The 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar transformed the industrial space into a high-fashion epicenter on January 4th. This evening marked a definitive shift in the 2026 awards cycle, moving the conversation toward high-stakes aesthetic choices and experimental silhouettes. The women of Black cinema and television arrived with a clear sense of purpose, displaying a collective preference for sculptural tailoring and high-contrast palettes. We saw a departure from standard ball gowns in favor of custom-engineered looks that leveraged metallic textures, sheer layering, and architectural corsetry. The carpet pulsed with an energy that favored intentional, structural drama. These women established a visual language for the year rooted in confidence and creative autonomy, proving that the red carpet remains a primary stage for cultural storytelling.

These are the looks that defined the night.

Teyana Taylor: The Saint Laurent Commander

Teyana Taylor, a nominee for her powerful supporting turn in One Battle After Another, brought her signature avant-garde energy to the carpet. She chose a striking Saint Laurent ensemble that balanced hard-edged sophistication with high-fashion drama. Complemented by Tiffany & Co. jewelry and a textured bob, her look felt both grounded and editorial, solidifying her as a premier fashion force of the 2026 season.

Ego Nwodim: Crimson Confidence

Saturday Night Live star Ego Nwodim commanded the carpet in a vibrant crimson gown by Carolina Herrera. The floor-length, long-sleeved design featured a dramatic thigh-high slit accented by a delicate black ribbon detail. Styled by Micaela Erlanger, Nwodim paired the bold primary red with black satin Gianvito Rossi pumps and Fred Leighton jewelry, marking a high-glamour milestone in her red carpet evolution.

Quinta Brunson: Peach Precision

Quinta Brunson continued her streak of polished, intentional fashion. The Abbott Elementary creator arrived in a custom peach-toned look that emphasized clean lines and a confident fit. The ensemble served as a testament to the power of precise tailoring, accessorized with sparkling jewelry to maintain a classic awards-show glow.

Nicole Beharie: Y2K Redefined

The Morning Show star Nicole Beharie, nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, turned heads in an intricate creation by Sebastian Gunawan. The gown featured shimmering silver “fish scale” beading and structural corsetry that merged futuristic textures with a classic silhouette. Beharie leaned into a glamorous Y2K aesthetic, pairing the dress with “bombshell waves” and a swoopy side bang. She finished the look with Le Vian and Anayah jewelry, creating a high-shine moment that was among the night’s most daring.

Ruth E. Carter: Afro-Futuristic Royalty

Two-time Academy Award winner and Best Costume Design nominee for Sinners, Ruth E. Carter, graced the carpet in a look that felt like an extension of her own monarchical design philosophy. She wore a regal pale blue ensemble featuring metallic fabric and a dramatic off-the-shoulder floral train. True to her signature style, she paired the gown with a bold, African-inspired beaded statement necklace and her trademark wide-rimmed glasses. The outfit served as a vivid reminder of her status as the preeminent voice in Afro-aesthetic storytelling.

Jessica Williams: Dreamy Folkloric

Shrinking star Jessica Williams offered a refreshing contrast to the night’s darker tones in a custom Bora Aksu creation. The creamy white, sleeveless gown featured a bustier-style bodice and an asymmetrical hem, but the standout detail was a romantic black satin ribbon that trailed to the floor. Styled by Sarah Slutsky Tooley, Williams leaned into a ’60s-inspired aesthetic with a half-up, half-down hairstyle that mirrored the bows on her dress, achieving a look that was both whimsical and sophisticated.

Sheryl Lee Ralph: Plum Perfection

Styled by her daughter, Ivy “Coco” Maurice, Sheryl Lee Ralph was a vision in Tony Ward. Her plum-colored gown featured a halter neckline with intricate beading and a flared skirt. Ralph’s long power pony and statement earrings emphasized her status as a timeless style icon who remains unafraid of bold, regal colors.

Wunmi Mosaku: Indigo Majesty

Wunmi Mosaku provided one of the night’s most talked-about moments in a custom indigo-hued gown designed by Zac Posen for Gap Studio. The dress featured ombré silk charmeuse draping and pleating that flowed beautifully as she moved. It was a masterclass in how high-street collaborations can reach couture levels on the red carpet.

Chase Infiniti: The Breakout Ambassador

As the newest house ambassador for Louis Vuitton, breakout star Chase Infiniti turned heads in a sculptural, butter-yellow two-piece from the brand’s SS26 collection. The “Willa” actress from One Battle After Another paired the ab-baring crop top and dramatic cape detail with Messika jewelry, marking her arrival as the season’s new “it-girl.”

Danielle Brooks: Sultry Sheer Intensity

Nominated for her role in Peacemaker, Danielle Brooks turned heads in a custom black sheer gown by Monôt. The off-the-shoulder silhouette framed her presence with quiet strength, while the sculpted fit emphasized structure. A feathered hem introduced a touch of softness and motion to the otherwise bold, semi-see-through design. Styled by Jennifer Austin, Brooks completed the look with a flippy high ponytail and a massive 126-carat Chopard diamond necklace set with sapphires, delivering one of the most daring and discussed moments of the evening.

Val Boreland: Executive Elegance

As the President of Entertainment for Versant, Val Boreland balanced her high-profile role behind the scenes with a commanding presence on the red carpet. She opted for a sophisticated, floor-length ensemble that played with dark textures and subtle sheen, mirroring the night’s trend of refined, “new classic” glamour. Her look served as a reminder that the industry’s power players are just as influential in the fashion conversation as the stars they champion.

Denée Benton: Wine-Toned Structuralism

The Gilded Age star Denée Benton appeared in a custom Bach Mai design that leaned into rich, dark tones. The look featured a burgundy bralette and a matching two-tone corset that emphasized a sharp, structured waistline. This was paired with a floor-length purple skirt that skimmed the carpet, creating a sophisticated color block effect. She accessorized with Baetyl Fine Jewelry, maintaining a focus on dramatic, modern proportions.

Ryan Michelle Bathe: Sculpted Disco Glamour

Ryan Michelle Bathe provided one of the night’s most visually dynamic moments in a creation by Fjolla Haxhismajli. Styled by Philippe Uter, Bathe wore a sparkling black ensemble that played with contrasting textures. The look featured a sculpted velvet corset top paired with a sheer, embellished skirt that caught the light with every movement. The outfit was anchored by Messika jewelry, delivering a refined “disco” energy that felt celebratory and modern.

Skye P. Marshall: Modern Metallic Edge

Matlock star Skye P. Marshall, a nominee for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series, made a sophisticated statement in a two-piece ensemble that leaned into the night’s metallic trend. Her look featured a structured, gold-toned bodice paired with a sweeping floor-length skirt, creating a silhouette that felt architectural yet fluid. Marshall rounded out the aesthetic with a “mocha brown” lip and bronzed cheeks, highlighting her natural glow and cementing her status as a red carpet standout to watch.

Janelle James: Metallic Polish

Janelle James, who also served as a presenter for the newly renamed Actor Awards (formerly the SAG Awards) nominations earlier in the week, opted for a strapless black-and-silver look. The dress radiated Hollywood polish with a modern metallic twist, ensuring she remained a central figure in the night’s style conversation.

The 2026 Critics Choice Awards proved that Black fashion is about setting the standard for the entire awards calendar.