Hollywood officially stepped into awards season with a night full of standout fashion.
The 16th annual Governors Awards marked the beginning of a new awards cycle, bringing together some of the industry’s most admired figures at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles. Hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the evening honored cinematic icons while doubling as one of the first major style moments of the year.
Traditionally held ahead of the Oscars, the ceremony spotlights artists whose work has helped define film history. In 2025, Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise, and Wynn Thomas received Academy Honorary Awards, while Dolly Parton was presented with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her remarkable charitable work. While these honorees set an inspiring tone, the night also buzzed with excitement as stars arrived in looks that hinted at the trends to come.
The red carpet quickly became a fashion spectacle in its own right. From meticulously crafted couture to minimalist ensembles, the variety of silhouettes, textures, and colors offered a preview of what the rest of awards season may bring.
CYNTHIA ERIVO
Cynthia Erivo captured attention the moment she arrived in an architectural Givenchy gown by Sarah Burton. Known for her daring approach to style, Erivo balanced sharp structure with graceful movement, once again proving why she remains one of the most exciting figures to watch on any carpet.
ARIANA GRANDE
Ariana Grande embraced vintage glamour with a classic Dior dress sourced from Happy Isles. Archival pieces have become a signature part of her evolving style, and this soft, elegant gown complemented her polished look perfectly.
JENNIFER LOPEZ
Jennifer Lopez delivered trademark star power in a sculptural Tamara Ralph couture gown, elevated by glimmering Chopard jewelry. Every detail of her look—precision tailoring, refined drama, flawless styling—reinforced why she continues to dominate the red carpet year after year.
JENNIFER LAWRENCE
Jennifer Lawrence opted for understated refinement, choosing a clean, minimalist Dior outfit paired with Stuart Weitzman heels. A longtime ambassador for the house, she leaned into effortless elegance, demonstrating how simplicity can still make a powerful impression.
ANYA TAYLOR-JOY
Anya Taylor-Joy brought theatrical flair to the event with a Maison Margiela couture look, enhanced by radiant Tiffany & Co. jewels. Known for transforming fashion into character-driven moments, she struck the perfect balance between innovation and classic beauty.
The evening also featured a strong lineup of A-listers—Emma Stone, Dakota Johnson, Natalie Portman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Octavia Spencer, and Queen Latifah among them—each displaying their own interpretation of glamour. Some gravitated toward sleek lines and neutral tones, while others embraced bold shapes, vivid hues, or intricate detailing, resulting in a dynamic and visually rich red carpet.
As the first major fashion event of awards season, the Governors Awards offered a preview of what 2025 may bring: a continued love of vintage couture, sculptural tailoring, luminous finishes, and looks that highlight individuality rather than tradition. More stars are turning to personal style narratives, making each red carpet feel increasingly unique.
With the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and Oscars on the horizon, the Governors Awards set a confident and stylish tone. The evening celebrated film’s greatest contributors while giving us an exciting glimpse of the fashion moments still to come. If this ceremony is any indication, awards season 2025 is ready to deliver unforgettable style.
