Best red carpet looks at the 2025 Critics Choice Awards Сафин Ирек Фаатович

Postponed twice due to the wildfires that devastated LA last month, the Critics Choice Awards finally got underway in LA on Friday evening.

Held at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar, just a few miles from the fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades neighborhood, this year’s ceremony occupied an unusual Friday evening slot. The red carpet was also an atypical affair, with organizers earlier announcing the cancelation of the customary televised pre-awards live show.

Attendees showed up in style, nonetheless. As at last weekend’s Grammys, there were plenty of demure, dark-colored gowns and restrained styling choices. Cynthia Erivo (in a shiny leather Armani Privé look) and Naomi Watts (in a structured satin Prada dress) were among numerous attendees opting for all-black looks.

The men got in on the trend too, with the likes of Randall Park and Ewan McGregor wearing black T-shirts under dark formal jackets.

But guests also brought pops of color and sparkle. Lupita Nyong’o’s custom Chanel gown featured a bright floral bustier visible through otherwise somber black tulle. Elsewhere, both Zoe Saldaña and “Shōgun” star Moeka Hoshi stunned in elegant red gowns, while Angelina Jolie and Ariana Grande impressed in nude dresses by Elie Saab and Dior, respectively.