The Best Dressed Stars: Critics Choice Awards 2025

Most stars struck exactly the right style notes at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards. Playful reigned over too formal or fussy, while men and women alike balanced looks that felt equal parts chic and relaxed. Indeed, as for the guys, there was nary a tie in sight — Nicole Kidman, meanwhile, in a menswear-inspired Saint Laurent look, went for the tie and looked terrific.

This event at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar was postponed twice due to the wildfires that raged throughout Los Angeles County in January, and several of the night’s looks may have been more recent decisions as part of a desire to not seem too overdressed in light of recent events. Even for the haute-couture or custom pieces that were a bit more over the top in their craft or silhouette, they still exuded a whimsical vibe that prevented them from feeling too stiff or serious — in other words, capital “c” “couture.” Two best supporting actress winners accomplished this balance beautifully — and the details of their looks are discussed below.

The color palette, meanwhile, was mostly muted, steeped in earth tones, with a couple of exceptions. Men seemed to favor burgundy suiting over black, while for two women, it was all about power red. Perhaps it’s no accident that they won.

Here’s a look at 10 of the night’s best dressed stars, each blending high style with details exuding fun without fuss.

Zoe Saldana in Saint Laurent

The ease and draping of Zoe Saldaña’s Saint Laurent silk open-back gown surely made a lot of women think, “I would totally wear that.” The best supporting actress winner for Emilia Pérez almost floated through the room when she headed to the stage, a sure sign that the woman wearing it is not worried about her gown. Cartier Panthère jewels, including a choker that worked perfectly with the gown’s neckline, and Saint Laurent sandals finished the look.

Hannah Einbinder in Louis Vuitton

The night’s best supporting actress in a comedy series winner for Hacks, Hannah Einbinder always tends to embrace a modernist style, and that was once again true at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards. Her custom Louis Vuitton bustier gown, crafted in olive-hued satin with a geometric midi skirt, seemed to give a nod to the sculpted gowns of the 1950s, but in a distinctly modern way, while its simplicity allowed the shape to be the star. It was also, quite simply, fun. Einbinder completed her look with Louis Vuitton satin pumps in olive green and minimal jewelry, a pair of Belperron Coquillage earclips in 22-karat gold.

Orlando Bloom in Fendi

As mentioned, burgundy was the color of the night among stylish guys, including this notch-lapel tailored blazer with matching straight-leg pants. Like many men at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, Bloom eschewed the tie, and because of the slim, careful fit, the resulting look felt crisp and relaxed without veering into too casual, which can happen easily when the tie is tossed aside. Bloom finished his look with Santoni boots.

Angelina Jolie in Elie Saab

A best actress nominee for Maria, Angelina Jolie looked relaxed, ethereal and stunning in a nude-toned lace gown from Elie Saab’s spring/summer 2025 ready-to-wear collection. Jolie finished her look with Jimmy Choo platform sandals.

Aldis Hodge in Louis Vuitton

Cross star Aldis Hodge wore a Louis Vuitton suit that could be best appreciated by seeing it in person. Velvet soaks up light, so it’s tough to appreciate the details of Hodge’s black velvet jacket and matching flared pants, but it’s easy to see that his look fit him well, a crisp silhouette that should sell every guy on the idea of a suit tailored specifically for him. Black leather Louis Vuitton boots completed his look.

Ariana Grande in Dior Haute Couture

There was no look more playful than Ariana Grande’s at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, yet it never veered into “too-much” territory. Grande sometimes wears red carpet pieces that instantly evoke thoughts of her last name: grand, voluminous ballgowns that she carries off effortlessly. This dress, straight from the Christian Dior haute-couture collection for spring/summer 2025, shown in Paris on Jan. 27, was designed to spark joy, its details blending garden inspirations with the idea of seasonal transformation. The dress also looked lighter than air, a benefit for anyone sitting through an hours-long ceremony. Grande finished her look with Bucherer Fine Jewellery and Jimmy Choo shoes.

Cynthia Erivo in Giorgio Armani Privé

Another red-carpet chameleon changed up the grand and artful looks we’ve seen her wear since long before Wicked premiered in November, though forward-thinking details were still much in evidence. Best actress nominee Cynthia Erivo’s black patent-effect gown was by Giorgio Armani Privé and featured crystal micro edging and hand-embroidered camellias finished in crystals and beading, a slim silhouette that was made easy via its peplum detailing. Erivo’s look was completed with diamond jewels by Bucherer Fine Jewellery and Christian Louboutin shoes.

Bowen Yang in Valentino

Not every guy can carry off a graphic-print suit (the other great example was seen this past Sunday, a Libertine suit worn by Anthony Kiedis at the Grammys). But Bowen Yang looked terrific in this graphic Valentino suit from Alessandro Michele’s Resort 2025 “Avant Les Débuts” collection, paired with VLogo Signature Kidskin Moccasins in ivory by Valentino Garavani, finished with diamond jewels by Cartier.

Moeka Hoshi in Louis Vuitton

The night’s best supporting actress in a drama series for her work in Shogun, Moeka Hoshi charmed the audience with both her speech and this artful look by Louis Vuitton, a custom red crepe trompe l’oeil gown with a lush draped cape, paired with silver platform sandals also by the French label. The actress completed her look with jewelry by Pamela Zamore.

Colman Domingo in BOSS

The Sing Sing star and best actor nominee excels like no one else on the red carpet when it comes to layered tailoring, including a coat perfectly thrown over his shoulders. That was true at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards, where Colman Domingo wore a custom BOSS look that combined chocolate-hued matte and shiny textures. The actor completed his look with Tiffany & Co. jewels in yellow gold and diamonds and Christian Louboutin boots.