behind her as she took her seat.

Sarah Pidgeon wearing Balenciaga

Marie Claire cover star Sarah Pidgeon is on a generational red carpet run. Since debuting as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in Love Story, she's pulled everything from Chanel runway looks to fresh pieces by Prada, Khaite, and more. At the 2026 Actor Awards, she did minimalism her way with a drop-waist pink gown from Balenciaga's latest runway collection. The shape is a nod to the popular shapes of the dress code's appointed era (the 1920s and 1930s), but the strapless silhouette and bubble hem are very 2026. Trust: With stylist Emma Jade Morrison's help, Pidgeon's on her way to becoming a style icon on the level of the character she plays.

Quinta Brunson wearing custom Gabriela Hearst

Abbott Elementary star Quinta Brunson pulled off PhD-level minimalism at the 2026 Actor Awards. Two striking, simple halves of the strong-shouldered Gabriela Hearst dress made a complete (and elegant) whole. All stylist Jessica Paster needed to add were Jimmy Choo shoes and a sprinkle of Tiffany & Co. diamonds.

Mia Goth wearing Dior

Mia Goth's wardrobe in the Actor Awards-nominated Frankenstein involved spooky twists on naked dressing and gowns accentuated by X-ray patterns. But on the 2026 red carpet, she limited the period-piece references to a detachable, ruffled bustle. Otherwise, her Dior by Jonathan Anderson gown looked like a modern twist on 1920s slip dresses, from the slim-fitting silhouette to the all-over beading.

At the 2001 SAG Awards, first-time nominee Kate Hudson wore more gemstones on her Donna Karen dress than her décolletage. Her only visible jewels were stud earrings, glimmering from beneath her wavy curls. Now, 25 years and two nominations later, Hudson made up for lost time—and diamonds—at the SAG-turned-2026 Actor Awards red carpet in over 20 carats of custom Emily P. Wheeler sparklers.

Nearly two hours after L.A.'s Shrine Auditorium opened the red carpet, the "Female Actor in a Leading Role" nominee honored the “Reimagining Hollywood Glamour From the ‘20s and ‘30s" dress code in a Valentino gown and opulent Emily P. Wheeler gems. The L.A.-based jeweler sculpted "a half million-dollar" high jewelry set, featuring a necklace, a cocktail ring, and earrings, just to complement the Song Sung Blue star's dress.

"Unlike couture, which is almost always custom, high jewelry is typically loaned from existing collections that have been worn before," stylist Sophie Lopez tells Marie Claire. "To collaborate directly with Emily to design an entirely original suite specifically for Kate allowed us to approach the look with complete intention."

"For such a significant red carpet moment, we knew the jewelry needed to reflect that level of importance," Wheeler tells Marie Claire. First up? A collar-style torque necklace, centered by a 10.15-carat antique Desert diamond atop Hudson's collarbone. 38.73 carats of pavé diamonds covered every square inch of the collar, before asymmetrical bubble-fringe stones cascaded down each open end. The torque's white diamonds encompassed the aforementioned, champagne-colored scene-stealer, which offset the otherwise balanced structure.

Wheeler's "bubble-fringe" effect stretched onto similar statement earrings, crafted to spotlight 2.7-carat, light brown Desert diamonds on each stud. Then, 2.24 carats of smaller, white diamonds bordered both center stones like tiers of raindrops. Wheeler also designed droplet-less studs for Hudson's special night. This pair started with same circular, champagne diamonds, except the surrounding smaller stones were more compressed.

Hudson's east-west engagement ring from fiancé Danny Fujikawa was joined by not one, but three Emily P. Wheeler creations. For the first two, the designer sourced 3.09-carat and 2.71-carat Desert diamonds from Botswana. Sally Morrison, natural diamonds market lead at diamond company De Beers Group, credits the rise in warm-toned gemstones to celebrity red carpet fashion. See Jessie Buckley and Bad Bunny's Desert diamonds at the 2026 Golden Globes and Super Bowl LX, respectively, for proof. To complement Hudson's earrings and necklace, white circular diamonds decorated her bubbly bands.

Because it was such a "dream to create custom jewelry for Kate," Wheeler couldn't possibly stop there. Her final and most "bohemian" ring by far drew inspiration from Wheeler's signature twist silhouette. An 8.8-carat center stone—Hudson's last Desert diamond—was a splash more rose gold than its predecessors, possibly a nod to her engagement ring's pink-ish band. The winding setting featured 3.37 carats of white diamonds—the stones even acted in lieu of classic palladium prongs.

This award season alone, Hudson's frosted herself in diamonds from Shay Jewelry, Garatti, Bulgari, Cartier, and Chaumet. None appeared to be personalized just for her, though. By going custom, Lopez aligned "every detail of the jewelry with the overall vision for the night," she adds. If the 2026 Actor Awards vision was Old Hollywood glamour, with a hint of Almost Famous nostalgia, Hudson, Lopez, and Wheeler hit the nail on the head.

Welcome to the first-ever Actor Awards red carpet. The title is new, but the ceremony wasn’t an eleventh-hour addition to the 2026 award season. Actually, the 32-year-old Screen Actors Guild Awards became the Actor Awards in November 2025 to “better reflect its position as the only industry honor given to actors, by actors,” according to SAG-AFTRA. But if you accidentally call the 2026 Actor Awards the SAG Awards, you’re not alone. Even the ceremony’s host, Kristen Bell, admitted “there’s been a lot of slip-ups” at Netflix.

Most of what made the SAG Awards the SAG Awards still applies to the Actor Awards. 2026’s buzziest films, TV shows, actors, and ensembles still formed the current class of nominees, just like they have since 1995. The biggest change—apart from the name—is the addition of an official red carpet dress code, “Reimagining Hollywood Glamour From the ‘20s and ‘30s,” for the first time in SAG history. I certainly didn’t see it coming, even as Marie Claire’s part-award season superfan, part-fashion staff writer. But as an expert on Hollywood’s biggest pro dress-code affairs (like the Met Gala and the Cannes Film Festival), I’m grateful for more themed fashion.

As leading partner of the 2026 Actor Awards, Elle magazine presented looks from Betty Davis and Barbara Stenwyck, as well as Spring 2026 Couture styles by Chanel, Schiaparelli, and Valentino, as red carpet inspiration for attendees. It couldn’t be more different from the 2026 Met Gala’s “Fashion Is Art” dress code. But if it’s anything like the first Monday in May, a handful of celebrities will take creative liberties.

Simply bringing together TV and film’s biggest and brightest confirms the red carpet will be memorable. Add fashion girls-turned-actors like Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, and Odessa A’zion to the mix? It’s a night to rival the Golden Globes. Former Marie Claire cover star Teyana Taylor—and Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role nominee—could earn top billing on senior news editor Halie LeSavage’s post-Actor Awards best-dressed list. On the TV side, we’re also watching Pluribus's Rhea Seehorn, who’s fresh off her 2026 Golden Globes win. Like Emma Stone, Louis Vuitton’s Nicolas Ghesquiere is a huge fan of Seehorn—I bet he’ll dress both nominees tonight. Jessie Buckley, on the other hand, is a wildcard. Will she revive divine Hamnet dressing (the project she’s nominated for), though she’s technically promoting The Bride? And what about Hailee Steinfeld? I’m betting on another Rihanna-inspired maternity look, but make it red carpet-worthy.

Previous 2026 award shows—including the Grammys and Golden Globes—opened the respective red carpets extra early. (I’m talking 4 p.m. ET) So Marie Claire is following suit. From now until well past my bedtime, I’ll share to-the-minute updates of the 2026 Actor Awards red carpet fashion. Once Bell’s hosting gig begins, my fellow editors and I will keep the style reactions coming. I’m already practicing my shocked face when Kylie Jenner sneaks into L.A.’s Shrine Auditorium…

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 Gaurav Gupta gown (and a bold red lip), while Isa Briones took the night's dress code to heart in a vintage, burnt orange Roberto Cavalli 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

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

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.

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 Prada dress did the styling for her."—Halie LeSavage, senior fashion news editor

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

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

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

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 from Louis Vuitton. 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

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 respective Gabriela Hearst and Monique Lhuillier gowns featured Cloud Dancer, while the other channeled 'black-and-white cookie-core.'"—Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer

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 Prada 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 Elie Saab 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

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

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 from Louis Vuitton.

Once Mia Goth arrived in Dior, statement skirts became a red carpet trend. Her lace slip featured a detachable bustle. Keri Russell's little black Louis Vuitton 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

Teyana Taylor's Dress Steals My Breath and My Heart

"I knew Teyana Taylor would earn top billing on my best-dressed list at the 2026 Actor Awards. But I didn't expect her step-and-repeat to make me tear up. Moments after photographers captured her sculptural, anatomically-correct Thom Browne gown (a rehearsal for the 2026 Met Gala theme, perhaps?), Taylor's five-year-old daughter, Rue Rose Shumpert, followed behind to elongate its sequin skirt. And the Actor Award for 'most adorable red carpet walk' goes to..."—Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer

Jessie Buckley and Janelle James Devour Black-and-White Cookie-Core

"Following Quinta Brunson and Dove Cameron's leads, Jessie Buckley and Janelle James continued the Marie Claire-dubbed 'black-and-white cookie-core' theme. Buckley's Balenciaga look, for one, began with a simple black sheath dress. Then, a cloud-like, white shawl draped from one end of the curved neckline to the other. Similarly, Janelle James styled a black shift as her base, before an asymmetrical, one-shoulder white wrap stretched across her bodice."—Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer

Keri Russell Gives 'Marie Claire' Editors Major Déjà Vu

"This year at the 2026 Actor Awards, Keri Russell delivered a true déjà vu moment. The star slipped into a black one-shoulder gown from Louis Vuitton that practically mirrored her Zuhair Murad look from last year's ceremony. As Russell has demonstrated, there's nothing wrong with sticking with your signature style. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"—Lauren Tappan, fashion editor

Connor Storrie Skates from 'SNL' to the 2026 Actor Awards

"Less than 24 hours after hosting Saturday Night Live, Connor Storrie booked a red-eye flight to L.A. for the 2026 Actor Awards. Still, that didn't stop the Heated Rivalry actor from serving a Saint Laurent look in a shoulder-padded blazer, matching charcoal gray trousers, and no shirt underneath. Who needs a button-down when your diamond choker necklace shines enough?"—Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer

Emma Stone's Actor Awards Plus-One? A Little Velour Jacket

"For a ceremony in the middle of winter, you'd assume coats would play more of a part on the Actor Awards red carpet. Emma Stone is the only guest to cover her shoulders (so far), with a lilac velour jacket atop a matching slip dress, both from Louis Vuitton."—Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer

Demi Moore Modernizes 20th-Century Showgirl Glamour in Schiaparelli

"So far, the night hasn't been nearly as 1920s and '30s-focused as the dress code advertised. But Demi Moore's exaggerated, Schiaparelli feathered train is the modern take on the twentieth century showgirl I've been waiting for."—Halie LeSavage, senior fashion news editor

Jenna Ortega Gives Spring's Leading Dress Trend a Hollywood Close-Up

"Jenna Ortega styled many a silky slip on her Wednesday Season 2 press tour last year. Now, after Marie Claire declared it a leading Spring 2026 dress trend, the 23-year-old proved the staying power of a lace-trimmed slip in Christian Cowan at the Actor Awards. Its floral bodice, thigh-high slit, and distressed hem channeled gothic, Ortega-core to a T. Plus, the skirt's slit revealed over-the-knee, semi-sheer gray socks—a '90s-inspired element Wednesday Addams would certainly copy."—Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer

Timothée Chalamet Arrives at the Actor Awards...Without Kylie Jenner

"Instead of breaking their solo award season streak with a joint step-and-repeat, Timothée Chalamet arrived Kylie Jenner-less at the 2026 Actor Awards. Even so, he looked dapper by his lonesome in an ivory blazer, stark white button-down, and black trousers, all from Prada. Don't give up hope just yet: I'm sure the celebrity couple will be cozying up around a star-studded table any minute now."—Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer

Ariana Grande Skips the 2026 Actor Awards Red Carpet for Good

"I'm surprised that Ariana Grande skipped out on what will probably be one of the last excuses for her to method dress in the name of good."—Kelsey Stiegman, contributing fashion writer

Kate Hudson Flaunts $500,000 Worth of Emily P. Wheeler Diamonds On the Red Carpet

"Kate Hudson arrived at the 2026 Actor Awards in her third custom Valentino dress of award season: a cream-colored, waist cutout gown, featuring an elongated shoulder cape. I, for one, couldn't stop staring at her Emily P. Wheeler jewels, specifically an almost 50-carat torque-style necklace. With the 'bubble-fringe' earrings and matching trio of rings, her 'high jewelry suite' reached $500,000, according to Marie Claire's pre-show interview with Wheeler. I'll be dreaming of this set long after the Actor Awards."—Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer

Mindy Kaling Revives the Cutout Trend in Black Velvet

"The cutout trend is beyond the point of stale, but Mindy Kaling's Yara Shoemaker gown does the impossible: makes the look feel fresh. The combination of mesh and beads against velvet creates such a striking contrast."—Kelsey Stiegman, contributing fashion writer

Gwyneth Paltrow Resumes Givenchy's Naked Dress Award Season Streak

"When I saw Gwyneth Paltrow’s Givenchy gown, my jaw nearly dropped to the floor. Yes, I absolutely loved the plunging neckline and fit-and-flare silhouette, but it was the embroidered lace bodice that truly caught my eye. It delivered a peekaboo twist that made this dress stand apart from the rest."—Lauren Tappan, fashion editor

Kristen Bell Opens the 2026 Actor Awards in a Trophy-Worthy Tuxedo

"Kristen Bell's singing voice is too fabulous not to open the 2026 Actor Awards with a Hollywood-themed song. She used the five-minute medley to debut her first outfit change: She traded her Georges Hobeika gown for a velvet tuxedo from Armani, featuring a bow tie, a shoulder-padded tailcoat, and straight-leg trousers."—Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer

Final Fashion Thoughts: The 2026 Actor Awards

"I blinked and the final celebrity walked the 2026 Actor Awards red carpet. All in all, it was an evening to remember. 1920s and '30s fashion wasn't so much a requirement, as it was a springboard for A-listers to bounce ideas off of. Chase Infiniti, for one, earned top billing on my best-dressed list, mainly because of her flapper-esque skull cap. Meanwhile, Kate Hudson's cape evoked the drama of the decades, especially alongside $500,000 worth of diamonds from Emily P. Wheeler. I must give Sarah Pidgeon her flowers too, for making a Balenciaga Spring 2026 dress look fresh from a 1920s jazz club."—Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer

"Teyana Taylor is hands down my number one best dressed! Dramatic and distinctly her. I can't imagine any other A-lister in a painted-on, sequined Thom Browne gown with curly-cue ribbon trains."—Emma Childs, fashion features editor

That's a Wrap On the 2026 Actor Awards!

Wow, what a night. If the 2026 Academy Awards are even half as fashionable as tonight's red carpet looks, we're in for another treat on March 15. Thank you for following along as Marie Claire reacted to Gwyneth Paltrow in Givenchy, Jenna Ortega in Christian Cowan, Teyana Taylor in Thom Browne, as well as absences from Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande. Senior fashion news editor Halie LeSavage released her roundup of the best Actor Awards red carpet looks as soon as the curtain closed. A teaser: It might look very similar to your best-dressed list.

Celebrities brought their A-game to the 2026 BRIT Awards red carpet, leaving London in favor of Manchester, U.K., for the very first time. While Taylor Swift skipped the 2026 BRIT Awards, a smorgasbord of singers—including Lola Young, Olivia Dean, Dua Lipa, and Harry Styles—showcased their style at the prestigious event.

Dean and Young led the list of nominees, with each artist receiving an impressive five nominations at the 2026 BRIT Awards. In fact, the pair competed against one another for Song of the Year, British Artist of the Year, and Best Pop Act.

The BRIT Awards offer celebrities a chance to have a little fun with their personal style—such as the Spice Girls delivering their personality-based looks for their 1997 performance at the ceremony. But that doesn't preclude attendees from wearing custom designer outfits and surprising vintage pulls. Here, we round up all of the can't-miss red carpet looks at this year's BRIT Awards.

Dua Lipa wearing a custom Gucci look and Bulgari jewelry

Dua Lipa wearing Mugler and Bulgari

Olivia Dean wearing custom Loewe

Jade Thirlwall wearing custom Off-White

Maya Jama

Harry Styles wearing Chanel

Tems wearing jewels from The Diamond Store

Rosalía wearing Chanel

Ella Thomas

Lola Young wearing M by Macy Grimshaw

Mark Ronson and Grace Gummer wearing Celine

Rosé wearing Saint Laurent

One of awards season's most underrated delights has a brand-new name. The ceremony formerly known as the SAG Awards is now the 32nd Annual Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA—a super-sized name befitting the Screen Actors Guild, which has the highest membership of any awards season voting body.

Each year, SAG's roster of over 160,000 performers honors the best performances of the year, from tear-jerking film monologues to the TV moments that blow fans's minds. Nominees like Emma Stone, Jacob Elordi, Jenna Ortega, Teyana Taylor, and Timothée Chalamet are expected to grace this year's revamped red carpet, which has received the Met Gala treatment with its own theme: Reimagining Hollywood Glamour From the ‘20s and ‘30s.

Read on for everything you need to know about the 2026 Actor Awards, including how to watch the ceremony live and which stars are set to attend.

When are the 2026 Actor Awards?

The 32nd Annual Actor Awards presented by SAG-AFTRA will air live on Netflix on Sunday, March 1 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. This year's ceremony will take place at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in L.A.

How to watch the 2026 Actor Awards:

Netflix subscribers across all tiers—including Standard with ads, Standard, and Premium—can watch the Actor Awards on the streaming service.

Unfortunately, Netflix doesn't offer a free trial, so viewers will have to pay for one of the above tiers to watch live. Standard with ads costs $8/month, while Standard costs $18/month, and Premium is $25/month.

How to watch the 2026 Actor Awards red carpet:

The official pre-show for the 2026 Actor Awards will stream live on Netflix starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Hosts Paige DeSorbo and Scott Evans will lead the red-carpet coverage.

Also, one award, Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture and Television Series, will be announced on the carpet.

Who is hosting the 2026 Actor Awards?

Nobody Wants This star Kristen Bell returns to host the awards ceremony for the second year in a row (and the third overall).

"There’s something that feels so special and divine about…[having] the opportunity to be given the stage and entertain in front of a group of entertainers that I admire," Bell said in a statement. "I’m just very grateful that it’s me, because I like entertaining, and I like being goofy, and I like making people smile. So to be given this stage, it feels like an award in and of itself."

Who is presenting at the 2026 Actor Awards?

Netflix has announced the full presenter roster ahead of the ceremony: Allison Janney, Andy Garcia, Angela Kinsey, Benicio del Toro, Chase Infiniti, Christoph Waltz, Claire Danes, Connor Storrie, Damian Lewis, Damson Idris, Delroy Lindo, Ellie Kemper, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jacob Elordi, Janelle James, Jenna Fischer, Jenna Ortega, Jessie Buckley, Lisa Kudrow, Meg Stalter, Mia Goth, Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton, Mindy Kaling, Odessa A’zion, Paul W. Downs, Regina Hall, Samuel L. Jackson, Sarah Paulson, Sean Astin, Sterling K. Brown, Teyana Taylor, Timothée Chalamet, Tyler Okonma (a.k.a. Tyler, the Creator), Viola Davis, Woody Harrelson, Wunmi Mosaku and Yerin Ha. Bridgerton star Ha also serves as this year's Ambassador, who "will provide fans with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the awards ceremony," per SAG-AFTRA.

Meanwhile, Harrison Ford is set to receive this year's Life Achievement Award for his legendary career spanning over 60 years. SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin said in a statement, "His career has been endlessly exciting, always returning to his love of acting. We are honored to celebrate a legend whose impact on our craft is indelible."

Unfortunately, one of the night's biggest nominees will not make it to the ceremony. According to PEOPLE, Ariana Grande is passing on the ceremony, as she's in the middle of rehearsals for her upcoming tour.

Who is nominated at the 2026 Actor Awards?

Among this year's film nominees, One Battle After Another leads with seven nods—including at least one for each film category. Sinners follows with five nods, and Frankenstein, Hamnet, and Marty Supreme each claim three. Notably, foreign-language Oscar nominees like Sentimental Value and The Secret Agent were shut out of the nominations.

On the TV side, The Studio leads with five nominations, followed by The White Lotus and Adolescence with four each. Other nominated shows include Abbott Elementary, The Bear, The Diplomat, Hacks, Landman, Only Murders in the Building, The Pitt, and Severance.

London Fashion Week front rows for Erdem and Burberry aren't the only places where stars are gathering on Sunday, February 22. Just across town, the best-dressed stars on the 2026 BAFTAs (British Academy Film Awards) red carpet took over London's Royal Festival Hall with even more looks to dissect.

With Traitors host Alan Cumming presiding over a ceremony filled with awards season's best-dressed stars, the BAFTAs red carpet was bound to be an awards season highlight. But royals Prince William and Princess Kate making an appearance upped the styling ante even more. With monarchs on the red carpet, this wasn't an evening where nominees like Jessie Buckley and Teyana Taylor wanted to take exaggerated risks with, say, exposed Schiaparelli butt cleavage or a completely naked dress. Rather, the mood of the evening was palace-worthy refinement, with a range of velvet gowns, jewel tones, and tastefully open backs. Kate Hudson looked radiant in an off-the-shoulder red gown by Prada, while Wunmi Mosaku channeled the speakeasy aesthetic of Sinners in a layered fringe gown by Ahluwalia. As for the Princess? She brought a blush pink Gucci dress back out from her personal archive.

A few guests paid homage to London's fashion greats with looks from local designers; the rest stayed loyal to their awards season favorites. (Read: There's a whole lot of new Chanel represented.) The official BAFTAs broadcast airs a few hours after attendees actually hit the red carpet—meaning there's more time to soak in the most memorable looks of the night. Ahead, see Marie Claire's picks for the best–and most princess-worthy —looks of the BAFTAs red carpet.

Princess Kate wearing Gucci

Royal watchers know to expect the unexpected with Princess Kate's fashion strategy. While it's always pristine and polished, she'll also throw in curveball styling touches—like $28 Zara earrings with an Alexander McQueen gown. (That was her move at the 2023 BAFTAs.)

At the 2026 BAFTAs, she dipped back into her royal archive for dress that hasn't been seen since 2019: a blush pink and lavender Gucci gown, cinched with a velvet burgundy belt. That little accessory perfectly matched BAFTA president Prince William's deep crimson tux. After last year's no-show (she chose to spend the day with her children), it's good to see the Princess back in BAFTAs action.

Jessie Buckley wearing Chanel

Jessie Buckley is an awards-season frontrunner for her harrowing turn as the bereaved mother Agnes Shakespeare in Hamnet. She dressed like red carpet royalty in-the-making in custom Chanel, styled by Danielle Goldberg. The deep blue velvet and crystalline detailing on each shoulder seemed fit for an ascent to the awards season throne—or at least to the podium with an acceptance speech.

Teyana Taylor wearing Burberry

Teyana Taylor is a true style chameleon: She can pull off anything from an optical illusion Thom Browne dress to skintight Schiaparelli with a matching, crystal thong. At the 2026 BAFTAs, she made the best-dressed list with a twist on regal Victorian dressing—assisted by the U.K.'s most internationally recognized luxury label, Burberry. Her eggplant purple ruff nearly concealed her face, while a gathered skirt and train unfurled behind her. The silhouette twist didn't mean there was a lack of sparkle, though: Taylor added several rare Tiffany jewels, including a Tiffany Bird on a Rock brooch that glowed with a 50-plus carat citrine stone.

Gracie Abrams wearing Chanel

Don't let Gracie Abrams's red carpet couples' debut with Paul Mescal distract too much from the main event: her Chanel Metiers d'Art dress. On creative director Matthieu Blazy's New York City subway runway, it looked fit for a commuter queen with a coffee cup bag and pointed-toe flats. Abrams transformed it into an awards night gown with chandelier earrings and a higher heel.

Kate Hudson wearing custom Prada

She may be nominated for Song Sung Blue, but Kate Hudson chose vibrant cherry red for her 2026 BAFTAs red carpet close-up. The custom Prada gown, styled by Sophie Lopez, bridged Grace Kelly glamour with modern details—mainly, a geometric open back just about her hip-accentuating skirt.

Odessa A'Zion wearing Dior

Marty Supreme and I Love L.A. breakout star Odessa A'Zion didn't seem to reference her own projects for the 2026 BAFTAs red carpet. Instead, there were hints of Wuthering Heights and misty, gothic moors in her off-the-shoulder bodice and semi-sheer lace skirt by Dior. Punk princesses, this is the red-carpet highlight for you.

Wumni Mosaku wearing Ahluwalia

Wumni Mosaku unveiled her pregnancy at the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet in a sunshine yellow gown. Since then, she's worked with stylist Shameelah Hicks to show great style and maternity-friendly fashion can go hand-in-hand. At the 2026 BAFTAs, she celebrated several nominations for Sinners in a gown by London Fashion Week regular Ahluwalia. The shade of cobalt blue is a common motif in the label's collections; the panels of fringe descending into a flapper-inspired train were the star's way of referencing her film's speakeasy setting.

Chase Infiniti wearing Louis Vuitton

It's one red carpet accolade after another for rising star Chase Infiniti. For the 2026 BAFTAs, her partnership with Louis Vuitton and stylists Wayman + Micah resulted in another standout sculptural gown. This time, the exaggerated trumpet skirt resembled a skirt caught in motion, mid-twirl. And who wouldn't want to look like the ruler of the dance floor with a breakout awards season like hers?

Sadie Sink wearing Prada

There's more than meets the eye to Sadie Sink and stylist Molly Dickson's collaboration for the 2026 BAFTAs red carpet. In the front, this sage green gown is all soft elegance. (See: the strapless, structured neckline and heel-friendly skirt.) In the back, a sudden cut-out to Sink's waist, secured by a single strap, gives this princess dress some nuance. Credits weren't available at press time, but it sure looks like another Prada creation.

Rose Byrne wearing Miu Miu

If Princess Kate was keeping tabs on her fellow red carpet guests, Rose Bryne's custom Miu Miu, styled by Kate Young, was definitely the dress most likely to inspire her future red carpets. Between the lighter-than-air skirt, the delicate shade of butter yellow, and the touches of crystals along the straps and bodice, this dress is fit for a modern-day Belle (or Kensington Palace gala attendee).

Izzy Custodio never expected her obsession with film history to become a career. Before she founded the YouTube channel Be Kind Rewind, the writer and creator’s deep dives on Old Hollywood divas were just her hobby—how she spent her free time while pursuing a degree in international relations. But for the past eight years, Custodio has become YouTube’s go-to source for in-depth video essays on film history and its reflection on society.

Be Kind Rewind episodes explore the intricacies of awards seasons past and present, from legendary Best Actress races to deep dives into Hollywood turning points. While it might seem like one could only scratch the surface of topics like #OscarsSoWhite or the Hollywood Blacklist in a 40-minute video essay, Custodio seamlessly weaves historical context and commentary into her case studies. As with all the best video essays, Custodio’s personal touch—asides highlighting performance decisions as specific as a Margot Channing hair swoop—tips BKR essays over the edge from interesting to fascinating. As the creator tells Marie Claire, her videos “describe the kind of cinephile I am. I love movies, and this is how I love them, and this is why I love them.”

Beyond the thoroughly researched, nuanced analysis, Custodio’s videos stand out by focusing on the hidden influences behind the films topping the box office and what stars take home the gold. As Custodio sees it, since art reflects society, so do the awards campaigning, historic snubs, and accusations of category fraud. Her analyses of how Hollywood has changed over time and who Hollywood chooses to elevate to icon status always link back to the ways that the entertainment industry is constantly influenced by the hegemonic structures of the time. Whether you want to ignore it or not, art is intrinsically political.

“I think you could teach an American History course just by plucking out maybe five films that can tell you what America thinks about itself,” Custodio says, “the ways that it structures its institutions in order to enforce or reinforce that belief for the American public. I'm interested in illuminating for people how the pop culture that they're consuming and the images of pop culture they're consuming are maybe influenced by those structures.”

With over 350,000 subscribers and 45 million views and counting, Be Kind Rewind is one of Film YouTube’s most esteemed channels. Custodio’s reach goes beyond the platform; she has been a mainstay of Sight & Sound’s annual Best Video Essay polls since 2023, and she was an inaugural member of Turner Classic Movies’s (TCM) New Voices of Cinema series. Though she admits that she “kind of sits in the center” of a Venn diagram of amateur historian, critic, and YouTuber, you can’t deny that Custodio has found her audience: fellow film buffs who want to celebrate the best of Hollywood year-round.

Below, Custodio chats with Marie Claire about the essential Be Kind Rewind videos film fans should watch, how awards shows are fighting for relevance in 2026, and the performances she’d vote for if she were an Academy member.

Marie Claire: Where did your fascination with film history and the Oscars start?

Izzy Custodio: I grew up in a household that loves movies, so Turner Classic Movies (TCM) was always on. There were a handful of movies that I saw that really ignited my personal love of film and started to shape my taste. I saw Moulin Rouge when I was probably too young to see it, but it nevertheless had a huge impact on me. That was when I started getting really into the Oscars, because I really wanted Nicole Kidman to win for that.

My taste started maturing into a more classical area when I was in high school because I was close to my grandmother. She had memories of the ‘30s and ‘40s that I liked to probe in her brain. You used to be able to get on YouTube when it didn't really have very strict copyright restrictions and type in "Katherine Hepburn full movie,” and you'd get almost her entire filmography. I would pick an actress, binge everything that she had been in, and then move on to the next one. I could find my way through cinema history through them as oddly aspirational figures, even though I think the films from that era aren't the morals and ethics that I hold myself to. But I found something in them nevertheless, which I really took to heart.

MC: How did Be Kind Rewind originate? Why was YouTube the right medium?

IC: I was working in Berlin at the time, and I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, because I decided I didn't want to do politics. My way of understanding Berlin, as a new place that I'd moved to, was through film. So I was watching a lot of Marlena Dietrich and Fassbinder and all these German filmmakers or actors. I went to the German Film Museum, and it was the first time I really realized that there are people who are in charge of shepherding these stories into the present and helping people understand the history of this medium.

I had worked at Vine, so video was part of my vocabulary about communication. I was also really inspired by Karia Longworth, who does “You Must Remember This.” She had done an interview with “Fresh Air” on NPR, where she said it's simple production-wise, in the sense that it's her, a microphone, and her writing. I was like, Well, I'm not a filmmaker, but I can do that. It really was just like, I need to make this as a project for myself. When people started watching it, and it started becoming a thing that could bring an income, it became something where I was like, Oh, maybe I can actually do this. It was never my plan to be a YouTuber; it just kind of happened.

MC: What makes you want to cover a specific actress, director, or film?

IC: It's different for every video. Sometimes it's a topic that intrigues me personally from a taste perspective. When I made the Ms. Piggy video, it's not like people were talking about her. It's because I think she's fascinating and hilarious, and I wanted to talk about her. Sometimes it's things that I'm pulling from history that I think more people should be aware of, like the Eartha Kitt at the White House video. Sometimes it's a topic that I feel people would want to engage with from a current-events or current-film-culture perspective, like Megalopolis or comparing different versions of films. So I have different motivations: Sometimes it's just completely niche to me, and sometimes it's because I think there's a conversation happening and I want to add my take.

MC: How do you decide whether a story is important enough to warrant a video beyond just your personal fascination with it?

IC: If you think about it, the whole tagline of the MAGA movement—“Make America Great Again”—is based on this image of America that people have in their brains that never really existed. So looking at these films is a really good way of illustrating that. America never was like that, or the reason you think it looks like that is because there were these laws or this censorship in place that made that image available to you.

It’s shocking when you look back and understand the extent to which censorship dictated the course of our cultural history, because there's this idea of freedom of speech that we've been comfortable with for maybe the past 40 years. Something like the Hays Code is really shocking, and the way that states were able to cut up films however they wanted, just based on what they felt politically. The fact that someone in Alabama would see a different film than someone in Massachusetts is hard to fathom. It's important to understand that we all grew up in different environments that were different in a very intentional way, in order to move forward and make the cultural reparations that we need to make.

I think it's also important to go back in time and recognize the figures who pushed against those images, or maybe subverted them to empower people today to say, You're not alone. You may think that history looks a certain way, but it doesn't. People have always been pushing us to be where we are today, and it's important to stand on their shoulders and give them the recognition that they deserve as we look back at our own history.

MC: Walk me through the drafting process for a BKR video focused on a Best Actress winner.

IC: I start with my own assumptions about somebody and why I think that. What is leading me to think of this person this way? Is that true, or do I just think that? Do other people think that? For example, since I'm working on something about Barbara Stanwyck, I tried to find a lot of contemporary writing about her to see where people have landed in thinking about her legacy. Then, rewinding and getting the basic biographical facts down, and trying to square those biographical facts with the way that she was covered at the time. I try my best to not let my own assumptions take full control, and I try to be really obvious about where it is me talking, and where it is journalists or academics giving their two cents as well.

MC: You often touch on the evolution of awards campaigning in your videos. What are your thoughts on the current state of the awards race?

IC: I do think it's changing, because I feel like film culture has changed so much. There's not the same dominance that awards shows used to have, in terms of power over the box office, which ultimately is the point of awards existing. I think part of it has to do with how insular the film community has become and the way that you can target campaigning so specifically. If you think about something like the Andrea Riseborough nomination that shocked everyone [in 2023], that was a case of work smarter, not harder. You’re targeting this very limited group of voters, and that's how you make things happen. So with the proliferation of all of these parties and events and screenings that all of these guilds and critics groups are going [to] together, they can be really smart about the ways that they're going about it. They don't need mainstream audiences as much as they did before.

The expansion and diversification of a lot of awards bodies has made a huge difference in terms of taste and what they're actually picking. Audiences have an idea of what “Oscar bait” looks like, but I don't think anyone would've said, “Everything Everywhere All at Once is Oscar bait,” or, “Anora is Oscar bait,” or, “Parasite is Oscar bait.” There are so many things that are being accepted as possible for awards now that wouldn't have been maybe 10 to 20 years ago.

And the Oscars are moving to YouTube. That is a whole other world in and of itself, and what the award show will look like in a different context. Everything is in flux as they're trying to figure out who the audience for the Oscars [is], and the ways in which the Oscars are actually relevant to the way people are consuming media.

MC: It’s somewhat of a meme that “Awards don’t matter unless my favorite wins, then they matter.” In the current age of social-media bubbles, how do you feel about the discourse around awards season?

IC: I mean, that's the game, right? I don't think award season would be quite as compelling if everybody were happy all the time. That is the fun to me: the way that people are debating it, and constantly going back and forth on why they like or don't like things. It can get messy, and it can get aggressive, unnecessarily so, and I feel like social media is certainly making that worse. But I do think that very sincere appreciation for people that you enjoy seeing on your screens is worth recognizing at the end of the day.

I've been asked before, “If you had to change the Oscars to make it more equitable or democratic, how would you do it?” I think there are many improvements that you can make to slightly change demographics or impose rules that would limit campaigning in some way. But ultimately, every democratic institution is going to have its biases, and they're going to be corrupt to some degree. So it's like, since we have this cultural understanding of awards as something you give to people that you appreciate, how do you maintain the positives of that without destroying the reputations of people or making everybody just unnecessarily angry? I don't know that there's a real answer.

One thing I have come to appreciate recently is something like the Las Culturistas Awards. The categories aren't really competitive, but you still get to say, “You know who we liked this year? Teyana Taylor. We also liked Amy Madigan, and they get different awards for different reasons.” It's just a positive way to approach visiting a year in pop culture without it feeling negative, and I've really come to appreciate that approach.

MC: I agree, especially because everyone's doing such different things. It's like, how do you compare these?

IC: It's inherently ridiculous. The idea of measuring art against each other is like, there's no real answer. It's not math. It shouldn't be treated as a competition, even though that's what this is, and that's how we talk about it. But at the end of the day, I don't remember the saying exactly, but it's like, “Take what you love and leave the rest.” That's kind of my approach. Try to stay above it a little bit and just appreciate what you like and don't get too upset because at the end of the day, these are just rich people getting awards for learning their lines.

MC: What performances did you really like this year?

IC: [If I] had a vote somewhere, I'd be voting for Amanda Seyfried in The Testament of Ann Lee. I loved her performance in that film. I also really love Rose Byrne in If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You—just a really messy-in-a-good-way performance, expressing mess and really anchoring that whole film. And then I loved Jesse Plemons in Bugonia, thought he was great. I loved Wagner Moura in The Secret Agent. Teyana Taylor would be my Supporting. I also love Benicio del Toro in One Battle After Another. Those are my top for the year.

MC: What do you love that you want to keep from award season?

IC: Since the way I entered film was getting to know an actor through their performances, I still enjoy that. For example, thinking about everything Amanda Seyfried has made, how does that relate to The Testament of Ann Lee? What is she showing us in this that she hasn't been showing us before? Or maybe there are things that I recognize that she's bringing into it that add to the performance. Why do I like this? Why don't I like it as much as this? Or why do I like it more than this? It's like you're probing your own taste, and you're trying to understand what draws you to film in general.

I like it when things are a little weird and subversive or ugly or strange. So is that why I like Yorgos Lanthimos as a director? Or is that why I'm not liking the straightforward storytelling that I'm getting in other films as much, because it's just not clicking to my taste level? It's a way of understanding myself. It's a way of understanding what other people think, what the majority likes, as we're getting down to who's winning and who's not. That's all fascinating to me. You can learn so much about the way producers versus actors or directors are responding to films [by] the way that their guilds are nominating things. There's so much to think about and talk about when we're talking about the industry politics of it, but also just the way that people respond to something culturally. As someone who likes pop culture and is, I guess, selfishly interested in understanding my own tastes and others's, I still cling to this as something to pay attention to.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Music’s Biggest Night is finally here, and the 2026 Grammy Awards are ready to celebrate the best releases of the past year. As pop-culture obsessives, the best part of the award show (aside from the performances by our favorite icons) is the commentary from fellow music fans. That’s where you can count on us at the Marie Claire Culture team. We’ll be discussing this year’s ceremony here live.

Tonight, the world’s most popular recording artists have gathered at L.A.’s Crypto.com Arena, where host Trevor Noah will lead the ceremony for the final time. The red carpet brought the night’s first buzzy moments, with Doechii taking us back to the ‘90s in Roberto Cavalli and Sabrina Carpenter pairing dreamy blush with her boho-chic gown. Now that the main event’s set to begin, we’re just moments away from Carpenter, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Tyler, the Creator, and Justin Bieber’s returns to the Grammys stage, along with the performance debuts of Clipse, ROSÉ, and this year’s Best New Artists nominees—Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, SOMBR, and The Marías—among others.

Speaking of nominees, superstars like Bad Bunny (DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS) and Kendrick Lamar (GNX) are vying to make history in the Album of the Year category, where they go up against Clipse (Let God Sort ‘Em Out), Gaga (Mayhem), Bieber (Swag), Carpenter (Man’s Best Friend), Leon Thomas (Mutt), and Tyler, the Creator (Chromakopia). With Thomas, Kehlani, FKA Twigs, and HUNTR/X already taking home wins in this afternoon’s Premiere Ceremony, this year’s awards have already gotten off to an excellent start.

As we watch the star-studded ceremony together, we’ll be here sharing updates on the can’t-miss performances, the biggest wins, and the viral moments so you don’t miss a thing. We’ll also pull in Marie Claire’s editors to share their favorite surprises of the night. Now, let’s get ready for some music.

It’s Music’s Biggest Night, baby! Although I must say, going into this Grammys has been interesting because it doesn’t feel like there’s necessarily that clear a narrative this year. Last year was all about “the pop girls” (Beyoncé! Billie Eilish! Chappell Roan! Charli xcx! Sabrina Carpenter! Taylor Swift!) sweeping nominations, and the anticipation of whether Queen Bey would finally snag her Album of the Year title for COWBOY CARTER (which she inevitably and rightfully did!). This year is more of a toss-up, though.

However, I think one thing to look out for is whether this becomes Bad Bunny’s big year, which I certainly think is possible and would love to see. He’s won in the Best Música Urbana Album and Best Latin Pop or Urban Album categories and was nominated for Album of the Year in 2023 for Un Verano Sin Ti, but this could be the first year he wins big. The stellar DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS and its hit “DtMF” are up for the big three categories—Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year. He’s already made history as the first Spanish-language artist to be nominated in the categories at once, and, if he wins Album of the Year, he’ll reach another milestone with the first Spanish-language album to do so. DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS is his best yet, immensely colorful sonically, and a compelling piece of anti-colonialist art. Plus, a winning streak from him would be powerful to see right now, given how the Puerto Rican hitmaker has long spoken out about what we gain by bringing people together and the efforts he’s made protecting his international fanbase against ICE and division. Benito, I’m rooting for you!

It’ll also be interesting to see how the Best New Artist category unfolds. The Recording Academy loves to honor artists with an old-school flair, like Olivia Dean and Leon Thomas (I think Olivia Dean will likely take the title), but I would love to see Addison Rae win. She’s arguably made the most daring, innovative choices of the nominees—and arguably of anyone in pop over the past year—and arrived fully formed as a recording artist with her dance-pop fantasia Addison. Her performance is my (and every other club rat’s) most anticipated of the night, and I feel certain the showgirl is going to deliver. That’s my best new artist. —Sadie Bell, Senior Culture Editor

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I agree that 2026 is likely Bad Bunny’s year, and his potential win would be part of hip-hop’s biggest Grammy year in recent history. Along with Bunny’s genre-bending reggaeton record, three rap albums are nominated for Album of the Year: Kendrick Lamar’s GNX, Clipse’s Let God Sort ‘Em Out, and Tyler, the Creator’s Chromakopia. Hip-hop heads like me have our best chance in a decade of a third rap Album of the Year, joining The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. (Yes, there have only been three in the past 67 years.)

I also have more excitement for the performances this year than I’ve felt in a while. The Best New Artist medley was my highlight of last year, and I’m hoping its return will feature an Olivia Dean/KATSEYE hand-off that will give me as much life as the RAYE/Doechii one did. Lauryn Hill’s D’Angelo tribute is guaranteed to bring me to tears. That’s not to mention Lady Gaga, Tyler, the Creator, and ROSÉ bringing K-pop back to the main ceremony!

Also, this may be a controversial opinion, but I like that the Grammys have become an opportunity for a pop superstar to announce a new release. Maybe Bruno Mars could debut a new single off The Romantic. Perhaps the night’s “additional surprise presenter”(ahem, Beyoncé, is that you?) will tease their next act? Maybe BTS will take a break from their social-media pause to promote Arirang? All of these are long shots, but it’s the Grammys! Let a girl dream. —Quinci LeGardye, Culture Writer

The 2026 Grammys started off with a party! To bring up the energy early, ROSÉ and Bruno Mars opened the ceremony with a performance of the Song of the Year nominated collab "APT.," complete with Mars's live band and some dancers partying at the foot of the stage. (Also, thanks to host Trevor Noah for the quick explainer on the song's Korean-drinking-game influence.) Excited to keep this going all night! —QL

Sabrina Carpenter had a big performance to top after last year’s Old Hollywood screwball comedy debut—and she stuck the landing. You can tell she has a total blast on stage, and this year she delivered an adorable, theatrical showstopper of her four-time-nominated “Manchild,” set in a bustling airport. Plus, Pan Am-inspired look! We were on board with this one. —SB

The Best Moments From the Pre-Ceremony

The Grammys famously only air a handful of the awards during the live ceremony, dishing out most gramophones during the pre-show. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t wins worth paying attention to, even if they didn’t make the broadcast. I was thrilled to see avant-pop auteur FKA twigs finally getting her flowers, with her phenomenal EUSEXUA winning Best Dance/Electronic Album. Another well-deserved win? Amy Allen won Songwriter of the Year for the second year in a row, thanks to her collaborations with Sabrina Carpenter, ROSÉ, Tate McRae, and others. With songwriter/producer opportunities for women in the studio still being few and far between, we love to see Allen’s work getting recognition.

Plus, as an indie/DIY fan, I personally also love that hardcore experimentalists Turnstile have become somewhat of Grammys darlings ever since their 2021 album GLOW ON propelled them to new heights. They won Best Rock Album for NEVER ENOUGH and Best Metal Performance for its single “BIRDS,” and I’m always for The Recording Academy embracing genre-bending guitar music (rather than exclusively honoring legacy acts, as they’ve done in the past). —SB

Some pre-ceremony wins that I’m celebrating: Kehlani is finally a Grammy winner! The singer took home Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance for “Folded,” a decade after her first-ever nomination in 2016. Some of my other R&B faves who took home awards include Leon Thomas’s MUTT for Best R&B Album and Durand Bernarr’s BLOOM for Best Progressive R&B Album. Also, the team behind KPop Demon Hunters continued their awards-season sweep, with “Golden” winning Best Song Written for Visual Media. —QL

Leave it to our resident gonzo pop princess Addison Rae to bring camp to the Grammys. It was all too fitting for her to perform her Addison album standout “Fame Is a Gun,” a song about the price of ambition, on the awards show stage. She sang in a bedazzled trench with a troupe of dancers backstage, leaning into her skill as a true performer with a captivating dance break. I think I gasped, “Oh, my god,” several times—which is exactly what we want from our pop girls! She may have just gotten a “taste of the glamorous life,” but may this be her first of many Grammys to come. —SB

KATSEYE cemented their place as the girl group to watch with their performance of “Gnarly,” which took viewers through the venue to the Grammys stage. The sextet brought their signature high-energy performance, including synchronized twerking in front of vanity mirrors backstage, and a frenetic dance break with jaw-dropping splits. As someone who binged Pop Star Academy on Netflix in a single day, it was hard not to get emotional about how far the pop princesses have come. —QL

One star-making moment of the night? Olivia Dean’s set right into her big win for Best New Artist. Her vocals sounded pristine while she performed her mega-hit “Man I Need,” and she brought sheer charisma to the stage. Maybe it’s the old-school, soulful flair of her sound, but she felt like a musical legend of yesteryear up on the stage. That made all the more sense when moments later, last year’s Best New Artist winner, Chappell Roan, revealed that the British singer-songwriter had earned this year’s gramophone.

Dean herself was surprised, making a humble speech and taking the opportunity to speak out in support of immigrants. “I guess I want to say I'm up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant,” she said. “I'm a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated.” Amen to that—and to Dean’s well-deserved win. —SB

​​I think Justin Bieber may have felt he had a lot riding on this Grammys performance. He hasn’t taken to the awards show’s stage since 2022 and has seldom performed in general over the past few years. And yet, he made his grand, long-awaited return to the spotlight in 2025 with the release of SWAG, and he’ll be headlining Coachella in April. It felt like this performance may have been a tease of what to come—and to prove he’s still got it. Walking out on stage shirtless, in boxer shorts, with solely a guitar, he might’ve left viewers questioning what was to come. But singing a stripped-down “YUKON,” he highlighted what’s always been his strength: his swoon-worthy vocals. By the end, he definitely left us feeling Bieber fever.

As Bad Bunny took home the award for Best Música Urbana Album, he delivered the speech we all need to hear right now. The reggaeton superstar began with a simple statement, “ICE out,” and sent a positive message of hope. “We're not savages, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans,” he said. “The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love. So, please, we need to be different. If we fight, we have to do it with love. We don't hate them. We love our people, we love our family, and that's the way to do it: with love. Don't forget that, please.”

It was a moving moment and a powerful statement from the star who was just awarded for his anti-gentrification, anti-colonialization, uniquely Puerto Rican LP—and I’m hoping this was just his first of many honors of the night. —SB

Whenever Lady Gaga steps onstage, I lose any ability to look away. For her live rock remix of “Abracadabra,” Mother Monster skipped the intricate choreography for a close-up performance from herself and her band. Outfitted in a rattan headpiece with an eye-shaped cutout surrounding her face in lashes, Gaga sang directly to the camera, starring it down as it moved from angle to angle. The captivating performance led right into the singer’s third win on the night, as MAYHEM took home Best Pop Vocal Album.

After thanking her partner Michael Polansky and her producers, Gaga shared a message for women in music. “I know sometimes when you're in the studio with a bunch of guys, it can be hard,” she said. “So, I urge you to always listen to yourself and always fight for your ideas, fight for your songs, fight for yourself as a producer. Make sure you are heard loudly.” —QL

Our nicest surprise of the night so far goes to Lola Young, who took home Best Pop Solo Performance for "Messy." We couldn't really hear the speech due to the live censoring, but her unfiltered shock was adorable. —QL

If we didn’t get a performance from Bad Bunny, at least we got a truly adorable bit from Trevor Noah about how much we wished we got a performance from Bad Bunny! Throughout the night, the host negged Benito about why he wasn’t taking to the stage; he’s saving it for the Super Bowl Halftime Show next weekend, NBD. Eventually, Noah joked about how it’s his last time hosting the Grammys and that he should’ve taken more photos over the years—just like the lyrics of Bad Bunny’s multi-nominated “DtMF.” Noah started serenading Bad Bunny, who finally cracked and gave us a verse as a band came out to back them up. Benito is such a charmer, so seeing him grin, play along with the bit, and give in to it had me giddy, kicking my feet. Take that energy all the way to the Halftime Show! —SB

A confession: Tyler, the Creator’s Chromokopia is my personal pick for Album of the Year, and his high-concept performance may be my biggest highlight of the night. After his St. Chroma alter ego started off with a performance of “Thought I Was Dead,” the rapper appeared on another part of the stage, listening to some sage advice from his fellow L.A. native, Oscar winner Regina King. Then, after (accidentally?) mowing down St. Chroma with a Ferrari, Tyler began a rendition of “Sugar on My Tongue,” from his second nominated album of the night, Don’t Tap the Glass. Tyler’s partying through the chaos ended with him accidentally blowing up the St. Chroma gas station, closing the chapter on Chromakopia and preparing his fans for a new era. —QL

Tonight's joint tribute to D'Angelo and Roberta Flack was instantly a major moment in Grammys history. Despite the jokes and doubts, Ms. Lauryn Hill led the “deeply-personal” tribute, starting off with her and D’Angelo’s duet “Nothing Even Matters.” Hill later paid homage to her lifelong influence by singing Flack’s “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face,” before ending the performance alongside her Fugees bandmate Wyclef Jean, as the pair performed both Flack’s and their own renditions of “Killing Me Softly With His Song.”

Hill was joined onstage by over a dozen other artists, both talented up-and-comers and R&B legends. From Leon Thomas and Lucky Daye to Bilal, Raphael Saddiq, Lalah Hathaway, Chaka Khan, and many more, the tribute was a celebration of soul that had me fighting back tears as I sang along. —QL

The Grammys teased a surprise presenter, and as it turned out, they weren’t just a presenter—they were also a Lifetime Achievement award winner. Cher ended up presenting Record of the Year, but before she did, she accepted her honor to a standing ovation and applause from the elated crowd. Forever glamorous and inspiring, the true icon (dressed in a leather-and-lace ensemble, no less) shared words of wisdom from her career spanning “50 fucking years,” speaking to both the highs and lows.

“In my 20s, actually, I kind of thought I had it made. It didn't occur to me how rough my career was gonna be, and my life was gonna be, and I'm not saying, Oh, poor me,” she said. “I was either on the top or the bottom, you know? I was either a loser or winning an Oscar.”

“I’m sure a lot of you in the audience know what I'm talking about,” continued the hitmaker. “In the early 80s, it got so bad that I had to go to Las Vegas, and it was called the Elephant's Graveyard in those days, and then I got dropped from my label, and then another label picked me up, and I recorded a song called ‘Believe.’”

She concluded, “I just wanna tell you never give up on your dream, no matter what happens. Live it, be it, and if it's not happening now, it will happen soon.”

The kids love to call our pop divas “mother,” but that’s mother right there! Her walking off stage before actually presenting the Record of the Year title made it all the more incrediblet While she could’ve mic-dropped right then, but our gracious queen did turn back around—although not without voicing her annoyance at how not all the text was on the teleprompter. 10/10 Grammys moment. I would expect no less from Cher.

Did I tear up the moment presenter Harry Styles announced Bad Bunny won the prestigious Album of the Year award for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS? Yes! Did I fully start crying when he started tearing up and was so stunned he couldn’t get up to the Grammys stage? I sure did! It truly felt like his year and the honor couldn’t have felt more deserved.

In winning the award, the musician made history with the first Spanish-language album to take home the honor. It felt especially touching that he made most of his acceptance speech in Spanish, as well, thanking everyone who contributed to the album and expressing his love for Puerto Rico. “I want to dedicate this award to all the people that had to leave their homeland, their country to follow their dreams,” he added.

What a special moment to cap off the awards show—and a thrilling send-off to his highly anticipated Super Bowl appearance next week. —SB

The 2026 Grammys have officially come to an end. A lil’ recap of the wins and historic moments: Bad Bunny’s DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS is officially the first all-Spanish-language album to win Album of the Year. With his five trophies tonight, including Best Rap Album for GNX” and Record of the Year for his and SZA’s “luther,” Kendrick Lamar is now the most-awarded hip-hop artist in Grammys history. Meanwhile, Billie Eilish and Finneas became the first artists to win Song of the Year three times, after taking home the prize for “Wildflower.” Other artists who earned major awards at this year’s ceremony include Olivia Dean (Best New Artist), Lady Gaga (Best Pop Vocal Album - MAYHEM), and Lola Young (Best Pop Solo Performance - “Messy”).

Perhaps most importantly, several artists throughout today’s premiere and primetime ceremonies spoke out against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Bad Bunny, Eilish, Dean, and country artist Shaboozey—who won Best Country Duo/Group Performance for his and Jelly Roll’s duet “Amen”—all took time to honor immigrants and call out ICE. Offstage, many celebs wore “ICE Out” pins while walking the red carpet, including Eilish and Finneas, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Jack Antonoff, Brandi Carlile, and Samara Joy.

And that’s a wrap for tonight! Hope you enjoyed following along for the biggest night in music.—QL

Calling all music fans: It's time to celebrate the tracks that powered 2025. The 68th Annual Grammy Awards are just days away, with "music's biggest night" returning to celebrate an...interesting year in pop culture. Of course, the Grammys are still a can't-miss event, as our favorite recording artists gather for the most unpredictable red carpet of the year.

This year's nominees include the biggest pop girlies, rappers, and R&B singers, with Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, Sabrina Carpenter, and Leon Thomas among the frontrunners. Read on for everything you need to know about the 2026 Grammys, including how to watch the ceremony live and which pop divas will be performing.

When are the 2026 Grammys?

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will air live on CBS on Sunday, February 1, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. The event will take place at its regular venue, Crypto.com Arena in L.A.

In addition to the main ceremony, the Grammy Premiere Ceremony—which features the un-televised wins and additional performances not shown during the main broadcast—will stream before the main show on the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel and live.GRAMMY.com, starting at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT.

How to watch the 2026 Grammys:

Viewers with cable can tune into their local CBS channel or use their cable login to watch on a computer, phone, or tablet via CBS's website or app.

The Grammys will also stream on the Paramount+ app in the U.S. only. However, the ceremony will only air live on the Paramount+ Premium tier, which starts at $13/month and offers a seven-day free trial. The following day, the full event will stream on demand for all subscribers, including those with the Paramount+ Essential tier (at $8/month).

If you don't have cable or a Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscription, there are a few other ways to tune into the Grammys online. Live streaming TV services like Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, and YouTube Live provide access to CBS (and offer free trials).

How to watch the 2026 Grammys red carpet:

The official "GRAMMY Live From The Red Carpet" special will air ahead of the live ceremony, with the exact start time to be announced. Last year, the special streamed on live.GRAMMY.com, as well as the Recording Academy's YouTube and TikTok accounts.

Who is hosting the 2026 Grammys?

Trevor Noah will return to host the Grammys for the sixth year in a row. In the announcement, the Recording Academy confirmed that this will be the former Daily Show host's final year hosting.

Who is performing at the 2026 Grammys?

The Recording Academy has been announcing performers in batches. Sabrina Carpenter was the first confirmed act, set to return after her comedy-tinged Grammys debut last year. And the pop diva who's up for Album of the Year isn't the only major nominee to take the stage: Clipse and Pharrell Williams will perform tracks from their release Let God Sort 'Em Out; Mother Monster herself, Lady Gaga, will belt it out as well; Tyler, the Creator is set to perform for the first time since 2020; ROSÉ will make history as the first K-pop star to perform solo; and Bruno Mars may perform a single off his upcoming album. Meanwhile, Justin Bieber will return to the Grammys stage for the first time since 2022; while his live shows have been few and far between in recent years, he is gunning for some major trophies and set to headline Coachella later this year.

Meanwhile, the Grammys are bringing back their Best New Artist performance segment, with all eight nominees—Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, SOMBR, and The Marías—gracing the stage.

We also know who will appear in the In Memoriam segment. Honoring D'Angelo and Roberta Flack is Ms. Lauryn Hill, while an epic Ozzy Osbourne tribute will be performed by an ensemble featuring Post Malone, Andrew Watt, Chad Smith, Duff McKagan, and Slash. Reba McEntire, Brandy Clark, and Lukas Nelson are also said to team up to recognize others lost in the musical community in the past year.

The lineup is already looking stacked for Sunday, but you can bet The Recording Academy will announce more performers closer to the show.

Who is nominated at the 2026 Grammys?

Kendrick Lamar leads this year's nominees with nine nods, including Album of the Year for his post-"Not Like Us" victory lap, GNX, and Record and Song of the Year for his latest duet with SZA, "Luther." Right on his tail is Lady Gaga with eight nominations, breaking her previous record of six nods in 2010.

Other artists leading the nominations include Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter, and Leon Thomas, each with six noms; and Doechii, Clipse, SZA, and Tyler, the Creator with five each. (For any Taylor Swift fans wondering, The Life of a Showgirl came out after the eligibility period ended. Should it receive any future nominations, that would be for the 2027 Grammys.)

In addition to GNX and Let God Sort 'Em Out, nominees for album of the year include Bad Bunny for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, Justin Bieber for Swag, Sabrina Carpenter for Man’s Best Friend, Lady Gaga for Mayhem, Leon Thomas for Mutt, and Tyler the Creator for Chromakopia.

As for Song of the Year, nominees include Bad Bunny's "DtMF," Billie Eilish's "Wildflower," Carpenter's "Manchild," Doechii's "Anxiety," Lamar and SZA's "Luther," ROSÉ and Bruno Mars's "APT.," and "Golden" from KPop Demon Hunters. The Record of the Year category includes all the same songs, with one exception: Chappell Roan's "The Subway" takes over the "Golden" slot.

Finally, some notable stats: 2026 marks the first year that three rap albums—GNX, Let God Sort 'Em Out, and Chromokopia—are nominated for Album of the Year. Bad Bunny is the first Spanish-language artist to be nominated in Album, Record, and Song of the Year simultaneously. Meanwhile, "Golden" and "APT." are the first K-pop songs to be nominated in the Song and Record of the Year categories.

Who is presenting at the 2026 Grammys?

We know several names presenting at this Sunday's awards show—and they're big ones. The Recording Academy began announcing presenters about a week before the ceremony, with fan-favorite stars Harry Styles and Doechii as the first two set to take the stage. Other stars confirmed to present include Carole King, Chappell Roan, Charli xcx, Jeff Goldblum, KAROL G, Lainey Wilson, Marcello Hernández, Nikki Glaser, Q-Tip, Queen Latifah, and Teyana Taylor.

Also, the Academy has been teasing an "additional surprise presenter." One popular guess floating around: Beyoncé could show up to present Album of the Year, the year after her own win. We'll have to wait and see.

Just about anyone who has logged into Netflix or turned on the radio in the past year has heard EJAE’s voice. Whether K-pop stans, animation enthusiasts, or every kindergartener on the planet and their unsuspecting parents know her name or not, they're certainly familiar with the 34-year-old songwriter's performance as Rumi, the leader of the titular KPop Demon Hunters. But beyond playing HUNTR/X's charismatic leader, EJAE was also instrumental in turning the musical into a full-blown phenomenon, serving as a co-writer on three of the Billboard-topping songs from the soundtrack.

In the months since KPDH became Netflix’s most-watched movie of all time, EJAE has gone from working behind the scenes in studios to gracing the world’s biggest stages and red carpets. Her anthem "Golden," which she co-wrote with Mark Sonnenblick, 24, Ido, and Teddy, is up for four Grammys, including Song of the Year. And it's already started to rake in awards and break records: In early January, she became the first Korean-American woman to win Best Original Song at the Golden Globes. With "Golden" nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars, she also made history, as the track marks the first K-pop song recognized.

Even as "Golden" started exploding, EJAE couldn't fathom just how much her life was about to change. "My publicist was like, 'You’re going to have no life for six months,' but I was like, Whatever," she recalls, speaking to Marie Claire over Zoom in early December. "I genuinely have no life right now," she adds with a laugh.

Long before KPop Demon Hunters, EJAE, born Kim Eun-jae, had accepted that fame wouldn’t be coming her way. Growing up between Seoul and Fort Lee, New Jersey, the aspiring singer joined K-pop juggernaut SM Entertainment’s training program in 2003, at age 11. She spent 12 years putting in “literal blood, sweat, and tears” in hopes of being chosen to debut as a solo artist. But when other trainees were chosen for groups like Girls' Generation, the singer-songwriter turned her attention to her education—fast-tracking her degree in music and psychology at New York University, expecting to make her debut after graduation. Instead, SM dropped her in 2015, and she faced an uncertain future.

But—just as EJAE put it herself while accepting her first-ever Golden Globe—she turned her rejection into redirection. The would-be music therapist pivoted to music production; two years after she was dropped, she returned to SM for a songwriting camp and penned the topline melody that would become Red Velvet’s platinum hit “Psycho.” She went on to write for artists like TWICE, aespa, LE SSERAFIM, NMIXX, and Billlie, and was also tapped to work on early demos for an in-the-works animated film about otherworldly idols.

“When you don't use that muscle of making decisions on your own, and suddenly you have to do it, it's scary,” she says of her early songwriting days. “Moving to the States, not wanting to live with my parents, and figuring it out on my own really did help me find the beauty in my voice.” It's safe to say that leaning into her unique voice as an artist is exactly why EJAE became "the heart and soul of HUNTR/X," as director Maggie Kang has called her.

Below, EJAE chats with Marie Claire about establishing herself outside of the trainee system, bridging K-pop songwriting with musical theater, and the importance of exploring every side of your artistry.

MC: During your trainee years, you got the opportunity to join a ballad group at 18, but you chose to go to college instead. What informed that decision?

EJAE: Honestly, that decision wasn't that hard because I took my studies very, very seriously at a young age. I feel like I was more mature then than now. I knew that K-pop idol life wasn't forever. Also, being in the industry, I've noticed that a lot of my friends around me were depressed, and seeing that, music therapy was something I really wanted to do and pursue.

On top of that, I had sacrificed so much of my youth—essentially my childhood. I am not kidding when I say I practiced my ass off: “Blood, sweat, and tears” is quite literal blood, sweat, and tears. I wanted to be a solo artist, and that's always been my main goal. I didn't want to be in a girl group. So I think those two combined gave me the confidence to be like, “No.”

MC: Even as a K-pop fan, I had to watch a couple of documentaries to really understand how intense training is.

EJAE: I really went above and beyond as a kid. When everyone was leaving after class, I stayed and kept practicing. I would book studios and stay there for six hours, for eight hours, just dancing by myself. It was brutal, and the fact that there's a lot of critiquing and certain ways you have to eat or look or be. We couldn't chew gum because that would make our jaws bigger. We couldn't do a kimchi squat 'cause that would ruin the knees. It's very difficult to get used to, and obviously, there's a lot of showcases and competition. It was quite rigorous in what we had to learn, but I did work my butt off for it all.

MC: Looking back on your trainee days, did you ever feel like you struggled to fit your natural vocal tone into the kind of sound K-pop companies tend to make?

EJAE: Well, I'm not going to lie. At that time, I wasn't that good at singing. Finding your voice on your own terms and finding your voice because someone's telling you what you need to sound like are two very different things. I think you find more strength and confidence, and you become a better singer when you find your voice on your own.

During that time, SM had a very specific brand or sound. I was definitely told to push my voice to sound cleaner, even though, naturally, I have a low-toned singing voice. I was trying to sound like Ariana Grande—she has a very clean, beautiful voice—but my voice is a little bit husky, kind of Alicia Keys, Adele vibes. Confidence is an important part in singing, and in selling the lyrics and story. When you're confused about your voice, it's really hard to do. So I think that's where I was at that time.

MC: How would you describe K-pop/idol-music songwriting to someone only familiar with Western pop?

EJAE: Being a K-pop idol is about a whole package and a whole experience. When I write for K-pop, it's a very different strategy than for pop. I'm thinking about whether the creative director would have more inspiration from this song concept. Choreography, music video ideas, makeup ideas, those things are very important when writing for K-pop.

I actually got better at singing because of songwriting for K-pop, because it challenges you to do different genres. Sometimes I would do rock. Sometimes I would have to do diva vocals. Sometimes I have to do the prettier NewJeans or TWICE-style vocals, or Rihanna girl crush vocals. I would rap. It made me realize, Oh, I actually like my voice when I do this. Oh, I like it when I do that. Experimenting with my voice is what helped me get to where I am right now, so I don’t regret any of the whole experience I had.

MC: You and your KPDH co-songwriter Mark Sonnenblick have said you had to bridge the worlds of theater and pop to make songs that could be storytelling devices, but also hits. What was that like?

EJAE: It was so, so hard. I remember talking to Mark, like, “Damn, if we figure this out, we're freaking geniuses.” I've never worked on a song for K-pop where it's not just me and the producers or other co-writers. For KPop Demon Hunters, it's me, co-writer, producers, studio execs, music director. We had to fit Maggie [Kang]'s specific vision of the storyline and her taste, but also the studio's taste, Sony's taste, Netflix's taste. It's a lot of layers that we have to go through. Thank goodness Mark is the nicest person in the world. We had no ego. It was all about the song that was really important, the collaborative energy.

And on top of that, it's a movie, but it also has to be a pop song. We really worked hard in making it commercially acceptable and catchy, have the melody still be enough where we can put in lyrical words that fit the storyline of the characters. I love musicals, but they can get very wordy. A lot of people can say it sounds corny because it's quite literal. Whereas with pop music, simplicity is the thing. It was really important to me as a pop writer that the concept not only works for the movie, but works for everyone. If a random person heard it, they can relate to it too.

MC: “Golden” is obviously the biggest hit, but “How It’s Done” is probably my favorite song of the movie. How did you approach HUNTR/X’s take on the girl-crush sound?

EJAE: “How It's Done” was the hardest song I worked on. There were so many different passes, trying to find a hook that’s hook-y. We were given this massive track, and we needed a melody that's good enough that can pierce through it. If a melody was too busy, then it wouldn’t work. When we got that dun-dun-dun, we were like, “Yes! But what do we say?” [One day], I think I was watching a TikTok, I said, “That's how it's done.” I was like, “Wait, ‘done, done, done…How it's done, done, done.’ Oh shit. That works really well.” I think that was an inspiration too: trying to find sentences that people use every day that can work as a pop song, but also, it works in the film. HUNTR/X shows how it's done.

The raps were where we took full advantage of K-pop writing, which worked really well with theater. All the verses had rap, so we could put all the storyline in there, and the chorus could be as simple as possible. So everything was just really strategic. It was a hard song, but super fun.

MC: You released your debut solo single, “In Another World,” in October, as “Golden” was starting to gain awards-season buzz. Why did you choose an emotional ballad for your first release?

EJAE: “In Another World” was just exactly how I felt at the time. Everything happening right now is so weird. I thought this would all happen in another world, so I wanted to talk about that. I’m sure a lot of people are going through times when things don't happen the exact way they want it to happen. I don't know what life is going to give me, especially right now when there's so much attention and spotlight on me. So “In Another World” helps me deal with that pressure. Being like, You know what? If it doesn't work, okay. Maybe in another world, it would be fine, but right now it's not meant to be in this lifetime.

“Golden” and all these K-pop songs were very high energy, very performative melodies. “In Another World” is a different side of me, a little chill. I wanted to show that personal side.

MC: You’ve mentioned that you’re glad fame came at this stage in your life. As you craft your solo music, what do you want to explore? What does the music that EJAE makes in her 30s sound like?

EJAE: My core is a songwriter, so my core is always working with artists and writing great music. Taking whatever we're feeling, trying to find a universal emotion that we can express in a different, creative way, that's songwriting. I want to continue that and transition into the pop world as well. I mean, pop has always been my thing. It's just that K-pop was so near me. I was living in Korea, and I'm clearly Korean. But I want to be able to show that K-pop is more than just Korean pop. It can go everywhere. With KPop Demon Hunters, I wasn't thinking, Oh, it has to be K-pop sound. I was using a hybrid of everything. So I’m very interested in bringing some K-pop elements into the pop world and constantly growing as a songwriter.

I think that being me as an artist, for me, is finding honest concepts. I love that “Golden” helped unite people and heal a wound that people sometimes didn't know they had needed to heal. I want to continue being that kind of vessel for the songs to be famous, not really me. That's where my headspace is at. EJAE is a platform for these songs that've just been gathering dust, that have potential, that I love. I want to release them and continue to keep writing great songs.

MC: Why is the freedom to work in different genres important to you as an artist?

EJAE: Because I feel like that's how everyone is. We're not this or that. I'm Korean American; I'm not just Korean or just American. I'm a hybrid of both. I don't like it when people are like, “Oh my God, she's so Korean here. Oh, she chooses when she's Korean, when she's American.” No, that's just who I am. I'm not just always feminine; I also have a masculine side to me. I don't always just sing low notes; I can also sing high notes. It just comes in different ways. I could be silly and goofy, but also hella sensitive. You're not just one thing.

The beauty of KPop Demon Hunters is loving all sides of yourself. That's what makes you grow as a person, not when you're boxed in. I mean, fish literally cannot grow bigger if they're in a fish tank. I think it’s very important for people to understand that binary thinking can sometimes be very limiting. Having the freedom to do a lot of things in different ways really helps you to grow, and also not just for yourself. It will also inspire others to open up and to explore and do things. And that's KPop Demon Hunters in a nutshell, right?

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

We're doing things a little differently at Marie Claire in 2026. Our beauty awards (previously the Skin & Hair Awards and the Makeup Awards) are merging together—and expanding to include Nails, Body Care, and Drugstore Staples. In short, it's a very exciting time to be a beauty product.

Entries, which cost $300 per product and per category, guarantee first-hand testing by our incredible panel of judges, including the MC Beauty Team and 100 expert makeup artists, hairstylists, dermatologists, and beauty insiders. The goal is to determine the absolute best products in the business—the ones we can wholeheartedly recommend to our millions of readers.

Because this is an expansive program, we're going to make the process as easy as possible for you and your clients by staggering entry dates. The entry deadline for Skin & Body Care is February 26, 2026, while the entry deadline for Hair, Makeup, Nails, & Drugstore Staples is March 19, 2026. You can enter products that are cult-classics, new launches, or soon-to-be-released; the only caveat is that they must be shoppable in the US by September 2026. (Please note: Marie Claire's Fragrance Awards are remaining a separate entity, and we'll be in touch with more information on those soon!)

Now onto the really fun info. Winners will be notified in late June 2026, and by late September 2026, the Marie Claire Beauty Team is going to shout your win from the rooftops. Well, technically, the Internet, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, but you get the point. Then, we're all going to gather together for a chic party celebrating the very best in beauty.

If you have any questions, please visit our awards website or reach out to our very helpful and responsive team at marieclaireawards@futurenet.com. Good luck, everyone—we can't wait to start testing!

KPop Demon Hunters has officially made Golden Globes history.

"Golden" took home the award for Best Original Song - Motion Picture at the 2026 Golden Globes, with EJAE—the hit's co-songwriter and the singing voice for the character Rumi—becoming the first Korean-American to win in the category.

After making her way to the stage, alongside her co-songwriter Mark Sonnenblick and producers 24 and IDO, EJAE reflected on her journey from being a K-pop trainee to writing the biggest song of 2025.

"When I was a little girl, I worked tirelessly for 10 years to fill one dream to become a K-pop idol, and I was rejected and disappointed that my voice wasn't good enough," she said. "So I leaned on songs and music to get through it. So now, I'm here as a singer and a songwriter."

"It’s a dream come true to be a part of a song that is helping other girls, other boys, and everyone of all ages to get through their hardship and to accept themselves. So, thank you, Golden Globes, for accepting my voice and our voice."

EJAE and Sonnenblick went on to thank their friends and loved ones, as well as the teams at Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation, and KPop Demon Hunters co-directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans.

EJAE then dedicated the award to people who have also found a new dream in life. "I just want to say this award goes to people who've had their doors closed at them and that I can confidently say rejection is redirection, and so never give up. And you know it's never too late to shine like you were born to be," she concluded.

Earlier in the night, the HUNTR/X singing trio, EJAE, Rei Ami, and Audrey Nuna walked the red carpet in coordinating black gowns. The voices behind the fictional KPop Demon Hunters group have become an in-demand live act, from making their debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last October to appearing alongside Snoop Dogg in Netflix's Christmas Gameday halftime show.

Best Original Song - Motion Picture isn't the only award KPop Demon Hunters took home at the Globes. The film won the Best Motion Picture - Animated award. The Netflix sensation—which became the streamer's most-watched movie ever—was nominated alongside Arco, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Infinity Castle, Elio, Little Amélie or the Character of Rain, and Zootopia 2.

This likely won't be the last we hear of KPop Demon Hunters this awards season. The animated blockbuster is expected to continue to win big throughout the season, as "Golden" received four Grammy nominations, making EJAE the first Korean-American female songwriter to be nominated for Song of the Year, and it's sure to take that fervor to the Oscars.

Speaking to Variety about the Grammy nomination, EJAE expressed the importance of representation. “You’re going to see three Korean faces. To think about the kids who are going to see that, and hopefully for that to shape their understanding of what they can do in this world, is the stuff that is giving me chills up my spine.”

The 83rd annual Golden Globes kicked off with an exciting surprise win for Teyana Taylor—and she took the moment to sing praises of Black and brown girls watching at home.

The actress/singer took home the first award of the night, winning Best Supporting Female Actor in a Motion Picture for her performance as Perfidia Beverly Hills in One Battle After Another. She was visibly emotional, tearing up as she made her way to the stage to accept the trophy for her first-ever Golden Globe nomination.

"I almost didn't even write a speech because I didn't think I would win," Taylor said, before speaking directly to her two daughters. "My babies are upstairs watching. Y’all better be off them damn phones and watching me right now."

The star continued, "First, in the name of Jesus, I thank you, and I praise you for every part of this faith walk, every lesson, every test, and every blessing. Thank you to the Golden Globe voters for seeing me and reminding me that purpose always finds its moment. To my mommy and my daddy, it's all for y'all anytime. I love y'all so much. Thank you for being here with me tonight. To my tribe, oh my God, my grounding force, my joy, and my daily reminder that love is an action, not just the word, and everything I do is rooted in that truth."

She went on to praise the team behind One Battle After Another, including writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson and the comedy's ensemble cast. "To Paul "Let Him Cook" Thomas Anderson, thank you for your vision, your trust, and your brilliance. My gratitude is endless. I love you. We love you and thank you so much for holding space for me and our entire cast. Leo [Dicaprio], Sean [Penn], Benicio [del Toro], Chase [Infiniti], Regina [Hall], everybody, the crew, every single person who has touched this project, none of this is taken lightly."

Taylor concluded her speech in a moving moment by dedicating it to women and girls of color. "And last but most importantly, to my brown sisters and little brown girls watching tonight, our softness is not a liability. Our depth is not too much. Our light does not need permission to shine. We belong in every room we walk into. Our voices matter, and our dreams deserve space. Thank you so much, everybody," she concluded.

Ever the fashion star, Taylor also took a moment to highlight her look of the evening, a black Schiaparelli gown featuring a rhinestone-embellished thong topped with a bow. "Wait till you see my party in the back!" she said, turning around to show the bling.

Tonight's win is Taylor's biggest honor for acting, after she broke out with her acclaimed performance in 2023's A Thousand and One. Earlier this year, during her September 2025 Marie Claire cover story interview, she said of her acting journey, "That's one thing that I can say I’m really proud of."

"When I was taking that risk, and nobody else believed that I would make these things happen if I took that risk, that’s one thing that I get to sit here today and say, 'I’m proud of that.' And did, and did, and did, and did. I said I would do it, and not everybody believed that," she shared.

Taylor was nominated alongside Emily Blunt for The Smashing Machine, Elle Fanning for Sentimental Value, Ariana Grande for Wicked: For Good, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for Sentimental Value, and Amy Madigan for Weapons.

One Battle After Another, meanwhile, is the most-nominated film of the night, with a total of nine nods.

Keri Russell has come a long way from wearing flip-flops at the 1999 Golden Globe Awards. On January 11, the five-time Best Actress nominee returned for the 2026 ceremony, dressed in the antithesis of her debut look: a Stéphane Rolland select.

As she's done since 1999, Russell arrived at her sixth Globes on time and ready to walk the red carpet. Stylist Frank Fleming—the same creative behind her The Diplomat press tour looks—brought the Stéphane Rolland dress to life, beginning with a diplomatic turtleneck. Its silky satin exterior stretched vertically toward the ankle-length hem. Side angles bared some skin, before the back appeared entirely open. A marquise-shaped brooch atop her waist added some dimension to the cropped couture.

Black earrings from Tiffany & Co. marked a moody shift from her diamond collection. To finish, the monochrome continued onto a satin clutch and Saint Laurent stilettos.

Russell made her Golden Globes debut at 23 years old, following a "Best Actress" nomination for Felicity. Before method dressing became an internet-famous trend, she channeled her character's care-free costume rack in a muted skirt set, courtesy of Armani. Her orange tube top was a perfect shade match to the underlay of her side-slitted skirt. A semi-sheer blue slip—embroidered with blue florals—added some dimension via an unlikely color combination.

The red carpet look's pièce de résistance was, of course, her strappy turquoise flip-flops. Her bedazzled pair would've looked right at home among last summer's street style circuit, but at the Golden Globes, it was widely considered "bold."

The next year, Russell gave her flip-flops the evening off in favor of white stilettos, which peeked out from beneath her fuchsia slip dress. The brand behind the Globe winner's gown still remains a mystery, but either way, it rang in the new millennium in Y2K form. Its U-shaped neckline paved the way for Russell's plunging picks at the 2017, 2019, and 2025 Golden Globes.

Fast forward two decades (and some change) to the 2024 Golden Globes, when Russell perfected award show styling with ease. Striking column silhouettes are her signature, as proven by her Jil Sander Spring 2024 select. What started as a classic, stark white tank turned into a statement skirt, featuring tiered layers of fringe. Blink and you'll miss the feather clutch, which blended into the maxi's eye-catching shade.

Always on board for a stark white select, Russell returned to the Golden Globes in 2025, dressed in suit-inspired Stéphane Rolland couture. Hollywood's largest shoulder pads triggered the navel-plunge neckline, which complemented the skirt's hip-high, center slit. A square-shaped belt buckle—made of yellow diamonds—felt like something her The Diplomat character would wear (but not until her fashion evolution in Season 3). Plus, the dress's hidden pockets just screamed Kate Wyler-core (IYKYK).

Russell has scored Golden Globes nominations after all three seasons of The Diplomat, including the latest one. Now that the Netflix hit is confirmed for Season 4, trust her red carpet streak will continue come 2027. Fans certainly wouldn't say no to another round of diplomat-inspired dressing from the show's leading lady.

Tonight at the 83rd annual Golden Globes, I expected to see deep maroons, inky blacks—maybe even a splash of emerald, considering that's been the dress theme of the night—dominating the nail space. It's January, after all, and this awards show has always been a playground for rich, wintry glam. But as the carpet unfolds tonight, a different story is emerging at the tips of everyone's fingers. I'm talking milky whites, sheer nudes, and even soft, barely-there pinks. You know, the kinds of manicures you associate with spring weddings or summer vacations, not a dead-of-winter awards show.

It feels like a quiet shift, where beauty is opting out of seasonal rules altogether. While the gowns are getting bigger and the jewels are getting brighter, the nails are pulling back—a clear pivot from the intricate, statement-making designs that dominated 2025. And while they read simple, they're indeed rich-girl nails: clean, neutral, and healthy-looking—quiet luxury at its finest.

The best part? This is a celebrity trend you can easily recreate at home. Keep reading for the best neutral nails of the night, along with the products to shop for yourself.

The Best Anti-Winter Nail Looks

Shop the Best Anti-Winter Nail Colors

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For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

If you were under the impression that the exposed thong trend had been left in 2025, you, friend, would be dead wrong. At the 2026 Golden Globes, Teyana Taylor extended the lifespan of this daring trend in a crystal-encrusted style on the red carpet, courtesy of Schiaparelli.

On Jan. 11, the actor graced paparazzi with the shot of a century, stepping onto the Golden Globes red carpet in a custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture cut-out gown that matched famously fearless aesthetic. From the front, the Daniel Roseberry-designed look, styled by Wayman and Micah, was fairly classic-seeming: a little black dress, with an asymmetrical neckline and a trendy scarf detail at the neck, which trailed behind her like a train. Overall, it read polished and elegant.

The back, however, supplied that white-hot spice Taylor is known to bring on the carpet. It boasted one additional cut-out—a slash across the lower back, which made way for what the brand calls a "silver-rhinestone bijou thong."

Taylor's bijou thong was embellished with a bedazzled bow, which acted as the focal point of her entire outfit. "The crack is covered in diamonds," she told E! News on the carpet, later dubbing the look "expensive"

Though the Golden Globes red carpet is typically a parade of ultra-conservative ball gowns, attendees got wild with their award show wardrobes this year. In addition to Taylor, stars like Jennifer Lawrence have also eschewed the stuffy dress code. It's the Golden Globes like we've never seen it.

The 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards, the 2025 Governors Awards, and the 2025 Gotham Awards all teased Jennifer Lawrence’s first full-fledged award season in years: 2026. At the 2026 Golden Globes, her red carpet look got the ball rolling in her most naked dress yet.

The January 11 ceremony marked Lawrence's debut Golden Globes with stylist Ryan Hastings. Even so, the pair's illusion slip proved they're a perfect match with Givenchy by Sarah Burton. J.Law sent jaws dropping in an entirely see-through dress, embroidered with flowers in pink, ivory, and green. Waist cut-outs paused the carefully-placed botanicals, before resuming atop the skirt's nude tulle. Even her pillow-like shawl boasted similar floral motifs, except its satin pink base appeared completely opaque.

Lawrence hasn't gone this risqué since 2017 at the London premiere of Mother. Back then, fans were equally shocked to see her skin peek through a distressed Atelier Versace Fall 2017 Couture dress. Still, her Golden Globes gown took home the trophy for most naked moment of Lawrence's career.

In the 2010s, Lawrence was every bit a Globes regular, RSVP’ing “yes” to the 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2016 ceremonies. She scored her first nomination in 2011 for Winter's Bone, plus fresh-off-the-runway Louis Vuitton for the red carpet. Ombré black and gray ruffles decorated the entire Fall 2010 gown, beginning with the belted sweetheart bodice, beyond the asymmetrical train.

A Judith Leiber clutch co-starred in Lawrence's step-and-repeat—a celebrity status symbol at the time. That year, she carried similar styles to the BAFTA Film Awards and Screen Actor Guild (now Actor) Awards.

And just like that, the 2011 ceremony became Lawrence's first and last non-Dior Golden Globes dress, until 2026, of course. Her 2012 appointment to brand ambassador secured her Dior designs at the 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2024 fêtes. First up? A strapless, Fall 2012 Couture bustier gown, featuring a drop-waist bodice and an elongated train. It's not the only reason Lawrence won her first Golden Globe for Silver Linings Playbook, but it certainly helped.

Her affinity for statement belts stretched into 2014, when J.Law arrived in a cinched white tulle gown, courtesy of the Fall 2013 Couture collection. Its fit-and-flare silhouette was almost identical to its predecessor, except with a second black strap around her thighs. What's more, it was the dress she took home her second Golden Globes trophy in. To finish, Roger Vivier's clutch picked up where Judith Leiber left off.

Since then, Lawrence has only attended three Golden Globes, including in 2016 on behalf of Joy. She returned to the post-win trophy room wearing custom Dior, crafted just for her by then-creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri.

The crimson-colored column dress broke up her ballgown streak with blink-and-you'll-miss-them side cutouts. A 157-carat diamond Chopard necklace looked perfectly tailored to the sleeveless style's U-shaped décolletage.

It would be eight years before the three-time winner ended her Golden Globes hiatus, dressed in (you guessed it) custom Dior. The 2024 ceremony hosted her most minimalist Globes gown yet: a black slip with a V-neck, ruched shoulders, and a simple column skirt. The plunge neckline allowed her five-figure, Tiffany & Co. diamond pendant to shine uninterrupted. Sapphire earrings—also from Tiffany & Co.'s catalog—cascaded up each ear in the shape of bird wings.

Of course, fashion girls were shocked to see Lawrence's Dior dress series end at the 2026 Golden Globes. But her Givenchy by Sarah Burton design proved she's still evolving as a style muse, so it's best to buckle up and enjoy the ride.

The 2026 Golden Globes marks a very special moment for Hailee Steinfeld. To start, her latest film Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler, is up for seven nominations. Furthermore, she's a presenter this evening, alongside A-listers like Ayo Edebiri, Miley Cyrus, and Zoë Kravitz. And last but not least, this is Steinfeld’s first red carpet appearance since confirming her pregnancy last month.

The mother-to-be kicked off her maternity fashion era in a pink Prada gown, crafted with a polished crew neckline, a trailing silhouette, and sparkling embellishments for an extra dose of drama. With help from stylist duo Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn, Steinfeld accessorized her look with Desert diamonds from Repossi.

While Steinfeld’s stunning dress was a sight to be seen, her glam deserves just as much praise. She embraced a glowy look with vibrant pink blush, smokey eyeshadow, and nude lipstick. Her hair was styled with vintage-inspired waves and a side part, paying homage to her Sinners character, Mary.

Steinfeld is no stranger to the Golden Globes, having attended a total of four times. In 2024, she wore a custom Prada gown styled by Zangardi and Haenn. Her bubblegum pink dress featured a fitted bodice, a high neckline, and a bow-adorned train. Paired with sheer black opera gloves and shimmering Boucheron jewels, Steinfeld’s outfit perfectly channeled Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

While the actress is partial toward timeless pieces, she’s not afraid to switch things up every now and then. Take, for example, her recent Stephane Rolland Couture look that she wore to the 2025 Governors Awards. Designed with a sculptural silhouette, sheer detailing, and scintillating beads, her dress embodied a true work of art.

Similar to her acting portfolio, Steinfeld’s red carpet wardrobe has range. In the same way that she can star as both a songwriter in Pitch Perfect 2 and a bloodthirsty vampire in Sinners, her style can transition from classic to experimental. Whether on or off the screen, Steinfeld is undoubtedly dynamic.

Fans couldn’t be happier Wicked hit theaters in two parts: It confirmed Ariana Grande’s presence at the Golden Globe Awards in 2025 and 2026. Tonight, the two-time “Best Supporting Actress” nominee returned with one last anti-Glinda-coded Globes look up her sleeve.

Earlier this week, Variety reported Cynthia Erivo would miss the January 11 ceremony due to Dracula rehearsals in London’s West End. (She’s busy prepping to play 23 characters in the one-woman show.) Thankfully, her co-star held down the sartorial fort on the red carpet—in Elphaba Noir, no less. Stylist and image architect Law Roach sourced an off-the-shoulder black dress on Grande’s behalf from Vivienne Westwood Couture. A crimped chiffon covered the corseted foundation, before cascading into a voluminous ballgown.

Sure, the shade channeled Elphaba's aesthetic more than Glinda's, but the bubble-like train still revived the Good Witch's signature silhouettes. She's no stranger anti-Glinda gowns: see her Wicked: For Good after-party pick last November. Another angle revealed the pleated gown's plunging V-neck back, plus the skirt's bustled bum. The textured fabric called for few accessories, including diamond studs and a matching necklace, both from Swarovski.

Grande seems like the star to own shelves stocked with Golden Globes, but she made her debut just last year. Before the Sunday evening soirée, Grande scored an invite to the first-time nominee luncheon, alongside Mikey Madison, Zoe Saldaña, and more.

Still, she looked every bit a veteran in a vintage tea-length dress, courtesy of Dior's Fall 1959 collection. The 65-year-old dress was her oldest archival look, until she attended November's Wicked: For Good London premiere in a circa-1952 design crafted by Wizard of Oz costume designer Gilbert Adrien himself. Just like magic, the satin Dior dress didn't look a day over 50.

Fans should've known Grande's vintage streak would stretch onto the actual 2025 Golden Globes red carpet. (The luncheon was, for all intents and purposes, her practice round.)

On Jan. 5, she took a more subtle approach to Glinda method dressing in a butter yellow, empire-waist column dress from Givenchy's archives. The Spring 1966 Couture slip started with a strapless, hand-beaded bodice, before cascading into a petal-like skirt. Opera gloves, a Swarovski tennis necklace, and matching diamond drop earrings added that Old Hollywood charm you know and love her for.

Wicked: For Good may be out of theaters, but Glinda will live on in Grande's glamour forever. Take her Golden Globes look as proof: Fans would've never seen her in Vivienne Westwood Couture without the Good Witch's preppy, yet poised influence.

Teyana Taylor has walked enough red carpets for me to know that she is well-versed in the art of serving a look. That being said, nothing could have prepared me for how stunning she looks tonight. The 83rd annual Golden Globes is currently underway in Los Angeles, and I've already been spotting (and swooning over) some of the best beauty looks of the night via Marie Claire's beauty live blog.

Taylor, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in One Battle After Another, looks absolutely stunning in an asymmetrical black gown featuring striking cutouts. Still, it's her beauty details that have completely captured my attention this evening.

Not only has Taylor perfected the ethereal pixie haircut of everyone's dreams, but she's also paired it with sex kitten makeup. A juicy brown lip, an editorial glossy cheek, and a dramatic winged eyeliner moment all paired beautifully with her glowing skin. She finished everything off with a milky pink manicure. In short, she's a walking lesson in the art of having main-character energy.

There are still a ton of looks to come tonight but until then, take a look at a few of the products that you can look to recreate Taylor's glam for your own 2026 event schedule.

Most Amanda Seyfried fans will say they've been following her since Mean Girls. Not to brag, but I've been along for her ride since way before that. We're both from Allentown, Pennsylvania (she went to my rival high school), so I paid a little extra attention when a girl from my small suburb landed a role on All My Children, the soap I watched religiously with my mom growing up.

Then came Karen Smith, Mamma Mia, Jennifer's Body, Letters to Juliet, and The Dropout. But this past year, her starring roles have landed her not one, but two (!!) 2026 Golden Globes nominations. The first is for Best Actress in a Motion Picture for her work in The Testament of Anne Lee, and the second is for Best Actress in a Limited Series for her role in Long Bright River. That said, it's no surprise she pulled out all the stops for her beauty look.

Her manicure was my personal favorite part. Working with celebrity manicurist Emi Kudo, she landed on an absolutely perfect winter chome shade: Dazzle Dry's Artisan, an off-white iridescent polish with a blue undertone.

"I envisioned Amanda in something chic—classic, yet hinting at a new red-carpet direction through a soft iridescent shimmer," Kudo exclusively tells Marie Claire. Seyfried's stylist, Elizabeth Stewart, had the same vision. "She immediately loved the soft white, iridescent shade “Artisan” from my kit—it paired beautifully with Amanda’s white, angelic gown. I was excited that Elizabeth wanted to elevate the look rather than stay traditional."

Add a clean, square shape, trimmed cuticles, and the high-shine finish of Dazzle Dry (it has a five-minute dry time, which couldn't be more perfect for red-carpet chaos), and her mani was Golden Globes-ready.

She completed the look with a sleek, side part updo (she went for a sleek approach when the rest of the red carpet was embracing a messier aesthetic), and soft, natural makeup.

To shop her 2026 Golden Globes look, scroll ahead.

For the last three years, fans have missed Jenna Ortega at the Golden Globe Awards. Her Gucci-clad debut made quite an impression in 2023, but since then, she's been noticeably absent from the celebrity guest list. This year, Ortega finally returned with a "Best Actress in a TV Series—Musical or Comedy" nomination.

The January 11 ceremony was the culmination of another shockingly easy fitting with her longtime stylist, Enrique Melendez. Before finding her seat inside The Beverly Hill Hotel, Ortega posed for photographers in a Dilara Findikoglu Spring 2026 gown: a look fit for the two-time nominee. It was the first and last Golden Globes look she tried on, Melendez tells Marie Claire. "[We] knew it was it."

The all-black gown—especially its turtleneck top—was "a little nod" to Wednesday Addams. After two seasons of Netflix's Wednesday, it's a shade Melendez and Ortega "naturally gravitate to." Distressed satin decorated the short-sleeve style, before rhinestone fringe dangled off each ultra-padded shoulder. Both the side cut-out top and low-rise velvet skirt came with a no alterations stipulation, due to the "structure of the [dress's] front panels," Melendez reveals. Thankfully, it fit Ortega like a glove.

From the jump, Ortega told Melendez to "let the dress be the moment," as it has "so many delicate details." See the bust's ruffles, the collar's embroidery, and the scarf-like center, to name a few. So, the actor's longtime makeup artist, Mélanie Inglessis, "suggested a "no-makeup makeup look," Melendez shares. Hair stylist Cesar DeLeon Ramirez originally planned on adding mini braids as an homage to Findikoglu, but last minute, they chose a loose bun instead.

Ortega made her Golden Globes debut at just 21 years old: Season 1 of Wednesday scored the actor her first nomination. At the 2023 Globes, she gave method dressing the evening off in favor of a Gucci Spring 2023 gown. Sure, the cut-out-heavy design wasn't Wednesday Addams black, but the shift wasn't too far from her character's aesthetic.

Its pleated bell sleeves, asymmetrical skirt, and distressed train exuded the ethereal gothic glamour her character knows and loves. Tiffany & Co.'s $8,900 snake necklace looked straight from Wednesday's wardrobe, too. She (and Melendez) accessorized further with sky-high, metallic silver sandals from Jimmy Choo.

Ortega isn't a Golden Globes regular, but make no mistake, she's an award season aficionado through and through. Best-dressed lists at the Emmy Awards have bared her name for two years running, including at the 2025 ceremony in fresh-off-the-runway Givenchy. Once creative director Sarah Burton presented the bejeweled bodice, Melendez knew Ortega was destined to wear it.

In a recent interview with Marie Claire, Melendez revealed the illusion top—made of mismatched rhinestones, pearls, and gemstones—arrived in a coffin-like box with a strict no-alteration stipulation. "It just fit perfectly," Melendez said. Ortega suggested they trade the runway's trousers for a low-rise slip skirt, featuring a thigh-high slit. The in-the-moment swap made her set "a little more elegant for the Emmys," she told her stylist.

Once again, Melendez revived the pair's signature red carpet formula: he didn't plan her Golden Globes gown too far in advance. "If people love it, great. If they don't love it, that's OK, too," he added. Thanks to Melendez, Ortega's 2026 Golden Globes look is already sharing the former fate.

I knew something was in the air the moment the first unraveled updo hit the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet. And while the year's best films have dominated awards chatter all month, the best beauty looks of the night are unfolding in real time—one loose tendril at a time. Every carpet will usher in a few Old Hollywood hairstyles (just look to the stunning Olandria tonight), but the 83rd annual ceremony is already taking on a softer, looser direction. The messy updo hairstyle trend isn't accidental; in fact, it feels right on time.

Celebrity hairstylist Rogério Cavalcante previously told Maire Claire that "In 2026, hair isn't about perfection—it's about intention," predicting a move toward looks that are "effortless, but never accidental." That mindset is playing out across the carpet: it feels lived-in and touchable, but still perfectly on point for one of the biggest nights of the year.

Just look at the arrivals. The Hunting Wives star, Brittany Snow, arrived with a low pony, softened by two face-framing tendrils that felt relaxed yet romantic. Zuri Hall leaned into her gorgeous natural curls, with honey-blonde hair loosely pinned in back and the rest cascading forward. Rei Ami paired her signature blunt bangs with a slightly more polished—but still leaning into the trend—look, defined by two wispy pieces that kept it a little edgy.

And that's just the start. Check out the best messy updo hairstyles at the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet, below.

The Best Messy Updo Hairstyles of the 2026 Golden Globes

The Best Products for Messy Updos

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For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Almost every year since the first season of Only Murders In the Building aired, Selena Gomez has earned a nomination for Best Actress at the Golden Globes. The 2026 ceremony is no different: Tonight, she's up for the prize for the fourth time (her fifth Golden Globe nomination overall), and her red carpet style streak is still going strong. In fact, it may be the strongest it's ever been.

Marking her first award show appearance as a married woman, Gomez arrived to the 2026 Golden Globes with her new husband Benny Bianco. All eyes weren't on her marquise engagement ring and wedding band, though—rather, it was her custom Chanel look, styled by Erin Walsh, that really stole the show.

The neckline of the Matthieu Blazy-designed black velvet bustier gown featured white flowers made of feathers, silk chiffon, and silk organza—a big feature on his Spring 2026 runway for the French luxury house.

According to the brand, a grand total of 323 hours went into perfecting Gomez's custom ensemble, which boasts nearly 200 embroidered elements. Her statement earrings also hailed from Chanel's High Jewelry line.

Velvet has been Gomez's signature red carpet textile. See: last year's Armani Privé pick for the Academy Museum Gala , her custom Schiaparelli dress from the BAFTA Film Awards, and her look from the 2023 Golden Globes.

This is Gomez and Walsh's third Golden Globes red carpet together. It all started in 2024, with a custom Armani Privé asymmetrical ballgown—a surprisingly voluminous choice for someone who's known to love a column dress. Still, its ruby red sheen wasn't too far off from the multi-hyphenate's style at the time.

Gomez's aesthetic underwent a total transformation between then and the next Golden Globes. At the 2025 red carpet, she looked every bit a Disney princess in an off-the-shoulder baby blue satin Prada gown, another custom creation. Even her accessories—pointy pumps, a rhinestone clutch, and Tiffany & Co. diamond necklace—got the Cinderella memo. Extra points for her perfectly-parted bob, sculpted by hair stylist Renato Campora.

Gomez returns to the Golden Globes after her biggest award season run yet. Last year, she RSVP'd "yes" to the BAFTA Film Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, the Emmy Awards, and even the Academy Awards, promoting Emilia Pérez. (Selenators still aren't over her crystalized Ralph Lauren gown at the 2025 Oscars, which teased the designer of her wedding dresses.)

She took a step back from film acting after the Netflix movie-musical, so her awards appearances could be more modest this time around. Thankfully, fans will always have Only Murders, which is already renewed for Season 6. If Only Murders sweeps the TV nominations yet again, we can expect another Globes gown from Gomez this time next year.

On most red carpets, our attention goes directly to the women and what they're wearing—but at the 2026 Golden Globes, all heads turned when Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, the stars of HBO's absolute blockbuster hockey romance Heated Rivalry, arrived.

They may have been unknowns six months ago, but the two actors become some of the most sought-after men in Hollywood since they first graced our screens as Shane Hollander (Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Storrie) in the sexy rivals-to-lovers hockey series in late November. Hollanov stans have to wait a long, long while for season two, but Williams and Storrie are keeping us charmed and entertained with their interviews, appearances, and fashion.

Since Heated Rivalry episodes dropped, they've been spotted in a range of luxury brands, include Balmain, Thom Browne, and Dolce & Gabbana. Naturally, there was a lot of speculation as to which designer would snag credits on the two rising stars at their big awards show debut. (They're presenting one of the night's prizes.)

For their first Golden Globes, it looks like they're not holding back. Williams walked the carpet first; styled by Anastasia Walker, he went classic in a white Giorgio Armani dinner jacket (and cummerbund) and black evening trousers, paired with Christian Louboutin shoes. His white silk evening shirt was left half unbuttoned—because he's still always giving the fans what they want, and because it gave us a better glimpse at his serpentine gold Bvlgari necklace.

Storrie arrived a touch later, in his own high-fashion moment. Styled by James Yardley, he opted to go with Saint Laurent—another certified Hollywood It brand.

And as for jewelry, he went with Tiffany & Co. affixing a diamond-encrusted bird brooch to the lapel of his jacket.

Now, the question is: Which brand is going to lock them in for their first fashion campaign?

Awards season is my favorite season—and tonight is when it really kicks off. Sunday, January 11, marks the 83rd annual Golden Globes, where Hollywood honors the best in television and movies (Sinners! Wicked! Avatar: Fire and Ash!). But it’s also a massive night for fashion and beauty, as stars solidify the biggest trends in winter hairstyles, makeup, and nails.

The night has only just begun, but beauty trends are already taking shape. We're seeing no mascara looks (hi, Justine Lupe), retro throwbacks like side parts and thick headbands, and even a little grungy glam courtesy of our White Lotus girl Lisa.

But the best beauty looks of the 2026 Golden Globes don’t just happen. For weeks, the most talented glam squads in the business have been plotting and scheming how to bring these (shockingly) wearable looks together. Because I live and breathe beauty for a living, I was able to get the inside scoop on the products and techniques that brought these looks together.

To discover everything you ever wanted to know about the best Golden Globes beauty looks, scroll ahead.

Brittany Snow

I'll be copying this loose, low pony from the Hunting Wives actress all winter long. Bonus: a ponytail is a must to avoid tangles with a scarf.

Justine Lupe

Everybody wants these loose waves. Celebrity hairstylist Barb Thompson achieved the effortless, beachy texture using BELLAMI 22’’ Silk Seam extensions in “Golden Hour Blonde Balayage”.But what really caught my eye? The missing mascara.

Lisa

Until White Lotus season four returns, I'll be entertaining myself with this very wearable grunge glam.

Alicia Silverstone

Old Hollywood and a side part. Name a better combination—I'll wait. If you want to get the look, use the Maria Nila Gloss Coat, which was handy in hairstylist Marc Mena's kit.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Leave it to the Abbott Elementary star to make this Y2K accessory look red carpet appropriate.

Olandria Carthen

This lip combo is iconic—and obviously we have the full breakdown.

Audrey Nuna

Dare I say this is my favorite beauty looks of the night? It's unexpected, gothic, and fun all wrapped into one.

Ginnifer Goodwin

Any red carpet pixie is a great pixie—I don't make the rules. But this sleek style will live rent free in my head for the foreseeable future.

Selena Gomez

Bobs are proving they're here to stay for 2026—just with a twist. This '50s-inspired updo comes with a deep side part and pin curls.

Ayo Edebiri

I'm not sure what I love more: the brown lipstick or the flippy bob.

Jenna Ortega

The Wednesday star isn't a stranger to bleached brows. As for those cheekbones? Mélanie Inglessis sculpted 'em with the Laduora Lumeo Skinlift LED Infusion.Paired with mauve shadow on the lower lash line and a brown lip and this gets a 10 from team MC.

Pamela Anderson

Fresh faced, mascara-free, and platinum once again, this is one of my favorite of Anderson's red carpet looks.

Teyana Taylor

Beauty Writer Ariel Baker said it best: "Not only has Taylor perfected the ethereal pixie haircut of everyone's dreams, but she's also paired it with sex kitten makeup." Wondering what she smells like? Initio Parfums Privés Atomic Rose Hair Perfume.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

As a veteran fashion news editor, I’m covering the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet on January 11 with laser focus. If I know anything about "Hollywood’s Biggest Party," it’s that the evening’s stars always deliver a few style plot twists—some that aren’t even obvious in the first step-and-repeat photos.

Sure, the stated purpose of the night is gathering nominees and presenters at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, in honor of outstanding performances in TV and film, beginning at 8 p.m. ET sharp. But there’s a long history of raising the red carpet bar and delivering some headline-worthy surprises, too. Who can forget last year’s Golden Globes, when Zendaya hard-launched her engagement with a Louis Vuitton gown to match? Or when Kylie Jenner snuck into the ceremony in Elizabeth Hurley’s vintage Versace gown? Not to mention, the parade of custom dresses and suits on Ariana Grande, Elle Fanning, Demi Moore, and Ayo Edebiri—who are all slated to attend again this year.

The 2026 Golden Globes have even more potential. Nominees from Jennifer Lawrence to Jenna Ortega are all the proof I needed in advance; arrivals like the Heated Rivalry boys, Selena Gomez in custom Chanel, and Ariana Grande in Vivienne Westwood guaranteed it. So from the first star’s arrival to Kylie Jenner's sneaky late-entrance, I’ll take you inside the 83rd annual Golden Globes red carpet with minute-by-minute fashion updates you won’t find anywhere else. I’ll also bring in Marie Claire fashion editors with insights on celebrity looks as they track down the details. And of course, we’ll end the night strong with our annual best-dressed list. (The beauty team is also gathering their best beauty looks of the night, too.)

Without further ado, keep reading for an up-close look at the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet. I know I’m expecting the most unexpected fashion moments from this year’s guests.

Your 2026 Golden Globes Red Carpet Cheat-Sheet

Dozens of major stars are filtering into the Beverly Hilton Hotel tonight with an objective to make fashion history. This is the award show where Julia Roberts wore her boundary-pushing Armani suit in 1990, after all.

So, who’s on my radar? Host Nikki Glaser will likely be one of the first guests to hit her step-and-repeat marks. (She’s got to head backstage and prepare her monologue, after all.) Then, I’m keeping an eye out for nominees who frequently make the best-dressed list, including Selena Gomez, Teyana Taylor, and last year’s Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy/Musical winner, Demi Moore. First-time attendees also have a way of making their presence known with a major pull—so Chase Infiniti and Eva Victor will be ones to watch.

With a guest list like this, Hollywood’s most notable stylists will be booked and busy tonight. Samantha McMillen is dressing both Fanning sisters; Danielle Goldberg has a flock of It girls to style, including Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama nominee Jessie Buckley and presenter Zoë Kravitz. Trust that I’m refreshing all their Instagram accounts to see who’s on the official roster this time. —Halie LeSavage

Your First Look at the 2026 Golden Globes Red Carpet

Lights! Camera! Roses! The 83rd Annual Golden Globes red carpet is already awash in miles of blooming florals. Soon enough, the biggest stars of the year will be glowing right in front of them. —HL

How to Watch the 2026 Golden Globes Red Carpet Live

What, you don’t just want to refresh this blog? I’m kidding—in addition to expert analysis, there’s something special about seeing all those custom and vintage red carpet gowns in motion.

This year, you can tune into E! and Peacock for the annual LIVE from E!: Golden Globes red carpet broadcast, hosted by Zuri Hall, Justin Sylvester, and Keltie Knight. It’ll air from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., but be warned: Some stars show up even earlier, and I’ll have them covered right here.

Several news organizations, like the Associated Press, stream live coverage on their YouTube and social media channels. Just note, these don’t always come with live commentary or insight into who’s wearing who.

For 360-degree fashion coverage, don’t turn off the TV when the red carpet officially ends. Flip over to CBS for the main show, and you may catch a few celebrities skipping the red carpet and heading straight to their seats. (Kylie Jenner is a usual suspect.) —HL

Meet the Official Golden Globes Correspondent

Mary Beth Barone, comedian and star of Overcompensating, is the official correspondent for the Golden Globes' social media channels this year. She showed up bright and early in a moody black column dress—no word on the designer behind it just yet. (But according to her Instagram, some 1990s Versace was on the inspiration board.) —HL

Meet the 'Marie Claire' Golden Globes Correspondent

While I’m serving fashion analysis from New York City, social media director Christina D’Ambrosio is live at the red carpet in Los Angeles. While she’s reported at every major event from the VMAs to the Met Gala, she told me this year’s Golden Globes could set a new standard—at least in the Internet Boyfriend department.

"Although I’d be remiss not to mention how excited I am to see the boys from Heated Rivalry, I’ll admit I'm eager to see *all* of our internet boyfriends on the carpet," she says. "Will Timmy be in 'Marty Supreme' orange? What will Joe Keery wear? Only time will tell…"

Before she headed to her spot on the carpet, Christina also sent me a snap of her Misha red carpet gown. Stunning, if I do say so myself. —HL

Looking Back at Last Year's Golden Globes Red Carpet...

In 2025, the Golden Globes red carpet set the stage for a year of creative director shake-ups and rising fashion stars. I asked Marie Claire editors to share their favorites, as a warm-up for this year’s batch of memorable looks. —HL

“I loved Mikey Madison’s custom Bottega Veneta gown from the 2025 Golden Globes. It was one of Matthieu Blazy’s last designs as creative director of the Italian fashion brand. Fast-forward to today, and he’s entering his first full awards season as the head designer at Chanel. I bet he has some fun surprises in store.” —Ana Colón, interim style director

“I remember squeaking with joy when Elle Fanning walked out in a champagne-colored, capital-B Ball gown with a sequined leopard-print bustier. The dramatic Balmain dress felt like a rallying cry for her fellow actors to bring more personality and camp to the red carpet. Huge Kudos to Fanning and her stylist, Samantha McMillen.”—Emma Childs, fashion features editor

“Glittery, buoyant gowns were my stars of the evening—Zoe Saldana, Quinta Brunson, and Mikey Madison all opted for sparkles and sequins, bringing a shot of joy to the bleakest month of the year. I especially loved Cara Delevingne in custom Gucci that fit like a (sparkly!) second skin.” —Jenny Hollander, digital director

"I’ve supported Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner’s romance since day one, but I’m an even bigger fan of Jenner’s Supportive Girlfriend Style during award season. I wouldn’t be surprised if Hugh Grant and Elizabeth Hurley’s public relationship has top billing on the billionaire’s mood board: she (and stylists Alexandra and Mackenzie Grandquist) tracked down Hurley’s exact Versace Spring 1999 dress for the 2025 Golden Globes." —Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer

"I love a method-dressing moment, so I’m going to have to go with Ariana Grande for my favorite Golden Globes fashion moment from last year. Grande stunned in an archival Givenchy dress, which her stylist Mimi Cuttrell pulled from the label’s Haute Couture Spring 1966 collection. Coated in butter yellow, her embellished gown paid homage to the iconic Yellow Brick Road." —Lauren Tappan, fashion editor

'Marie Claire' Fashion Editors' 2026 Golden Globes Red Carpet Predictions

The 2026 Golden Globes nominees will finally arrive on the red carpet any moment now. Before revealing this year’s looks, I asked a panel of Marie Claire fashion experts to share their red carpet predictions. Here’s what to watch. —HL

“Like many other Marie Claire editors, I’m most excited to see my favorite fake hockey players, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, make their awards season red carpet debuts. Since Heated Rivalry went monoculture-level viral a few weeks ago, the attention on these two actors has been immense—and we’re only now getting a taste of what their fashion vibe is. I’m curious to see which brands managed to confirm the most in-demand men in Hollywood right now, and who they’ll align with in the future.” —AC

“Ana already mentioned Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, a.k.a. our current style hyperfixations, so I’ll go with my (very close!) runner-up: Teyana Taylor, our Changemakers Issue cover star last September. Vintage Dior is very much her thing, so my money’s on that. (Although I loved her in the Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello we photographed her in.)” —JH

“I’m also excited to see some Matthieu Blazy Chanel gowns. Now that he’s more settled and celebrities have started wearing his collections, I’m curious to see how he expands his custom work this red carpet season. He’s done a little here and there, mostly ahead of his first runway for the brand, so I’m looking forward to what he’s been working on. A preview of his haute couture, perhaps, ahead of that show later this month?” —AC

“I’m eager to see what Chase Infiniti, the breakout star and heartbeat of One Battle After Another, wears to her first-ever Golden Globes. 25 and nominated for Best Actress alongside Hollywood greats like Julia Roberts and Jennifer Lawrence—she and her styling duo, Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald, are, of course, going to show up and show out. Considering Infiniti’s a new Louis Vuitton ambassador, I wager she’ll show up in an exquisite, slightly surreal Nicolas Ghesquiere creation.”—EC

"Teyana Taylor. Ariana Grande. Selena Gomez. Zoë Kravitz. Jenna Ortega. All my favorite fashion girls will be in one room tonight. (If you can’t tell by my tone, that never happens.) I’m especially excited to see a post-Wicked Grande. Recent red carpets teased her award season style is still very much Glinda-ified, in a more subtle, elegantly effortless way. Just two days before the Globes, my jaw dropped seeing her in early-aughts Vivienne Westwood: a rare early 2000s look. Could Grande’s official Golden Globes gown trade circa-1950s vintage for more recent decades? Either way, I’m tuned all the way in."—MH

"Although I’m excited to see first-time nominees like Chase Infiniti, Aimee Lou Wood, and Teyana Taylor, I’ve also got my eyes on the guys tonight—specifically Michael B. Jordan. With a style that’s undeniably sharp and sophisticated, I have no doubt that he’ll rise to the red carpet occasion in a perfectly tailored suit. Also, seeing as though he is a brand ambassador for David Yurman, my guess is that he’ll have some shimmering jewels on his wrists, too. "—LKT

A 2026 Golden Globes Red Carpet Reality Check

Reality stars were some of the first to hit the Golden Globes red carpet. Love Island UK's Maura Higgins arrived in a dramatic black gown with a molten gold train by Marmar Halim. Shortly after, Traitors and Dancing With the Stars alum Dylan Efron stopped by in a sharp black tux. —HL

Laufey's 2026 Golden Globes Red Carpet Debut

It was only a matter of time until Laufey lit up the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet. She glowed in a tangerine orange gown with an open back—emphasized by her low-key chic ponytail. —HL

Spotted: The 'Hunting Wives' Lead on the 2026 Golden Globes Red Carpet

Our red carpet correspondent, Christina D'Ambrosio, just caught Hunting Wives star Brittany Snow making her ascent up the Golden Globes stairs. She's looking heavenly in a strapless white gown—a far cry from her "bigger in Texas" gold at the VMAs last fall.—HL

Early Arrivals, From Drama to Comedy

Hardly 20 minutes into the official red carpet, the arrivals are coming in hot from every category. First, here's Justine Lupe from Nobody Wants This in a confectionary, ruffled tulle gown by Armani Privé.

Staff writer Meguire Hennes spoke for the entirety of Marie Claire's Slack when Wunmi Mosaku from Sinners arrived in a canary yellow gown: "OMG, gorgeous!"

La-La-LISA Arrives at the 2026 Golden Globes

As one of the top-nominated dramas during tonight's awards, The White Lotus cast was always going to show up and show out. Nonetheless, I was excited by Lisa's turn up the red steps, in a minimalist-for-her sheer gown by Jacquemus with witchy draped sleeves and a peekaboo bandeau top underneath. —HL

Another 'Love Island' Golden Globes Red Carpet Arrival to Fall For

"Ugh, she's gorgeous," interim style director Ana Colón said as Love Island alum Olandria Carthen arrived at the 2026 Golden Globes. I have to agree. Her necklace dripping in diamonds is also worth an extra zoom-in. —HL

Haute Couture Couple Alert

Stylists Wayman + Micah started the night strong with Priyanka Chopra Jonas. She's dressed in custom Dior Haute Couture by Jonathan Anderson, paired to shimmering Bulgari diamonds. It's one of the first New Dior looks on tonight's carpet—and I know it won't be the last. —HL

An Early Red Carpet Look Our Staff Writer Loved

"Sabrina is always a moment on a red carpet." —MH

Sheryl Lee Ralph Accessorizes Her 2026 Golden Globes Look With Pure Joy

I haven't seen anyone look as thrilled on the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet as Sheryl Lee Ralph. The way she twirled in her Harbison Studios dress made me want to put on my dancing shoes, too. —HL

'Heated Rivalry' Heats Up the 2026 Golden Globes Red Carpet

"We should all be keeping an eye on the Heated Rivalry boys as the next big fashion superstars—brands certainly are. Hudson Williams walked the 2026 Golden Globes carpet first in a Hollywood-favorite label: Giorgio Armani. He went classic (peep the cummerbund!), but still left his shirt unbuttoned just enough." —AC

The First (Nearly) Naked Golden Globes Dress Is Here...

Maybe calling this look on Ginnifer Goodwin a naked dress is doing it a disservice. It's more like the night sky was copy and pasted from the heavens onto her gown, and re-rendered in pearls and crystal embellishments. —HL

The "Princess Diana" of the 2026 Golden Globes

My own gasp isn't enough to sum up the love for Ayo Edebiri's Chanel dress, sourced from the Chanel Metiers D'Art collection by Danielle Goldberg. Here's what team Marie Claire had to say about her velvet confection:

"AYO looking every bit America's Chanel girl! I think we have a night full of velvet ahead of us...and those shoulder brooches are pure elegance." —Meguire Hennes

"Oh, I love! My best-dressed so far." —Ana Colón

"She's my Princess Diana." —Emma Childs

Even More 'Heated Rivalry'

Interim style director Ana Colón said it best: "This jawline was made to be famous." She added, "Connor Storrie arrived in Saint Laurent, another certified Hollywood It brand, with a Tiffany & Co. brooch on the lapel of his jacket."

Jennifer Garner Keeps It Classic

I have to thank Cong Tri for Jennifer Garner's 2026 Golden Globes red carpet look. From afar, it's a simple black tank dress; up close, it drips in beading that beautifully refracts the light.

The 'Nobody Wants This' Couple Everyone Wants to See

The perks of starring in a hit Netflix series together? Adam Brody and Leighton Meester can take date night to the Golden Globes red carpet—and Meester can do it in sparkling, sequin Miu Miu.

Selena Gomez Makes Her Grand Golden Globes Entrance in Custom Chanel

"Seeing Selena Gomez in custom Chanel made my night at the 2026 Golden Globes. The neckline's ivory feather trim paid homage to Matthieu Blazy's debut Spring 2026 show, without being too on the nose. I can only she and stylist Erin Walsh have more Chanel looks up their sleeves this award season." —Meguire Hennes

Teyana Taylor Delivers a Golden Globes Red Carpet Surprise

Remember those red carpet plot twists I was talking about? They finally appeared in the form of Teyana Taylor's Golden Globes gown. From the front, it was your classic black gown with a floor-grazing neck scarf and long skirt. But once she ascended the stairs inside, she revealed bedazzled hip jewelry and a hint of butt cleavage. And honestly, it's so chic.

Tessa Thompson Switches Up Her Palette

When she was promoting Hedda on the festival circuit, Tessa Thompson told Marie Claire she intentionally channeled her character in shades of red. But tonight, she's switched gears in glittering green Balenciaga. I'm eagerly awaiting more details from stylist Karla Welch. —HL

Elle Fanning Glitters in Gucci

Elle Fanning told E! her Gucci dress for the 2026 Golden Globes took hours of work to create. It might look simply silver and sparkly from afar—but up close, all those glittering embellishments are actually hand-placed, individual flowers.

Let's Hear It for the First-Time Golden Globes Nominees!

Eva Victor and Aimee Lou Wood are both waiting to hear if they won the trophy for their first Golden Globe nominations. In the meantime, they're making a strong debut in diametrically opposed looks: slinky and red Loewe for Victor, gothic ballgown for Wood.

Amanda Seyfried Goes Goddess Mode

Amanda Seyfried, nominated for The Testament of Ann Lee, returned to a Hollywood classic for her 2026 Golden Globes look. She channeled a Grecian goddess in a draped white gown and coordinating shawl—plus heaps of diamond jewelry. —HL

Jenna Ortega Pays Homage to Her Golden Globe-Nominated Role

"As a fellow Gen Z, I couldn't be prouder of Jenna Ortega. She and stylist Enrique Melendez tracked down this Dilara Findikoglu dress straight from the Spring 2026 runway show. To no surprise, the 23-year-old pulled off its fringed crystals, turtleneck, and waist cut-outs with ease. She's nominated for her starring role in Netflix's Wednesday, so the black gown felt especially method. Plus, she and Melendez 'naturally gravitated to' the shade, he told me over email pre-Golden Globes." —Meguire Hennes, fashion staff writer

One Classic Color to Rule Them All at the 2026 Golden Globes

Early in the night, it seemed like jewel-tone brights were ruling the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet. As the minutes ticked down until showtime, it became clear: Hollywood's leading ladies really wanted to play with the little black dress. Given that the silhouette will turn 100 this year, it's a fitting homage. —HL

Jennifer Lawrence Enters Her Naked Dress Era

"My jaw literally dropped," contributing fashion writer Kelsey Stiegman said when Jennifer Lawrence hit the red carpet. I have to agree—she must have been taking notes on friend Dakota Johnson's naked dress collection. —HL

Surprise! Jennifer Lopez Arrives at the 2026 Golden Globes

One naked dress in a weekend just wasn't enough for Jennifer Lopez. After attending a Saturday night event in a see-through Zuhair Murad dress, she stopped by the 2026 Golden Globes in another skin-baring look. Honestly, it wouldn't feel like awards season to me without her. —HL

Even More Best-Dressed Golden Globes Couples

Amal and George! Kirsten and Jesse! Keri and Matthew! So many couples have turned the carpet into date night, but there's one I'm missing. You guessed it: Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner. I've still got my eyes peeled... —HL

Golden Globes Red Carpet Maternity Moments

Two moms-to-be used the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet to share their bumps with the world—and they both hail from the Sinners cast. Hailee Steinfeld made her red carpet maternity debut in Prada, while Wunmi Mosaku chose a custom Matthew Reisman gown. —HL

A Gap Studio 2026 Golden Globes Moment

Claire Danes gave the white T-shirt dress the Golden Globes glow-up it deserves. The source? Gap Studio by Zac Posen, featuring head-to-toe white sequins. —HL

The Official Golden Globes Red Carpet Is Winding Down...

Stars are taking their seats and the show is about to begin, at last! While I get to typing out our best-dressed list, take a look at some more A-list highlights.

Who Skipped the Golden Globes Red Carpet?

You guessed it: Kylie Jenner. She poured herself into a custom Ashi Studio gown, styled by Alexandra and Mackenzie Grandquist, to support boyfriend Timothée Chalamet ahead of his first Golden Globes win. But she didn't let it walk the red carpet. Instead, she saved it for inside the Beverly Hilton, where it glittered throughout Chalamet's Marty Supreme acceptance speech. —HL

Winners, Winners!

Before the night is through, let's take a moment for the red carpet dresses worn by some of tonight's early winners. See: Rose Byrne in Chanel, Amy Poehler in Ami, and EJAE in Dior. — HL

And the Golden Globes for Best-Dressed Stars Go to...

With so many major stars from TV and film filling the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet, narrowing them down to just 11 best looks can feel like an impossible task. But consulting with interim style director Ana Colón, I landed on a lineup that covers major designer firsts; first-time nominees; and red carpet veterans doing what they do best (serving looks). Here's a preview; then, read the full best-dressed list here. —HL

Signing Off From the 2026 Golden Globes Red Carpet

Trophies are going out! Some stars are making outfit changes! It's time for us on the Marie Claire fashion team to say goodnight. Thanks so much for tuning in—I know I'm even more excited for the rest of awards season now. —HL

"Now that the Golden Globes red carpet is closed (and Marie Claire editors can breathe without a new celebrity look popping up), I can safely say, this ceremony started 2026's award season on the strongest of notes. The black gowns made me especially excited for future award shows. Everyone from Lisa and Ariana Grande to Miley Cyrus and Jenna Ortega gave the evening its signature color story. But tonight, once my head hits the pillow, I'll dream of Ortega's Dilara Findikoglu dress, in all its Wednesday Addams-coded glory (or should I say gore)." —MH

Cue up your Moira Rose clips: the new year has begun, and the 2026 Golden Globes are just a few days away! While the Globes aren't the kick-off to awards season this year—that honor went to last week's Critics' Choice Awards—the famed, booze-fueled celebration of TV and film is still one of the most important stops on the race towards the Oscars.

This year's set of nominees is a healthy mix of the year's most beloved blockbusters and acclaimed international hits that are making their way stateside. The actress races will likely be the most exciting of the night, with stars like Amanda Seyfried, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, Julia Roberts, Rose Byrne, Teyana Taylor, and more facing off across comedy and drama. Meanwhile, exciting new faces, like Chase Infiniti and Eva Victor, will make their Globes debut.

Read on for everything you need to know about the 2026 Golden Globes, including how to tune into the ceremony live and how to catch up on the nominated films and shows.

When are the 2026 Golden Globes?

The 83rd Annual Golden Globes will air live on CBS on Sunday, January 11 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. This year's ceremony will once again take place at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in L.A.

How to watch the 2026 Golden Globes:

Viewers with a cable subscription can tune into their local CBS channel to watch the ceremony live, or use their login to stream it from a computer, phone, or tablet via CBS's website or app.

The Golden Globes will also stream on the Paramount+ app in the U.S. only. However, the awards ceremony will only air live for subscribers on the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME tier, which starts at $13/month and offers a seven-day free trial. The full ceremony will be available the next day on demand for all subscribers, including those at the Paramount+ Essential tier ($8/month).

If you don't subscribe to Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, there are a few other ways to watch the Globes online. Live streaming TV services like Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, and YouTube Live also provide access to CBS (and offer free trials).

How to watch the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet:

The official digital pre-show for the Golden Globes, hosted by Variety's Marc Malkin and Angelique Jackson, starts at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. The red-carpet special will stream live on Variety's YouTube channel and across Fire TV devices.

Meanwhile, WWD will also host a red-carpet livestream in partnership with Amazon Beauty. Their show can be watched on the outlet's website, its YouTube channel, or Amazon Live.

Who is hosting the 2026 Golden Globes?

Comedian Nikki Glaser will return to host this year's Globes ceremony, after making history as the first woman to host the awards solo in 2025. In her second stint, she'll likely deliver another monologue filled with sharp yet tasteful celebrity roasts.

Who is presenting at the 2026 Golden Globes?

The Globes has announced that the star-studded lineup of presenters will include: Amanda Seyfried, Ana de Armas, Ayo Edebiri, Charli xcx, Chris Pine, Colman Domingo, Dakota Fanning, Dave Franco, Diane Lane, George Clooney, Hailee Steinfeld, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner, Joe Keery, Judd Apatow, Julia Roberts, Justin Hartley, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key, Kevin Bacon, Kevin Hart, Kyra Sedgwick, Lalisa Manobal, Luke Grimes, Macaulay Culkin, Marlon Wayans, Melissa McCarthy, Mila Kunis, Miley Cyrus, Minnie Driver, Orlando Bloom, Pamela Anderson, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Queen Latifah, Regina Hall, Sean Hayes, Snoop Dogg, Wanda Sykes, Will Arnett, and Zoë Kravitz.

Also, two of the internet's biggest stars are set to grace the Globes stage. Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, the red-hot leads of Heated Rivalry, will make their awards-show debut on Sunday, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Who is nominated at the 2026 Golden Globes?

In terms of this year's nominees, One Battle After Another leads the films with nine nods, followed by Sentimental Value with eight, Sinners with seven, and Hamnet with six. Other awards darlings who received nominations include Bugonia, Frankenstein, KPop Demon Hunters, Jay Kelly, It Was Just an Accident, Marty Supreme, No Other Choice, The Secret Agent, and Wicked: For Good.

On the TV side, The White Lotus leads the pack with six nominations for its third season, followed by Emmy favorites like Adolescence (five noms) and Severance (four noms). Other nominated shows include Abbott Elementary, The Bear, The Beast in Me, The Diplomat, Hacks, Nobody Wants This, Only Murders in the Building, The Pitt, Pluribus, and The Studio.

The Globes have also added a brand-new category this year: Best Podcast! The inaugural nominees include "Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard," "Call Her Daddy," "Good Hang with Amy Poehler," "The Mel Robbins Podcast," "SmartLess," and "Up First from NPR."

Where to watch movies nominated at the 2026 Golden Globes:

While all of the TV shows nominated this year are available on streaming, you may need to head to the cinema to see a few of the major movies nominated.

Avatar: Fire and Ash, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, Song Sung Blue, The Testament of Ann Lee, and Zootopia 2 are exclusively in theaters as of early January. However, some nominated films are only available in select theaters: No Other Choice will expand wide sometime in January, while both The Secret Agent and Sirāt are expected to hit more screens over the next several weeks.

If you won't have time to make it to the cinema by the end of the weekend, several of the titles are currently available to stream or rent. Bugonia is on Peacock; Die My Love is on Mubi; Elio is on Disney+; F1 is on Apple TV+; Frankenstein is on Netflix; Hedda is on Prime Video; Jay Kelly is on Netflix; KPop Demon Hunters is on Netflix; Nouvelle Vague is on Netflix; One Battle After Another is on HBO Max; Sinners is on HBO Max; Sorry, Baby is on HBO Max; Train Dreams is on Netflix; and Weapons is on HBO Max.

Wicked: For Good is both in theaters and available for rent on Prime Video, and Blue Moon, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, It Was Just An Accident, and Sentimental Value can be rented on Prime Video.

The best-dressed stars at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards wanted to start the trophy circuit fresh. For the January 4 red carpet, held at Santa Monica's Barker Hangar, nominees and guests weren't content with the awards season style regulars: cupcake-shaped ballgowns, tributes to Old Hollywood, trips to a long-lost vintage collection, and so on. Instead, nominees from the year's buzziest movies (Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another) and TV shows (The Pitt, Severance, Shrinking) experimented with red-carpet suiting and new-to-them dress styles. Some genres of gowns and matching sets had been seen before these Critics Choice Awards, it's true. However, they found new life on a crop of rising talents.

Repeat attendees like Elle Fanning and Ariana Grande considered the 2026 Critics Choice Awards their chances to branch out. Fanning and stylist Samantha McMillen took an unexpected trip to an early aughts Ralph Lauren runway. Grande and Roach, meanwhile, found new dimensions for Glinda the Good-inspired pink. Then there were the debut attendees who made a strong first impression: Sorry, Baby star Eva Victor in a chicly understated Ferragamo suit; Chase Infiniti in boundary-pushing Louis Vuitton; Hamnet's Jessie Buckley in next-gen Dior.

As awards season rolls on, remember to bookmark the names on the Critics Choice Awards best-dressed list ahead. If they keep up this adventurous red carpet style streak, they'll be at the top of every ranking from now until the 2026 Academy Awards.

Elle Fanning wearing archival Ralph Lauren

In November, Elle Fanning told me she sometimes likes to take a break from the "princess"-style ballgowns she's known for. At the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, she landed on the best-dressed list by making that exact 180-switch. The Sentimental Value nominee instead turned to Ralph Lauren's archives for a sultry, liquid gold number circa Fall 2023. Once stylist Samantha McMillen added a dusting of Cartier diamonds and tousled waves, Fanning proved she can still be red carpet royalty without an over-the-top gown.

Ariana Grande wearing Alberta Ferretti

Together, Ariana Grande and Law Roach truly are unlimited. The pair kicked off Grande's Wicked: For Good awards campaign in an ethereal twist on Glinda pink. Rather than turning to Ozian vintage archives, like they have for recent red carpets, they tapped Alberta Ferretti for a custom scoop-neck gown twinkling with Swarovski crystals. The "Girl in the Bubble" didn't need an oversize ballgown skirt to look like she was floating on air; an ethereal, sheer overlay did the work for her.

Wunmi Mosaku wearing custom Zac Posen created in the Gap Studio

"New year, new experiences," Sinners star Wunmi Mosaku captioned a photo of her custom Gap Studio by Zac Posen gown for the 2026 Critics Choice Awards on Instagram. I'd like to add "New best-dressed contender" to her description. With styling by Shameelah Hicks Senat, Mosaku looked simply regal at her debut Critics Choice Awards. Her gown featured the draping that's Posen's signature, along with an ombré blue train winking at GapStudio's denim origins. Of course, this off-the-shoulder neckline and smattering of Messika diamonds doesn't look anything like the label's usual shelves.

Bella Ramsey wearing Prada

Let the Last of Us star be the first to remind you: red carpets can be so much more than glamorous gowns. Bella Ramsey delivered a Prada jumpsuit with plenty of wow factor, thanks to its layers of beaded fringe along the neckline and waist. Underneath, her bright red shirt and white tie packed an eye-catching punch. The actor has long been a fan of androgynous awards season dressing; this take brought elegance and ease in equal measure.

Jessie Buckley wearing Dior

With the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, Jessie Buckley switched up her red carpet rotation. Introducing Dior with help from stylist Danielle Goldberg paid dividends, without sacrificing Buckley's minimal (and chicly comfortable) style. The Hamnet star loves a loose, black trouser on the red carpet. Here, her refreshing alternative to a typical leading lady gown felt just as elegant with a very Jonathan Anderson drop-waist, double bow blouse on top.

Eva Victor wearing Ferragamo

There are no apologies needed for Sorry, Baby star Eva Victor's 2026 Critics Choice Awards suit. In fact, it deserves a few thank-you's directed toward Victor and stylist Danielle Goldberg. The pair sourced Ferragamo's Spring 2026 runway for a look that breathes new life into classic black tailored separates, from the oversize silhouette to the viscose scarf tied like a belt at Victor's waist.

Jessica Williams wearing custom Bora Aksu

At press time, Shrinking star Jessica Williams and stylist Sarah Slutsky hadn't yet shared the designer behind Williams's white gown set with a hem-length black ribbon. By the morning, Williams confirmed London-based label Bora Aksu was behind the piece.

Either way, a first glance said it was both best-dressed worthy and consistent with the comedian's approach to awards season. Williams told me herself at the 2025 Emmys her red carpet style is "easy but somewhat glamorous." A stark gown with bold-yet-feminine accents definitely strikes that balance.

Audrey Nuna wearing Marc Jacobs

Critics Choice Awards viewers used to know Audrey Nuna for lending her voice to the Kpop Demon Hunters cast. Now, they also know she's a fashion force to be reckoned with. She skipped past safe red carpet gowns for a Marc Jacobs Spring 2025 look sourced by stylist Danyul Brown. It's defined by larger-than-life circular shoulders and an even more sculptural skirt, set over quirky curved shoes, trademarks of Jacobs' recent fascination with doll-like clothing. While the palette is all-black, this look is definitely "Golden" in the eyes of fashion girls.

Ginnifer Goodwin wearing Giorgio Armani

No red carpet is complete without a nod to the forefather of modern celebrity style: Giorgio Armani. Ginnifer Goodwin and stylist Katie Bofshever made sure the maestro's legacy was represented with this high-neck gown from the Fall 2020 collection. Mere months after the legendary designer's passing, any glimpse of his work is a reminder of how well he understood A-list clients' desire to dress the part. Here, his mastery is evident in the abstract florals created by abstract sequins coating Goodwin's gown.

Britt Lower wearing Bottega Veneta

Louise Trotter's debut Bottega Veneta collection had every fashion editor wondering who would wear it first—and which pieces they'd pull from the runway. A few months later, Severance star Britt Lower joined the list. She paid homage to her series' eerily minimalist palette with this winter white dress-over-pants combination pulled from the Spring 2026 runway. Her only modification? Trading the catwalk's extra-fluffy slide sandals for a sleek pair of pumps.

Ego Nwodim wearing Carolina Herrera

The fashion start of Ego Nwodim's post-Saturday Night Live era is no laughing matter. Before she could tell red carpet reporters why she really exited the series, her Carolina Herrera gown's hip-high slit—topped with a demure black bow—said that she's all-in on her pivot away from late night. If more looks like this are guaranteed at her future appearances, I'm all-in on Nwodim's next red carpet chapter.

Chase Infiniti wearing Louis Vuitton

The 2026 Critics Choice Awards wasn't merely Chase Infiniti's first event of 2026. It marked her first Best Actress nomination of the season, for her role in One Battle After Another. Stylists Wayman and Micah understand that a debut nomination deserves an award-worthy wardrobe to go with it. (Especially for a client who's never fronted a major film before: The more top-tier designers she can secure, the more seriously the industry will take her.)

They turned to Louis Vuitton, a house that's helped Chase Infiniti's style star rise alongside her reputation as an emerging talent, for a twist on the dominant awards season shade. Instead of a typical trophy-inspired gold, they selected a buttery yellow for Infiniti's ab-baring two piece set. With its cape-like draping and floor-grazing hem, the crop top and matching skirt made Chase Infiniti look like a best-dressed list veteran.

Kylie Jenner wearing vintage Versace

Okay, she isn't an official 2026 Critics Choice Awards nominee. But Kylie Jenner's supporting role as girlfriend to Marty Supreme star (and actual nominee) Timothée Chalamet continues to generate some of the awards circuit's most talked-about looks. Last night, she arrived fashionably late in a vintage Versace gown sourced by stylists Alexandra and Mackenzie Grandquist from Tab Vintage. The Fall 1996 dress by Gianni Versace Couture is the sort that naturally pulls focus, on account of its painted-on silhouette and intricate floral sequins. (Tailoring by Rae Moore Studio ensured it fit like a glove.) No wonder Jenner follows this formula when she's joining Chalamet everywhere from the Golden Globes to his many premieres.

Welcome, at last, to the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards, and the official start of the 2026 red carpet fashion season.

After a holiday break filled with trips to Aspen, Hermès shopping sprees, and a few New Years' naked dresses, A-listers are clocking back in to the red carpet circuit at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. Here, stars of the year's biggest films and TV shows will greet host Chelsea Handler and settle in for three hours of awards honoring top performances as selected by the Critics Choice Association.

This isn't simply the first major red carpet of the calendar year. The 2026 Critics Choice Awards are also a bellwether for the remainder of awards season, both in terms of who's taking home trophies and who's making the best-dressed list from carpet to carpet. Tonight, nominees including Jessie Buckley, Timothée Chalamet, Chase Infiniti, and Teyana Taylor will kick off nearly two months of ceremonies and appearances in designers they could end up wearing for the entire awards season run. Trust: This is the red carpet fashion to watch for a strong first impression on the road to the Academy Awards in March.

Read on for all the live, can't-miss fashion from the 2026 Critics Choice Awards. It's sure to start awards season off strong.

Early 2026 Critics Choice Awards Arrivals

The 2026 Critics Choice Awards red carpet wasn't officially slated to start until 5 p.m. ET. That didn't stop guests like presenter Arden Cho and actress Camila Perez from showing out a few minutes early. Already, the night's fashion is covering the full spectrum of Old Hollywood gowns (Cho) and sultry cut-outs (Perez). Watch this space: The nominees will start arriving any minute...

2026 Critics Choice Awards Red Carpet Fashion Predictions

It's far too early in the night to guess who's going to wear which designers. I can make some educated guesses, with help from Saturday night's Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards. Several of the 2026 Critics Choice Awards nominees—and their fashionable partners—prepared for tonight's red carpet in style.

Amanda Seyfried, campaigning for The Testament of Ann Lee, tapped Balenciaga's Spring 2026 runway for a feathery twist on the drop-waist dress. She and stylist Elizabeth Stewart smartly swapped out the show's flip-flops for a pair of lace heels. A few steps down the carpet, Sentimental Value star Elle Fanning dazzled in vintage Nettie Rosenstein Couture, sourced from Xtabay Vintage.

Both stars stayed true to their red carpet streaks with these looks: sleek but avant-garde for Seyfried, elegant and vintage-inspired for Fanning. I expect they'll strike the same chord tonight.

Another guest I'm hoping to see again? Kylie Jenner, who joined Marty Supreme star Timothée Chalamet in tangerine Ludovic de Saint Sernin at the Saturday event. She's cheered on her boyfriend throughout his promo trail in Marty Supreme-themed orange looks—sometimes even posing on the carpet together. Fingers crossed they make it an awards season tradition.

A 'Hacks' Ode to 'Marty Supreme'

The cast of Hacks proved exactly why they're up for a Best Comedy Series nomination on the 2026 Critics Choice Awards red carpet. Meg Stalter and Paul W. Downs re-created Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner's Marty Supreme Los Angeles premiere looks for the event—down to the table tennis racket bag for Downs and the bright orange manicure for Stalter.

Critics Choice Maternity Fashion Moments

Let's hear it for the moms to be! The 2026 Critics Choice Awards red carpet fashion began on a bump-friendly note, with Nicole Brydon Bloom and Krys Marshall in chic maternity gowns. Sinners star Hailee Steinfeld, who is expecting her first child with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, will also join their ranks when she arrives tonight.

Justine Lupe Arrives at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards

When I spoke to Justine Lupe ahead of the 2025 Emmys, she was embarking on a "bombshell" fashion risk. The Nobody Wants This star was trying on her first naked dress for size—and quickly made headlines for the adventurous style. This year, it seems she's taking a sweeter, but no less head-turning approach, in a sea foam green Prada dress with delicate beaded bows.

Odessa A'Zion Makes Her Critics Choice Awards Debut

First she stole scenes in I Love LA. Then she showed her dramatic chops in Marty Supreme. Now, Odessa A'Zion is shooting to the top of my can't-miss 2026 Critics Choice Awards fashion rankings in this Studio 54-esque gown by Ott Dubai.

Mia Goth Takes Miss Dior Style to the 2026 Critics Choice Awards

Mia Goth is one of the faces of Jonathan Anderson's Dior. Of course she's wearing a gown from the house. Still, after weeks of gothic couture on the Frankenstein press tour, the star's elegant white, off-the-shoulder dress took this fashion editor's breath away.

Bella Ramsey Remixes the Critics Choice Awards Suit

Red carpet fashion is infinitely more fun when the star on the step-and-repeat is wiling to take risks. I admired The Last of Us star Bella Ramsey's Prada swap for a conventional suit: a black, scoop-neck jumpsuit set with beaded fringe, layered over a tomato red shirt and white tie.

Hannah Einbinder Pairs Critics Choice Awards Louis Vuitton with a Message

Hannah Einbinder and stylist Jamie Mizrahi returned to one of their favorite labels, Louis Vuitton, for the 2026 Critics Choice Awards red carpet. When the Hacks star turned to show off her off-the-shoulder neckline, she also revealed the meaningful accessory she brings to every major Hollywood event: her Artists4Ceasefire pin.

Critics Choice Awards Tuxedos, Two Ways

Is red carpet suiting a surprise trend of the 2026 Critics Choice Awards? Quinta Brunson and Kaley Cuoco both traded sequin or chiffon gowns for open-front, relaxed tuxedos. (Brunson's Chloé in white, Cuoco's Simkhai in black.) Personally, I'm all for expanding suiting beyond the boys' club.

Elle Fanning's Critics Choice Awards Gown Goes for the Gold

Before the red carpet started, I felt certain Elle Fanning and stylist Samantha McMillen would stay true to their affinity for an Old Hollywood, elegant gown. I'm pleasantly surprised that they flipped the script. This gold plunge gown by Ralph Lauren is fit for a champagne toast.

The Leading Ladies of 'Hamnet' Arrive at the Critics Choice Awards

Hamnet, the adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's critically-acclaimed novel, is up for several nods at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards. Best Actress nominee Jessie Buckley and stylist Danielle Goldberg a different kind of drama to the carpet, in the form of a Dior two-piece set. A white halter top featured two extra-oversize bows beneath each of Buckley's hips, over understated black trousers.

Director Chloé Zhao joined her leading lady on the carpet in an equally stage-worthy look. The Best Director nominee opted for a soft white Rodarte dress with a subtle floral overlay and extra-large, ruffled collar. It's as dream-like as some of the scenes in her latest feature film.

Best Actress Nominees in Classic Black

No matter their specific category—Best Actress, Best Actress in a Drama Series, or Best Actress in a Limited Series—several of the night's nominees did what A-listers do best: put their spin on the red carpet LBD. Pluribus star Rhea Seehorn went minimalist in a floor-length gown with exaggerated shoulders, by Louis Vuitton, while Sirens star Meghann Fahy glittered like the night sky in an all-over embellished gown by Ludovic de Saint Sernin. Rose Bryne's drop-waist Valentino taffeta dress, chosen for her If I Had Legs I'd Kick You nomination, brought a touch of '80s-inspired glamour to the evening.

Keri Russell Confirms the Critics Choice Awards Tuxedo Trend

Like I was saying: deconstructed and reworked tuxedos are having a moment at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards. The Diplomat star Keri Russell negotiated its place on the must-see fashion rankings with her crop top, open jacket, and stunning diamond brooch.

What Do the 'Severance' and 'Shrinking' Critics Choice Awards Red Carpet Looks Have in Common?

...both series' stars know the power of a bold white gown. Jessica Williams took her Bora Aksu dress in a retro-femme direction, with a black ribbon accenting the bodice (and a matching one in her hair). Britt Lower, meanwhile, sourced Louise Trotter's Bottega Veneta for a textured white one-piece.

Ariana Grande Makes a Glinda-Inspired Critics Choice Awards Entrance

Oh, am I glad to see Ariana Grande at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards. She and stylist Law Roach paid homage to her Wicked: For Good character in an effervescent custom gown by Alberta Ferretti. Dreamy details include a trailing cape covered in dainty dots and shimmer provided by Swarovski crystals.

'One Battle After Another' Stars Descend on the Critics Choice Awards Red Carpet

One Battle After Another? More like, one best-dressed list after another. Best Actress nominee Chase Infiniti and Best Supporting Actress nominee Teyana Taylor both delivered two of the evening's most eye-catching looks via completely opposite styling. Infiniti elevated the red carpet crop-top with a high-neck, cape top over a column skirt by Louis Vuitton. Meanwhile, Taylor glamorized the red carpet suit with help from Saint Laurent's thigh-high leather boots and dramatic over-the-shoulder feather boa.

Kristen Bell and Leighton Meester Channel 'Nobody Wants This' at the Critics Choice Awards

In season 2 of Nobody Wants This, Kristen Bell and Leighton Meester's characters are at odds. On the 2026 Critics Choice Awards red carpet, they brought dresses to match their alter-egos opposing energy (and closets): a lacy halter-neck gown for Bell, a sweet, lavender strapless Carolina Herrera moment for Meester.

Jacob Elordi Hits the Critics Choice Awards Red Carpet

Jacob Elordi's turn as Frankenstein's monster earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination at tonight's Critics Choice Awards. He's already won over fashion girls' hearts for his mastery of a sleek black suit and red-carpet sunglasses.

Jessica Biel Delivers Ruffles (and More Ruffles) at the Critics Choice Awards

No one's Critics Choice Awards gown had more layers than Jessica Biel's Lanvin pull. The nominee for The Better Sister arrived in a black and yellow halter with yards and yards of lace ruffles accenting each layer.

When the Critics Choice Awards Doubles as Date Night

Several couples turned 2026's first award ceremony into a major couples' night out, from The Pitt star Noah Wyle and his wife, Sara Wells, to Sinners director Ryan Coogler and his wife, Zinzi Evans.

Amanda Seyfried Puts a Bow on Her Critics Choice Awards Appearance

Amanda Seyfried's 2026 Critics Choice Awards red carpet look came with an epiphany to rival the one in her nominated film, The Testament of Ann Lee. Only this time, it's about style—specifically, the power of a big, bold bow strategically placed on her colorblocked Valentino gown.

Funny Girls Wear Red

Two queens of comedy, The Studio's Chase Sui Wonders and SNL alum Ego Nwodim, both know the power of a bold red dress. Wonders went form-fitting and minimal in Miu Miu, while Nwodim's long-sleeve Carolina Herrera gown came accented with a thigh-high slit and a black ribbon perched on top.

Here Comes the Critics Choice Awards Host—But Where's Timothée Chalamet?

The Critics Choice Awards red carpet has wrapped. Host Chelsea Handler has taken the stage. Anyone hoping for a Timothée and Kylie sighting may be disappointed. For now, it appears that the couple has skipped the red carpet.

The Daintiest Red Carpet Trend of the 2026 Critics Choice Awards...

Looking back through tonight's arrivals, one thing was clear: dainty drop earrings ruled the evening's jewelry stacks. These earrings on Ariana Grande, McKenna Grace, and more deserved the zoom-in treatment.

That's a Wrap!

With stars in their seats and the 2026 Critics Choice Awards well underway, it's time for me to turn my attention to tonight's best-dressed list. Keep your eyes peeled for my final round-up of the night's most memorable looks. Then, meet me back here next week, when we'll do it all again for the 2026 Golden Globes.

Well, One Last Fashion Update...

I asked. I waited. I refreshed Instagram more times than I could count. And finally, my patience was rewarded with a long-awaited Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner sighting. The pair snuck into the 2026 Critics Choice Awards fashionably late. He wore a pinstripe suit; she wore a slick black gown.

Now, the fashion updates can conclude for good.

Josh Safdie, the indie auteur who helmed A24 hits like Good Time and Uncut Gems alongside his brother Benny, is known for painting portraits of New York’s underbelly by casting both professionals and non-actors from the niche communities depicted on screen.

His solo directorial debut, Marty Supreme, is no different. Set in the early ‘50s in N.Y.C.’s Lower East Side, the frenetic sports movie stars Timothée Chalamet as an aspiring ping-pong legend who will do whatever it takes to achieve his version of the American Dream. Opposite the 29-year-old are fellow established actors like Gwyneth Paltrow and up-and-comer Odessa A’Zion. But the non-actors make just as much of a splash on screen. Consider filmmaker Abel Ferrara (as gangster Ezra Mishkin) and Shark Tank investor Kevin O’Leary (as business magnate Simon Rockwell), as well as the several table tennis fanatics, baseball card dealers, and real-life NYPD officers who get screentime.

Safdie crafted the instantly memorable ensemble with the help of casting director Jennifer Venditti. The founder of the casting agency JV8 INC, who got her start casting fashion editorials for publications like W Magazine, has worked with the Safdie brothers since 2014’s Heaven Knows What; since then, she’s worked on countless celebrated productions, from American Honey to Euphoria. Her street-casting instincts have made her the gold standard for finding faces the industry didn’t know it needed.

Venditti, 53, tells Marie Claire over Zoom in early December that she attributes her career to a lifelong obsession with people-watching and her nature. “I am an insatiably curious person who loves humanity,” she says. “This is just an opportunity to learn about people and learn about cultures or niche environments I wouldn't know about otherwise. It's a great opportunity to expand my compassion for people and people who are different than me.”

Being able to open up that window into unique communities and put them on screen is why Venditti does what she does. She explains, “It's this idea of expanding people's ideas of, These are how other humans live. These are who other people are. You might not be friends with someone like this, but we're going to show you the beauty and the poetry of these humans.”

This year, Venditti lent her skills not just to Marty Supreme but to Benny Safdie’s Smashing Machine and Yorgos Lanthimos’s Bugonia—which collectively received eight Golden Globe nominations. And in 2026, she could be recognized by the Academy for her work, with the Oscars’s introduction of an Achievement in Casting category. (“Finally! 98 years!” Venditti says of the moment.)

Here, Venditti opens up about her approach to Marty Supreme—which included setting up a ping-pong table in her office—the art of street casting, and why she’s the person producers call when there’s a seemingly “impossible” role to fill.

Marie Claire: Marty Supreme is a New York movie, a sports movie, and also a period piece. What research do you do when you approach a project like that so it feels authentic?

Jennifer Venditti: Josh, [his co-screenwriter] Ronnie [Berstein], and Josh's wife, Sara [Rossein], who's one of the producers, the research that they've been doing through the whole process of writing is so deep. So when I get involved, there's this process where they share all of that with me. I get to see all the reference pictures and videos. I get to hear all the backstories of all the characters. I get to hear if any of the inspiration has been taken from something real. And then we usually have specialists. With this, it was table tennis people. I spoke to them. We went to [table tennis] clubs. I approach it from a place of, it's not just the script. I want to feel the world. I want to understand the world.

MC: The film has such high energy. How do you assess that during casting? Was anyone playing ping-pong in your office?

JV: Yes. Josh gave me a table. We have a whole process that we take people through. We will pick an improvisational scene—like a situation that has an energy similar to the energy in the movie. I'll have professional actors who are really good at improv do the scene with the person, and it's like they're already infused with the spirit of what that energy is in this room. I always say, “If the walls could talk in that room!” because it will get so intense, and it's always heightened. Everyone sitting in the waiting room is hearing people yelling and screaming, and I'm sure it's intimidating for whoever hasn't done it yet who's sitting out in the hallway. Like, What the hell's going on in that room?

We researched and met actual players for certain roles, like Koto [Kawaguchi, as Marty’s competitor Endo] or the guys playing in the tournaments. But it wasn’t a precursor or disclaimer that we put out, like, You should be able to play table tennis, for the guys in the bowling alley. Some of those guys were actors, but Levon Hawke came in, and it turned out he was a great player. Then Isaac [Simon], who plays the guy that’s really tall with the intense face, was someone I scouted for another project. He was a baseball memorabilia dealer with his dad. He came and was an amazing player.

Whether it's an actor or a non-actor, we want to create a safe space and a space of play and experiment. We don't want people to think there's a way you're trying to get this right. My whole thing that I always say to people is, “There's nothing to get wrong, except if you betray yourself and you try to pretend to be someone else, because we have you here because there's something about you.”

MC: How would you describe the experience of having non-actors opposite professionals, including icons like Gwyneth Paltrow, who came out of retirement for Marty Supreme?

JV: When you have someone who knows where the scene is going, they can ground it. They understand the beats and where the scene has to go. And then when you have someone who has no idea, they create this magic and mystery because life is unpredictable. [For actors], one of the hardest things is where it has to go, but then you have to forget that because, in life, you don't know where you're going. So then this person who doesn't know where they're going creates that mystery for them.

In that scene in Central Park with the cops, those were not actors, and there's an unpredictability with them. That creates the energy of that scene, where [Gwyneth and Timothée are] nervous. They don't know what these guys are up to. It’s that magic.

MC: You’ve said that you and the Safdie Brothers appreciate “the cinema of actual life.” That realism is certainly why so many people love their movies, but what do you think it lends to a film?

JV: It’s hard to articulate, but when it happens to me, it just draws me in more. It's like this entry into some other world that you feel like you're getting access to something. It's special.

When I first started scouting 20-something years back in the day for fashion, I would have a Polaroid camera, I would be in some obscure place, some little town, and I would see a face, and it would be like, If I don't take this Polaroid, no one is going to get to see it! There was no Instagram, there was no YouTube, none of that. It was like, No one else is going to get to experience this thing that I’m experiencing right now. Now that we can watch Instagram all day or YouTube and get that experience, but I was like, If the photographer doesn't pick this person to be put in the magazine, or if they don't get chosen for the movie, no one will get to see the beauty of this rare person that's hiding in this little town somewhere. So it felt like a portal. It allows you to travel someplace.

What my job is, I'm a conduit, like, Look at what we get to see. Look what we get to experience. Look at all the different kinds of humans there are. And I think that's what [the Safdies] are doing.

MC: 2016’s American Honey was one of the first major features you cast, and that took you to strip clubs and Florida beaches to find people. In the years since, what are some of the other unexpected places your work has taken you?

JV: I've had too much life now. When I first started out with W Magazine, I would go to the favelas in Brazil. There were these coal mining towns in West Virginia. I used to scout in New Orleans. I was scouting something in Budapest, and the language is so hard. I had a piece of paper translated, and I would try to go up to people, and they would start running, thinking I was trying to steal something from them.

For Good Time, we cast at this place called The Fortune Society, which is this incredible place where, once you get out of prison, they help you transition. In Uncut Gems, the whole Diamond District and that world, I am going over to these big dealers’ homes and seeing how they are in their family lives. It was incredible. Then, for Marty Supreme, the big thing was the tennis clubs. I had scouts in the streets in New York because it’s a New York-centric story.

I’ve tried to do strip clubs again, and it’s not the same as it was before. Back in the day, I would go to places, and I'd be sitting there waiting for people. It takes longer to find people now. We do a lot of stuff online, which is sad.

MC: What is your favorite place to people-watch in New York?

JV: The subway is a great place. You can sit there, and it's constant people coming in and going. The thing about New York that’s so great [is] you can go to so many different places and be in a completely different community.

[In New York], everyone is so aware of themselves that it’s like I’m always looking. I used to not be able to let one person go by me. I would become obsessed and have to talk to the person. Now, I trust that the person will come to me. I don’t have to go talk to every single person, and I can let someone go, especially if I’m not in the middle of a project.

MC: When you’re street casting in overlooked communities, how do you gain someone’s trust so they don’t think you’re being exploitative?

JV: It’s all in the energy exchange. If you are clear on the intention of what you are doing, have you found the deeper meaning? Are you opening your heart and not judging? Be conscious of not trying to just take and not give. If not, then the “right” person will respond and benefit from the experience. Also, make sure you don’t stand out; try to blend in. Lastly, it sometimes takes time to build trust. Invest the time, if you have that luxury, don’t rush people.

MC: Your audition process includes an interview, so you can get to know the person better and see how they relate to the character. What is your secret sauce to get people to open up to you and be their authentic selves?

JV: The secret sauce is to be genuine. The thing is, I don't have an ulterior motive. Obviously, it's my job, but I’m not like, By the time I get done with this person, I have to figure out all these things with them. I love people in this way that there's a deeper philosophical aspect to it. I'm so curious, “How are you doing this human thing? We're all here being human in our own ways—what's the experience for you in this way?” I am fascinated by what it means to be human, and that comes from a deeply, deeply genuine place.

MC: Have you ever had an experience where a producer or someone thought it would be impossible to cast the right authentic person, and you proved them wrong?

JV: I am literally the person who people call and go, “Okay, we have something impossible. Let's call Jen Vendetti.” That was recently with Aidan [Delbis, who played Don], in Bugonia. Before that, another film that came out this year, Preparation for the Next Life, [the actress] had to speak Uyghur and Chinese. That is a very small population that we had access to. That was very hard. Sebiye [Behtiyar, who was cast in the leading role, Aishe] is very special. That was a needle in a haystack.

There is something cool about being challenged. It also feels like destiny when you find the person. With Aidan and Bugonia, it was like, A neurodivergent person who’s going to be able to handle the intensity of this script, be okay with the things that happen, and not be messed up from it, and also be able to go to this other country and be in a lot of different things that might not speak to someone on the spectrum. It turned out that he loves dark matter. He’s really interested in films like that. He wasn’t upset at all. He thought it was funny. He was super great at improvising and being himself. That's kind of the mystical part of it, like, “Oh, I’m just facilitating your destiny in some way.”

MC: You’ve spoken about how you’ve always been obsessed with people-watching. How has your relationship with it changed since becoming a professional observer?

JV: I have to have a little bit of a boundary. Because I'm doing it so much that it's being satiated in another way, in my real life, I actually like to spend a lot of time alone. I like to be in nature. I need time away from it. I tend to not want to small-talk with people and meet everyone. My book is called Can I Ask You a Question?, but I'm learning as I get older that sometimes I don't have to ask the questions anymore. There's something about not having to know everything.

MC: Is there someone or a face you've never forgotten? What gives them their lasting impression?

JV: There’s not just one. In the beginning pages of my book, there are faces blown up, and there’s a little boy I saw on the subway. I took a picture of his reflection out of the window. He has these big, saucer eyes, and he's looking up. They didn't speak English; that was back in the day, when I wanted to, but I couldn't get his info. I got nothing. But I have that picture, and it's so cinematic. I was haunted by him forever.

MC: What is a kind of project that you haven’t cast yet, but would be a dream? Or a dream location to scout in?

JV: I have a dream I can say that’s not necessarily involving scouting or casting, but I do want to make a film. I always say it's a film about humanity through the lens of casting.

For a while, I have been very interested in hospice. The idea that I’m watching life [through my work]—I was present for my dad's death.There’s something super meaningful tied with what I do now that it feels like an evolution in some way. I'm not sure how that's going to merge with what I'm doing in the world, but I'm interested in that as well.

MC: When you started, you aspired to expand the idea of beauty. What progress do you think the industry has made? Do you feel like it’s maybe caught up to you?

JV: Oh, my God, finally! It's almost embarrassing to talk about it now. I'll always have to disclaimer, like, “This was at a time when I started in the fashion industry.” It was so different. I hate to say it, but I'm like, “I was right, bitches!” [Laughs] I'm kidding, but it's just crazy how slow everything has taken. You just have to sit there and be like, This is where humans are flawed.

I think the thing that's so cool about Marty Supreme, which a lot of people say after, is, “Oh, my God. It’s so amazing to see people who look like people, or people who have lived, or to see examples of faces that aren't what we always see on screen.” I am not trying to say I don't like to see perfection, and whatever that is, too. I'm just like, If we're only seeing that, let's see the range, and then everyone can choose what their preference is. Let's open up the viewfinder.

This interview was edited and condensed for clarity.

Hollywood was a ghost town on December 1. The city's elite celebrities either RSVP'd "yes" to the 2025 Fashion Awards in London or the 2025 Gotham Awards in New York City. The latter ceremony was a who's who of movie stars, most of whom earned spots on Marie Claire's best-dressed list.

For one night only, Manhattan's Cipriani Wall Street belonged to the 35th annual Gotham Awards—another unofficial precursor to major award season events. 10 film awards were divvied up between projects both buzzy and niche, ranging from Sinners to After the Hunt. It acted as a trial run for fashion muses before more paramount ceremonies like the Actor Awards (formerly known as the SAG Awards), the Golden Globes, and eventually, the Oscars.

Films like Highest 2 Lowest, Die, My Love, and One Battle After Another up for trophies automatically confirmed A$AP Rocky, Jennifer Lawrence, and Teyana Taylor's red carpet looks. Fresh off his brand ambassador appointment, A$AP Rocky secured custom Chanel, but Rihanna's Balenciaga-clad surprise ultimately stole the show. Creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli crafted a lavender gown from scratch for Rihanna (plus, a matching baseball cap), inspired by his Spring 2026 collection.

The ambassador style streak continued with Lawrence, a.k.a. Dior's forever muse. She was the picture of effortless elegance in a black skirt set. Taylor, on the other hand, isn't loyal to a sole atelier. So, she elevated a T-shirt and skirt, courtesy of Chanel Spring 2026.

The first Monday in December set the stage for an opulent awards season ahead. It’s too early to tell who are the trophy front runners—but we know who will reappear on the best-dressed lists from now until March.

Catch up on the best-dressed celebrities at the 2025 Gotham Awards ahead.

Rihanna wearing Balenciaga

Fashion's favorite couple kept up appearances at the 2025 Gotham Awards. A$AP Rocky's neutral Chanel suit—though lavish in its own right—acted as a canvas to spotlight Rihanna's custom Balenciaga, curated by stylist Jahleel Weaver. The Grammy winner pulled off lavender picks with ease, beginning with a drop-waist taffeta gown. Her shearling-embellished cap matched the Spring 2026-inspired maxi, while leather opera gloves added welcome dimension.

Jennifer Lawrence wearing Dior

On paper, Lawrence's single-breasted blazer and matching midi skirt might seem simple. However, its Dior tags ensured the two-piece was anything but. Underrated elements—including sleek shoulder pads and a hip-high slit—transformed the all-black into an Old Hollywood homage. Her $13,600 drop earrings from Vram, also chosen by stylist Ryan Hastings, added a dash of drama.

Teyana Taylor wearing Chanel

Marking her first plunge into Mathieu Blazy's Chanel, Taylor styled herself in an ivory T-shirt and a feather-trimmed crimson skirt, which debuted during different Spring 2026 looks. Taylor meshed the contrasting selects by tucking the tee into the high-low maxi's waistband. Blazy's reimagined cap-toe heels peeked out from beneath the actor's hem.

Havana Rose Liu wearing Schiaparelli

Havana Rose Liu is vying for fashion girl to watch this award season. She arrived at the Gotham Awards in Look 21 from Schiaparelli Spring 2026: a cowl-neck satin slip. Diagonal slits split the liquified fabric atop her legs—a detail that further emphasized the asymmetrical hem. A mixed-metal color story like this one could be tricky to style, but not for Liu.

Elle Fanning wearing Ralph Lauren

PSA to Elle Fanning's stylist Samantha McMillen: We need more of Elle Fanning in Ralph Lauren looks. Clearly, the American label favors her sartorial prowess, as evidenced by her Marilyn Monroe-esque Gotham Awards gown. The custom design's plunging V-neck drew fans' eyes to her rare Cartier necklace: the Géometrie & Contrastes.

Chase Infiniti wearing Louis Vuitton

Chase Infiniti earned top billing on Marie Claire's Ones to Watch list last month. At the Gotham Awards, she proved us right, once again. Her custom Louis Vuitton theme continued with a velvet turtleneck dress, featuring a waist-revealing cutout below either bust. There's no doubt Infiniti's stylists, Wayman + Micah, are her biggest fans.

Riley Keough wearing Chanel

The Daisy Jones and the Six star is an OG Chanel enthusiast. As brand ambassador, she's had a front row seat to Blazy's rise as creative director. Keough's stylist Jamie Mizrahi selected Look 35 from the Spring 2026 show, which felt more maximalist than her usual selects. Even so, the dress's high-neck, drop waist, and asymmetrical printed ruffles brought out Keough's bolder side.

Kristen Stewart wearing Chanel

The Gotham Awards belonged to Chanel—even Kristen Stewart (another brand ambassador) arrived in head-to-toe Spring 2026 selects. She and stylist Tara Swennen chose Look 5's cropped blazer and matching midi skirt, both in dark charcoal gray. Ivory cuffs complemented the monochrome blink-and-you'll-miss-it trim along her knee-length hem. Extra points for her two-tone pumps, also from Chanel's shelves.

Naomi Watts wearing Calvin Klein

Need proof pastels work in winter? Take it from Naomi Watts's custom Calvin Klein Collection dress, in all its icy blue glory. Stylist Jeanann Williams frosted her in Messika diamond earrings, which shined just as brightly as her unseasonal shade.

Julia Roberts wearing Tom Ford

Stylist Elizabeth Stewart and Julia Roberts gave the Resort 2026 circuit its flowers, in a sea of Spring 2026 styles. You may recognize her vibrant purple two-piece from Tom Ford's Resort 2026 line, though she styled the polka-dotted differently. Her matching suit set was slightly more oversize, compared to the Off-Season original.

By definition, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hosted the 2025 Governors Awards to distribute four lifetime achievement awards among stars including Dolly Parton and Tom Cruise. But anyone tracking the November 16 red carpet's guest list knows it was the unofficial kick-off to awards season—and the race to be crowned Hollywood's best-dressed actress of the entire trophy circuit.

Celebrities arrived at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood ready to upend expectations. Sure, stars stayed true to some of their favorite designers: Jennifer Lawrence in Dior, Dakota Johnson in Valentino, Elle Fanning in Gucci, Natalie Portman in more Dior. But they also took risks with texture, color, and overall styling—especially newcomer (and presumptive Oscar nominee) Chase Infiniti, in an inverted tulle pyramid by Louis Vuitton. Two Marie Claire cover stars, Teyana Taylor and Lili Reinhart, played up their softer sides in form-hugging column gowns, while Ariana Grande continued her Glinda-inspired vintage streak in Dior circa 2007.

With an "Oscars" logo stamped behind them on the step-and-repeat, it's clear these guests wanted us to start imagining them at next year's ceremony. (They may also be dropping hints about their Academy Awards show designers, too.) For now, take in all 13 of the 2025 Governors Awards best-dressed celebrities.

Teyana Taylor wearing Miss Sohee Couture

One Battle After Another star Teyana Taylor is usually spotted in avant-garde gowns by the likes of Thom Browne. (She wore three separate pieces by the designer when she hosted the 2025 CFDA Awards this month.) At the 2025 Governors Awards, she switched things up with a scaly strapless dress by Miss Sohee Couture. While its silhouette was more pared-back, the glittering croc scales definitely weren't basic.

Chase Infiniti wearing Louis Vuitton

It's Chase Infiniti's breakout year—on the screen and on the red carpet. Styling duo Wayman + Micah wasted no time getting Infiniti introduced to Louis Vuitton. The house has an affinity for dressing Oscar winners (see: Emma Stone doubling up her Oscar count in the house). An adventurous strapless gown with countless layers of chiffon building its skirt says that Chase Infiniti is ready for her own golden trophy streak.

Natalie Portman wearing Dior

Natalie Portman's red-carpet relationship with Dior stretches back years. Still, she and stylist Ryan Hastings keep its signatures feeling fresh with this 2025 Governors Awards mini dress. It's exquisitely embellished in thousands of teeny-tiny beads, creating the effect of a field of flowers in bloom.

Elle Fanning wearing Gucci

In a recent interview, Elle Fanning told Marie Claire she was taking a break from "princes vibes." After a short break, her pink sequin Gucci dress, styled by Samantha McMillen, felt like a welcome return to form at the 2025 Governors Awards.

Anya Taylor-Joy wearing Maison Margiela

It's hardly time for Dune: Part Three, but Anya Taylor-Joy is getting into Arrakis mode. Her 2025 Governors Awards red carpet look by Miason Margiela seemed plucked from the sci-fi blockbuster's wardrobe (or her co-star Zendaya's closet), between the diaphanous white cape and sheer skirt. Tiffany & Co. jewels were the final out-of-this-world touch.

Tessa Thompson wearing Valentino

In Marie Claire's Close-Up column, Hedda star Tessa Thompson recently explained she's been wearing red to channel her onscreen counterpart's wardrobe. At the 2025 Governors Awards red carpet, she and stylist Karla Welch picked up the vibrant thread in a stunning Valentino gown.

Jennifer Lawrence wearing Dior

Jennifer Lawrence has been sampling Jonathan Anderson's Dior all over her red carpets for Die, My Love. Now partnering with stylist Ryan Hastings, she tried a draped dress fit for a goddess. The gown featured an off-the-shoulder neckline and a hip-high slit, secured at her side in an elegant knot. Lawrence doesn't often wear form-fitting or minimal gowns like this—but it's a plot twist fashion fans can appreciate.

Dakota Johnson wearing Valentino

Dakota Johnson's first outings as a Valentino ambassador have been in her preferred semi-sheer mode. But at the 2025 Governors Awards, she and stylist Kate Young took a more subdued approach in a minty green, strapless Spring 2026 gown by the label.

Mia Goth wearing Dior

As a newly-named ambassador to Dior, Mia Goth was undoubtedly going to tap Jonathan Anderson for the 2025 Governors Awards. Still, her Cinderella blue strapless gown styled by Jamie Mizrahi felt like the sweetest surprise. Goth spent much of her Frankenstein press run in edgy naked dresses and haunted black lace. This draped confection shows her softer side.

Cynthia Erivo wearing Givenchy by Sarah Burton

With each stop on the Wicked: For Good press tour, Cynthia Erivo and stylist Jason Bolden upend our expectations for Elphaba-inspired dresses. At the 2025 Governors Awards, the duo opted for an off-the-shoulder coat-gown from Sarah Burton's second Givenchy collection. The turquoise base and stripes of metallic fringe felt like a subtle homage to Oz; ditto for the swaying skirt that would look incandescent in flight.

Ariana Grande wearing vintage Dior

Ariana Grande and Law Roach have done it again. The pair has been on a vintage and custom streak throughout the Wicked: For Good press tour, sourcing everything from long-lost 1950s designers to bespoke Thom Browne. They glided onto the 2025 Governors Awards best-dressed list with this vintage Dior find circa Fall 2007, plucked from the NYC and LA-based vintage salon Happy Isles.

Lili Reinhart wearing Roberto Cavalli

In her November 2025 Marie Claire cover story, Lili Reinhart claimed she's not a "fashion girl." We'll have to push back with this '90s-inspired pull from Roberto Cavalli's Fall 2025 runway. Between the cowl neckline, liquid-like florals, and hip-high slit, Reinhart looks like she belongs on a runway (or behind an awards-season podium).

Hailee Steinfeld wearing Stephane Rolland

Sinners star Hailee Steinfeld set aside her wardrobe of classic gowns for this sculptural feat from Stephane Rolland Spring 2025 Couture. Swathes of dusky gray fabric fanned out and around her torso and over her feet, creating the effect of a haute couture windstorm. Stylists Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn accented the sprinkles of crystals around Steinfeld's knees with Chopard jewelry and D'Accori heels.

This is The Close-Up, where the biggest names in entertainment explain the story behind their latest personal style statement.

When Molly Gordon attended her first-ever Emmys in 2024, she didn’t know what to expect.

Not only did it mark the actress’s first time attending a major awards ceremony with her co-stars and colleagues in The Bear, but she also didn’t have much time between filming her anti-rom-com Oh, Hi! in Upstate New York and walking the red carpet in Hollywood.

“Last year was honestly a whirlwind,” Gordon tells Marie Claire via email, recalling how she and her stylist, Jared Ellner, made her look work. “Jared literally drove hours Upstate to fit me on set on an overnight the week before the Emmys, because he’s that good a friend.”

“I loved my look,” she says of her black Versace mermaid gown. “I also have such fond and funny memories of the whole experience of putting it together.”

But this year—joining The Bear, which earned 13 nominations, for round two—Gordon felt more at ease and “was excited to lean into what felt classic and also comfortable.”

Styled again by Ellner, Gordon attended the 2025 Emmys in a black and white striped Giorgio Armani gown from the Fall/Winter 1996 collection, and paired it with vintage Tiffany’s jewelry. “We went for an Old Hollywood energy, which I always love, and I think is really inspired by Armani’s timeless style,” she says. “I am the biggest fan of his work and I feel very lucky to be honoring him tonight.”

“It was honestly love at first sight with this dress!” the actress adds, explaining that she and Ellner found it in Venice during the Venice Film Festival, and knew they “needed to have it for Emmys.”

Old Hollywood also inspired Gordon’s hair and makeup, designed by hair stylist Derek Yeun for Olivia Garden and makeup artist Melissa Hernandez, respectively. “The beauty inspiration was all about elegance,” Gordon says of her Armani Beauty look. “I've been loving Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Foundation and Cheek Tint. My makeup artist, Melissa Hernandez, also gave me the wing of my dreams!”

Though Gordon admits that her characters and projects frequently inspire her style—like when she and Ellner paid homage to “iconic rom-com looks” when Oh, Hi! premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January—her Emmys style was a far cry from her The Bear character Claire. “Ultimately, when I think of Claire, I think of scrubs,” she says. “Obviously, they’re my favorite costume to wear because they’re so damn comfortable—so I wouldn’t say she immediately jumps to mind when I look at this stunning Armani gown. But I would love to see her in something like this. Just not at the hospital. Or let’s do a Figs gown.”

Gordon was more than thrilled, though, to spend the night celebrating the comedy, now nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series, for a third year in a row. “I feel really lucky. The whole experience has been really special. Getting to work opposite Jeremy is really a gift. He is a wonderful actor and leader. Ayo, Jeremy, Ebon, Liza—the list goes on. This group of actors is so wonderful, and I’m so happy they are being recognized for their work.”

Gordon says she also had much to look forward to after the after party—where she was “sticking with the Old Hollywood Armani vibe, but a little more playful.” “When I get home, I will immediately get naked and eat ice cream in bed with Jared.” Yes, chef.

Photographer Sarah Krick | Stylist Jared Ellner | Makeup Artist Melissa Hernandez | Hair Stylist Derek Yeun

The 2025 Emmys are the time to celebrate the best in TV, but before the awards show even began, fans found out that they're about to bid farewell to a beloved comedy series.

While walking the Emmys red carpet, Hacks star Hannah Einbinder revealed that the upcoming fifth season of the hit HBO Max series will be its final installment.

“It will feel different,” Einbinder told E! host Heather McMahan, per Variety. “We’re going to start [filming] next week, and knowing it’s the last season is really bittersweet. But I think it’s right, you know?"

The actress, who stars opposite Jean Smart on the series, added, "It’s nice to do something as many times as it should be done. Not overstay your welcome. Rip it and do it and laugh and cry."

The beloved showbiz comedy, created by Lucia Anello, Paul W. Downs, and Jen Statsky about the relationship between a stand-up legend and her younger writer, was renewed for its fifth season in May 2025, days before its season 4 finale. Before Einbender's announcement, the showrunners had previously said in interviews that they were unsure whether they would stick to their original five-season plan for the series.

"We are now breaking up season 5, and we have to see how many episodes it will take us to get to where we know we’re going to go," Downs said back in May.

"The final scene of the final episode has been in our minds since 2015, and we’re excited to get there. But that may take more episodes than we can fit in the season...The truth is that we’ve been really lucky to be able to tell the story in the way that the writing requires, and we’re gonna do that again. And so if we can’t get to that final chapter in 10, and it might be more—we just don’t know. That’s the truth. We know where we’re going, we just don’t know how long it will take to get there."

Fans may recall that the acclaimed season 4 of Hacks concluded with Smart's Deborah Vance down on her luck and living in Singapore after leaving late-night TV and facing a non-compete clause. However, it sets up the forthcoming episodes as a false report of her death inspires a fire in her and her writer/mentee, Ava (Einbinder), to return to the U.S. and fight the industry to reclaim her work.

This year's Emmys ceremony marked a big night for Hacks, which was nominated for 14 awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series.

The stars took home major prizes. Smart won her fourth consecutive Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Emmy for playing Deborah Vance (marking her seventh Emmy overall). Meanwhile, Einbinder took home her first-ever award, Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, for her performance as Ava Daniels.

Einbender, who is known for being vocal about both social justice issues and her love of the Philadelphia Eagles, ended her speech by saying, "Go Birds, fuck ICE, and free Palestine."

Bring in Choreography and Merriment: Tramell Tillman has a lot to celebrate at the 2025 Emmys.

The Severance actor, who rose to fame as severed floor manager Seth Milchick, has officially become the first Black actor to win Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series. He is also the first openly gay Black man to be recognized in the category.

While accepting his historic win, Tillman dedicated the award to his mother, whom he described as his "first acting coach."

"You remember what you want to remember. You make time for what you want to make time for," he said. "'Do the work, show up, and, most importantly, for the love of God, don't embarrass me in public.' My first acting coach was tough, y'all. But all great mothers are."

The Severance star continued, "Mama, you were there for me when no one else was, and no one else would show up. Your loving kindness stays with me—and this is for you. Thank you to The Academy. I am full. I am humbled. I am honored, and, as my mama would say, 'Ooo, Look at God!'"

This was Tillman's first nomination and first win, for Severance's long-anticipated second season. He was nominated alongside Severance co-stars Zach Cherry and John Turturro, as well as Paradise's James Marsden, and The White Lotus's Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, and Sam Rockwell.

Earlier in the evening, Tillman walked the Emmys red carpet in a crisp all-white custom Dolce & Gabbana suit, paired with an Audemars Piguet timepiece.

Severance is the most-nominated show this year with 27 nods.

Shortly after Tillman's win, Britt Lower took home the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

The Apple TV+ drama has already been renewed for season 3.

It's time to celebrate the past year of must-see TV. The Emmys are just a few days away, and television's biggest night is back on its regular schedule after last year's dual nostalgia-filled ceremonies.

Awards shows are most exciting when they're unpredictable, and this year will see juggernaut first-time nominees go up against returning fan favorites and surprise pop-culture phenomena. As this Sunday's ceremony approaches, it's time to prepare our scorecards and watch parties. Read on for everything you need to know about the 2025 Emmys, including how to tune into the ceremony, which A-listers are set to walk the red carpet, and which comedies, dramas, and reality shows are expected to win big.

When are the 2025 Emmys?

The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards will air live on CBS on Sunday, September 14 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. This year, the event will be held at the Peacock Theater at L.A. Live in downtown L.A.

How to watch the 2025 Emmys:

Viewers with cable can tune into their local CBS or use their cable login to watch from a computer or phone via CBS website or app.

The Emmys will also be available to stream on Paramount+. However, the awards will only stream live for Paramount+ Premium subscribers, via the live feed of their local CBS channel. The app's Premium tier starts at $13/month and offers a seven-day free trial. The full ceremony will be available to stream on demand the following day for subscribers in the U.S. only, including those at the Paramount+ Essential tier (at $8/month).

If you neither have cable nor a Paramount+ Premium subscription, there are still ways to watch the Emmys. Live streaming TV services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV Stream, and Fubo provide access to CBS (and offer free trials).

How to watch the 2025 Emmys red carpet:

CBS will also air the official pre-show ET: Live on the Emmys Red Carpet, hosted by Kevin Frazier and Nischelle Turner, starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Viewers can also stream the show live, either via an active Paramount+ Premium subscription or for free on Pluto TV's Entertainment Tonight channel. Pluto TV's ET channel will also show Emmys-themed coverage following Sunday's awards and into Monday morning.

Meanwhile, E!'s red carpet coverage will start at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT, with hosts and commentators including Christian Siriano, Zanna Roberts Rassi, Heather McMahan, and Zuri Hall covering all the night's fashion.

Who is hosting the 2025 Emmys?

Comedian Nate Bargatze will host the show this year. Bergatze was the highest-earning stand-up comedian in 2024, having sold more than 1.2 million tickets, and he previously hosted Saturday Night Live in 2023 and 2024. He's also a two-time nominee this year for his Netflix special, Your Friend, Nate Bargatze.

Who is presenting at the 2025 Emmys?

This year's presenter slate hints at possible reunions from several beloved shows, including Gilmore Girls's Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham; American Horror Story’s Sarah Paulson and Evan Peters; Law and Order’s Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni; and This Is Us's Sterling K. Brown and Justin Hartley. Meanwhile, many stars from this year's ensemble shows are guaranteed to take the stage, including Wednesday's Jenna Ortega and Catherine Zeta-Jones; The Studio’s Ike Barinholtz and Kathryn Hahn; Paradise's James Marsden and Julianne Nicholson; and The White Lotus’s Parker Posey and Walton Goggins (plus Jennifer Coolidge).

Other confirmed presenters include Elizabeth Banks, Angela Bassett, Jason Bateman, Kathy Bates, Kristen Bell, Stephen Colbert, Alan Cumming, Eric Dane, Colman Domingo, Tina Fey, Tony Goldwyn, Charlie Hunnam, Jude Law, Leanne Morgan, Jeff Probst, Phylicia Rashad, Hiroyuki Sanada, Anna Sawai, Michael Schur, Sydney Sweeney, Sofia Vergara, and Jesse Williams.

Also, longtime celebrity couple Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen will grace the stage and become the first couple to receive the 2025 Bob Hope Humanitarian Award. (The pair will also soon co-star in Man on the Inside season 2.)

Who is nominated at the 2025 Emmys?

Let's break down this year's nominees by category: In drama, Severance is the most-recognized show with 27 nominations, followed by The White Lotus with 23. Along with these two frontrunners, other shows with more than 10 noms include The Last of Us (16), Andor (14), and The Pitt (13).

For comedy, The Studio dominates the pack with 23 total nods, breaking Ted Lasso's record for the most nominations for a comedy in its first season. The Apple TV+ showbiz satire also took home the most awards at the Creative Arts Emmys with nine. Still, returning favorites Hacks (14) and The Bear (13) could pick up a couple of awards and stop a Studio sweep.

In the limited series category, The Penguin stands out as the second most-nominated show of the night with 24 nods. It also garnered eight wins at the Creative Arts Emmys, the second-most of the night. Among its challengers are Adolescence (13), Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (11), and Dying for Sex (9).

Finally, notable unscripted shows include SNL50: The Anniversary Special (12), RuPaul’s Drag Race (8), Saturday Night Live (7), Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (6), and The Traitors (5).

Summer may be approaching its end, but music fans are getting ready to celebrate. The MTV Video Music Awards is almost here to honor the past year in music with jaw-dropping performances, iconic pop culture moments, and the return of red carpet glamour stateside after film festivals dominated the summer in fashion.

This year's ceremony is once again all about the pop divas, with several of the biggest women in music expected to grace the stage and pick up a Moon Person or two. With just days to go, we've rounded up all the details of when the 2025 VMAs are, how to watch the award show, and what A-listers are expected to attend. Read on for everything you need to know about the 2025 VMAs.

When are the 2025 MTV VMAs?

The 2025 VMAs will air live on CBS and MTV, and stream live on Paramount+, on Sunday, September 7 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. For the second year, the event will be held at the UBS Arena on New York’s Long Island.

This will be the first year that the awards ceremony will air live on CBS and simulcast on MTV.

How to watch the 2025 MTV VMAs:

If you still have cable, you can tune into your local CBS or MTV channel or use your cable login to watch from your computer or phone via CBS or MTV's website or app.

The VMAs will also be available on the Paramount+ app in the U.S. only. However, the awards will only stream live for Paramount+ Premium subscribers, via the live feed of their local CBS channel. The app's Premium tier starts at $13/month and offers a seven-day free trial. The full ceremony will be available to stream on-demand the following day for all subscribers, including those at the Paramount+ Essential tier (at $8/month).

If you neither have cable nor a Paramount+ Premium subscription, there are still ways to watch the 2025 VMAs. Live streaming TV services like Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, and YouTube Live provide access to CBS (and offer free trials).

How to watch the 2025 MTV VMAs Pre-Show:

MTV (but not CBS) will also air the 2025 VMAs Pre-Show on September 7, starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, an hour ahead of the main ceremony. The red carpet show will be hosted by Nessa and Kevan Kenney, and global girl group KATSEYE will perform their latest singles "Gnarly" and "Gabriela."

Who is hosting the 2025 MTV VMAs?

LL Cool J will emcee this year's VMAs, pulling double-duty as the host and a nominee for "Best Hip-Hop Video" alongside Eminem for "Murdergram Dieux." The "Headsprung" rapper and five-time Grammy host has a long history with the VMAs; he was the first rapper to receive the Video Vanguard Award in 1997, and he co-hosted the awards in 2022 alongside Nicki Minaj and Jack Harlow.

Who is performing at the 2025 MTV VMAs?

Several of 2025's biggest artists are set to hit the VMAs stage: Alex Warren, Conan Gray, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll, Lady Gaga, J Balvin featuring DJ Snake, Post Malone, Sabrina Carpenter, sombr, and Tate McRae. Bailey Zimmerman ft. the Kid LAROI, Lola Young, and Megan Moroney are also set to perform, as part of the VMAs' Extended Play Stage.

There will also be several special performances. Busta Rhymes will take the stage and receive the Rock the Bells Visionary Award recognizing his cultural impact, while Ricky Martin will receive the Latin Icon Award honoring his four-decade career that "launched Latin music and culture into the mainstream," per MTV. Finally, a tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne will feature Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler & Joe Perry, YUNGBLUD, and Nuno Bettencourt performing the Prince of Darkness's biggest hits.

Who is presenting at the 2025 VMAs?

MTV has announced that the presenters for this year's VMAs will range from pop royalty to Netflix stars both live-action and animated. The full list of presenters includes sisters Jessica Simpson and Ashlee Simpson Ross, Ciara, Drew Barrymore, Ice Spice, Latto, Livvy Dunne, The Hunting Wives stars Brittany Snow and Malin Akerman, Megan Stalter, Nikki Glaser, and Paris Hilton. Also, KPop Demon Hunters’ EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI—the real-life singers behind HUNTR/X—will make their television debut (and maybe, hopefully sing a few bars of "Golden").

Alessandra Ambrosio, Big Sean, Busta Rhymes, Carson Daly, Cyndi Lauper, Damiano David (Måneskin), DANNA, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Flavor Flav, French Montana, Halle Bailey, Lil Nas X, Miranda Lambert, Naomi Scott, Paris Hilton, Suki Waterhouse, Thalía, and Tinashe.

Who is nominated at the 2025 VMAs?

Of the nominees, Lady Gaga is the most-recognized artist this year with 12 nods, followed by her "Die With a Smile" collaborator Bruno Mars with 11 nods. Mother Monster could also break or tie several records, including becoming the first artist to win "Song of the Year" twice, or becoming the second-ever artist to win "Artist Of The Year" on multiple occasions, after Taylor Swift. If Gaga sweeps, she would also tie with Swift and Beyoncé as the most awarded artist in the history of the VMAs, with 30 wins total.

Other frontrunners include Kendrick Lamar, who is up for 10 Moon Person awards; Sabrina Carpenter and ROSÉ with nine and eight nominations, respectively; Ariana Grande and The Weeknd with seven nominations each; Billie Eilish and Tate McRae with six each; Charli XCX with five; and Bad Bunny, Doechii, and Miley Cyrus with four each. First-time nominees this year include Alex Warren, Gigi Perez, KATSEYE, Lainey Wilson, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, The Marías, and a posthumous nod for Mac Miller, as well as first solo nominations for Jimin of BTS and ROSÉ, JENNIE, and JISOO of BLACKPINK.

Some news for Swifties: even though the singer is nominated for Artist of the Year, E! News has reported that Taylor Swift is planning to skip Sunday's ceremony. The first red-carpet look of her Life of a Showgirl era will have to wait.

Who will receive the Video Vanguard Award at the 2025 MTV VMAs?

Mariah Carey will receive the 2025 Video Vanguard Award at this year's VMAs. Mother Lamb's highly-anticipated, career-spanning performance will be her first time gracing the VMAs stage in 20 years, since her rendition of The Emancipation of Mimi singles "We Belong Together" and "Shake It Off" (with guests Jadakiss and Jermaine Dupri) in 2005.

Despite her legacy of iconic music videos for songs like "Honey," "Always Be My Baby," and "Obsessed," the Video Vanguard Award will be Carey's first-ever VMA award over her 35-year career.

The Queen of Christmas will also become the eighth female recipient of the Video Vanguard Award in a row, following Rihanna, Pink, Jennifer Lopez, Missy Elliot, Nicki Minaj, Shakira, and Katy Perry.

How can you vote for the 2025 VMAs?

Voting for the gender-neutral award show remains open at vote.mtv.com until Friday, September 5 at 6 p.m. ET, with fans able to vote up to 10 times a day in each category. In addition to the main slate, fans can also cast their vote for two social categories—Best Group and Song of the Summer—via MTV's Instagram stories. Voting for the social categories will remain open through Sunday, September 7.

There is no shortage of buzz-worthy beauty products on the market. In the time it took you to read that sentence, a new hydrating serum or color-care shampoo probably hit shelves at your local Sephora. That makes finding the best of the best formulas a Herculean task. But there is nothing the Marie Claire team loves more than playing beauty investigator to find the absolute best skin and hair products that are worthy of incorporating into your beauty routine.

It's why we've spent the last five months testing, swatching, massaging, and swiping on the latest and greatest options in the hair care and skincare categories. In need of an LED mask to brighten and tone your complexion that's actually worth the price tag? We've got you covered. Or maybe you've been searching for the perfect shine-boosting hair treatment that won't weigh down your curls or fine hair? Yup, we found those too. Above all, the Marie Claire team, and our roster of guest judges, understand that no one's hair or skin concerns are exactly alike. So, we went a step beyond just searching for the best overall serum or conditioner and found the formulas that cater to your unique beauty needs.

But don't just take our word for it. Read on to discover the 188 (!!!) winning products for the 2025 Skin & Hair Awards.

Skincare Winners

At-Home Devices

A good skin device can turn your bathroom into a skin clinic and elevate your regular routine into a professional-level treatment, with the results to prove it. From microcurrent to LED, the last few years have seen amazing advancements in at-home technology. What was once only available at the med-spa or dermatologist’s office is now available to anyone with a credit card and a dream.

But that’s not to say all gadgets are created equal (or, even, effective). Fortunately for you, we’ve separated the glorified light bulbs and vibrating massagers from the real deals. These are the beauty devices worth bringing home to amplify your beauty routine if you want to get serious about your skincare.

Body

Our body care options have become nothing if not extremely sophisticated. Everything from your bar soap to your deodorant is now infinitely more luxurious and advanced than it was just a few short years ago. Which, we think, is for the best—your hands, feet, underarms, and all the in-between bits deserve just as much pampering and high-tech care as your face does. Skin is skin, after all.

These body care essentials will keep your nooks and crannies feeling fresh, clean, and hydrated with all the latest ingredients, textures, and formulations that do all that and then some for your face.

Cleansers

The foundation of your beauty routine, cleansers set the stage for everything that comes after, so picking the right one for your complexion is crucial. From a cleanser that will help clear your acne spots without drying you out to a balm that’s guaranteed fresh each time you use it thanks to an ingenious container, these are the face washes that will keep your complexion clean, clear, and refreshed.

Eye Cream

As the thinnest skin on your face, your eyes have the dubious honor of showing off your skin sins more so than any other part of your complexion. Whether its too much sun exposure, too little sleep, overindulging on unhealthy foods, or just the general good times that hormones and aging can have on your body, your eyes will show it first and most severely with dark circles, lines, puffiness, crepey texture, dullness, and dryness. It's why a dedicated eye cream is so important in your routine—not only do they feature targeted ingredients to help minimize the appearance and effects of those exact issues, but they come in specialized formulations that won’t irritate or clog the pores.

Exfoliators

Your skin cells, much like your attention span, only last so long. Twenty-eight days, give or take, then those dead cells on the surface are supposed to make way for fresh, new, younger cells underneath. Unfortunately, as you get older, this process slows down, leading to dullness, dryness, and those dead skin cells overstaying their welcome. That's why it's important to regularly exfoliate and “unglue” the dead skin, revealing brighter, softer, more hydrated skin. Whether you choose a physical scrub that sloughs away debris or a chemical acid-based option that dissolves surface impurities and helps unclog pores, these exfoliating cleansers, scrubs, and treatments will help you uncover your freshest, glowiest, most even-toned skin ever.

Moisturizers

Even if your approach to skin care is more minimalist than all-inclusive, a moisturizer is one of those products—along with cleanser and sunscreen—that everyone needs, no matter your age, skin tone, or type. The basic function of every moisturizer is to replenish lost moisture in the skin and help prevent water loss, keeping skin looking plump, smooth, and dewy. Vitamins, antioxidants, nourishing botanicals, and cutting-edge complexes all help to elevate a hydrator and ensure it addresses your skin’s specific needs, be it balancing, eradicating breakouts, diminishing wrinkles, or firming your contours. These creams, lotions, and gels are our favorites for giving thirsty skin the hydration it craves, plus a little something extra to address your unique skin concerns.

Serums

Serums are the MVPs of your skin routine. They are packed with active ingredients and proprietary formulations that are made to deliver powerful concentrations deep into the skin’s layers where they can help solve some of your peskiest skin issues. You can have a wardrobe of serums to tackle everything from fine lines to dark spots to sagging skin and use them daily to keep your skin looking smooth, glowy, firm, and even-toned. Our favorite serums feature a mix of tried-and-true ingredients and innovative technologies that will be the future of skin care as we know it. From retinol to exosomes, ceramides to bioactive growth factors, here are 10 serums our editors have in regular rotation in their skincare regimens.

Sunscreens

We know we don’t have to tell you in the year 2025 that daily sunscreen is a non-negotiable. SPF is the ideal type of preventative skin care because it not only protects you from sun damage, but it ensures your skin looks its best as you age. Fortunately for you, we’re living in the golden age of sunscreens, as SPF formulas, inspired by the textures and technologies we’re seeing from Europe, Australia, and Asia (but alas, not their advanced UV filters, at least not yet) are abundant and make wearing your daily dose of sunscreen feel less like a chore and more like joy. These all-star sun protectants all feel silky on the skin, keep you protected from sun damage, and won’t leave you with chalky residue all over your face.