Michael B. Jordan | Ariana Grande | Source: Getty Images
Must-See Looks at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards: Michael B. Jordan With His Mom, Ariana Grande in Pink, and More Pics
Soft pink gowns, bold statements, and heartfelt moments lit up the 2026 Critics Choice Awards red carpet as stars sparked nonstop online buzz worldwide.
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The stars arrived shining at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, held on January 4 at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. Celebrities from movies, TV, and music stepped out in unforgettable looks that quickly became the center of online gossip.
Actor Michael B. Jordan made a lasting impression in a deep burgundy suit. Walking beside him was his mother, Donna Jordan, wearing a black satin gown with pearls. Their matching style gave the night a warm, elegant touch.
Michael B. Jordan and Donna Jordan
Michael B. Jordan with his mother, Donna Jordan, on the red carpet at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, "The Great" star Elle Fanning embraced timeless glamour in a backless gold gown, soft waves, and barely any jewelry. Her look was polished and graceful.
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Ella Fanning
Elle Fanning poses in a shimmering gold gown during the Critics Choice Awards arrivals | Source: Getty Images
Actress and singer Teyana Taylor delivered one of the boldest fashion statements of the night in a belted khaki jacket, black thigh-high boots, and a fur-trimmed coat. Her fearless style choice stood out from the crowd.
Teyana Taylor
Teyana Taylor makes a bold statement in fur and leather at this year's Critics Choice Awards | Source: Getty Images
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Meanwhile, "Wicked" star Ariana Grande surprised fans in a soft pink beaded gown with sheer cape sleeves. The dreamy, romantic look was a big change from her usual red carpet style and set social media buzzing.
On Facebook, one supporter posted, "She looks SO MUCH BETTER without that blonde hair. The blonde looked CRAZY on her and made her look sickly almost!!" A different admirer thought this was the best look Grande had had in a while. Another added, "I think she's preggers! JS😜."
Over on Instagram, the mood was more supportive. "Omg she's beautiful," one fan gushed. "This is the BEST I've seen her look in a looooooong time 😍 [sic]," another wrote. Someone asked if she might be expecting, while another chimed in, "The dress is given [sic] baby bump vibes!"
Another disliked her eyebrows, saying she could have gone for a stronger overall look. Meanwhile, someone else felt Grande appeared healthier than she had in previous public appearances.
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande turns heads in a soft pink beaded gown at the 31st annual Critics Choice ceremony | Source: Getty Images
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Ariana Grande shows off the full flow of her gown and cape detailing in a wide shot from the arrivals | Source: Getty Images
And the style parade didn't stop there as more stars turned heads with bold, dazzling looks that brought extra sparkle, attitude, and personality to the red carpet.
Amanda Seyfried
Amanda Seyfried keeps it classic in a strapless black-and-pink gown with a red bow detail, adding charm to her elegant silhouette | Source: Getty Images
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Noah Schnapp
Noah Schnapp steps out in a burgundy suit with black accents, bringing youthful energy and polish to the Critics Choice red carpet | Source: Getty Images
Kristen Bell
Kristen Bell keeps it sleek in a black halter gown with lace panels, balancing sophistication with subtle edge | Source: Getty Images
Jacob Elordi
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Jacob Elordi poses backstage in a classic black suit after winning Best Supporting Actor, holding his award with a smile | Source: Getty Images
Alexander Skarsgård
Alexander Skarsgård keeps it refined in a well-tailored black suit and tie, opting for a clean, traditional red carpet look | Source: Getty Images
Leighton Meester and Adam Brody
Leighton Meester and Adam Brody make a stylish couple appearance, with her in soft lavender and him in a striped gray suit | Source: Getty Images
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Paul W. Downs and Meg Stalter
Paul W. Downs and Megan Stalter coordinate in bright orange looks, bringing playful energy and bold color to the red carpet | Source: Getty Images
Sterling K. Brown and His Wife Ryan Michelle Bathe
Ryan Michelle Bathe and Sterling K. Brown arrive in elegant style, she in a glittering black gown and he in a wine velvet jacket | Source: Getty Images
Jeff Goldblum and His Wife Emilie Livingston
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Emilie Livingston and Jeff Goldblum pose together, with her in a sleek black gown and him in a standout white tuxedo jacket | Source: Getty Images
Odessa A'Zion
Odessa A'zion embraces a dramatic look in a flowing, metallic silver gown with bold sleeves and a plunging neckline | Source: Getty Images
The 2026 Critics Choice Awards offered a mix of classic fashion, bold choices, and unexpected moments that kept viewers and fans engaged well beyond the red carpet.
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