See the best-dressed celebrities on the red carpet here.
The start of awards season always arrives with a certain electricity, and this year, the first spark came from the 16th annual Governors Awards. Hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the evening unfolded inside the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles, where Hollywood’s finest gathered to celebrate lifetime achievements and set the tone for the glamorous months ahead.
The Governors Awards, traditionally held a few months before the Oscars, serve as a moment of reflection and recognition. Icons whose bodies of work have shaped the industry are honored with Academy Honorary Awards, and for 2025, the spotlight fell on Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise, and Wynn Thomas. Meanwhile, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award—reserved for those whose impact extends far beyond the screen—was presented to the beloved Dolly Parton. These distinguished honorees brought their own star power to the night, but they were far from the only ones illuminating the ballroom.
As always, the Governors Awards doubled as one of the most exciting early red carpets of the season. The guest list read like a who’s who of Hollywood’s current and future awards contenders, turning the event into a runway of designer gowns, masterful tailoring, and confident statements in color, silhouette, and craftsmanship. Actors, directors, and producers behind some of the year’s most talked-about films embraced the opportunity to make their first sartorial impression of awards season—and they certainly delivered.
CYNTHIA ERIVO
One of the evening’s standout moments came courtesy of Cynthia Erivo, who has become known for her bold, theatrical approach to fashion. She arrived in an exquisite Givenchy creation designed by Sarah Burton, a look that balanced architectural structure with elegant fluidity. Erivo has a long history of setting the tone on red carpets, and once again, she proved that her fashion instincts never miss.
ARIANA GRANDE
Another head-turning appearance came from Ariana Grande, who graced the carpet in vintage Dior sourced from the beloved Los Angeles boutique Happy Isles. The choice of archival couture has become a signature of the singer’s evolving style, and this look struck the perfect balance between timeless glamour and modern softness. Paired with her signature high-polished beauty, Grande’s dress was one of the most memorable of the night.
JENNIFER LOPEZ
Jennifer Lopez, who has spent over two decades captivating audiences with her red-carpet presence, chose a sculptural Tamara Ralph couture gown, complemented by shimmering Chopard jewelry. Lopez’s look felt quintessentially her—dramatic, confident, and impeccably styled. The mix of precision tailoring and luxe embellishment highlighted why she continues to be one of the most anticipated arrivals at any major event.
JENNIFER LAWRENCE
Jennifer Lawrence, a perennial awards-season favorite, kept things beautifully refined in Dior, a house she has championed for years. Paired with classic Stuart Weitzman heels, Lawrence’s ensemble was effortless without sacrificing impact. Her appearance signaled a return to understated, pared-back Hollywood elegance—a theme that seemed to appear across several of the night’s best looks.
ANYA TAYLOR-JOY
Meanwhile, Anya Taylor-Joy, one of fashion’s most fearless chameleons, delivered a masterclass in high-fashion drama with a Maison Margiela couture piece. Designed with sculptural precision and accentuated by sparkling Tiffany & Co. jewelry, her look blended old-world glamour with avant-garde artistry. Taylor-Joy’s commitment to fashion storytelling is unmatched, and this appearance further solidified her status as one of the modern red carpet’s most influential dressers.
Beyond these standout stars, the carpet welcomed an impressive array of Hollywood talent. Emma Stone, Dakota Johnson, Natalie Portman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Octavia Spencer, and Queen Latifah were among the evening’s most anticipated arrivals, each bringing their own signature aesthetic. While some opted for sleek silhouettes and minimalist palettes, others leaned into volume, color, and texture—resulting in a collectively dazzling display of style.
With the Governors Awards marking the unofficial start of Hollywood’s busiest and most glamorous season, the red carpet felt like a preview of the trends that will define 2025. Expect to see more vintage couture, architectural shapes, soft metallics, and a continued focus on individuality. Stars are increasingly embracing personal style narratives rather than following traditional awards-season formulas, and the results are more exciting than ever.
As we look ahead to the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and, of course, the Oscars, the Governors Awards remind us why this time of year feels so special. It’s about honoring the past, celebrating the present, and anticipating the artistry yet to come—both on the screen and on the red carpet. And if this first major carpet is any indication, awards season 2025 is poised to be unforgettable.
