The Golden Globes came and went, and I’m left ruminating on Miles Caton’s snub for Best Original Song for “I Lied to You” in “Sinners,” the fact that “Best Podcast” is now an awards category and how I desperately need to watch “Hamnet.”
However, the most captivating part of the Jan. 11 ceremony was, invariably, the ensembles. Many drew from old Hollywood influences to create classic, timeless outfits.
Though their intended “shock-factor” effect has lessened since Beyonce’s 2015 Met Gala dress, sheer dresses continue to appear in celebrity ensembles, to my disappointment. J-Lo and J-Law were both seen wearing see-through looks that didn’t succeed in pushing any boundaries. A rare success was Jennifer Lawrence’s Givenchy dress, which was beautifully crafted with strategically placed flowers and a puffed wrap that fell around her wrists.
Connor Storrie, co-star of hit television series “Heated Rivalry,” wore a polished grunge look with Saint Laurent aviator sunglasses and a hairstyle influenced by Kurt Cobain’s mugshot, the Beatles circa ‘67 and Patrick Swayze in “Point Break.”
After the craze over Hudson Williams’s dainty diamond and emerald choker for Vanity Fair, his stylist once again delivered with a Bvlgari serpent choker. I predict this accessory will become part of Williams’ brand – like MC Hammer pants, but far more chic.
Rose Byrne wore a stunning green dress and looked like she could lead James McAvoy into a home library, duping Keira Knightley’s iconic look in “Atonement.” The 210 hours of labor poured into her Chanel dress paid off with the elegance of her Hollywood glam effect, complete with a 1940s-inspired red lip.
Aimee Lou Wood and Ariana Grande looked like goth Victorian fraternal twins in their dark off- the-shoulder Vivienne Westwood couture dresses.
My personal favorite was Emma Stone’s Louis Vuitton belly shirt and yellow tasseled skirt. 2026 is the year of sets, and I am almost as obsessed with this outfit as I was with Gracie Abrams’s burgundy Chanel look from her performance at Vogue World 2025.
A very close second was Elle Fanning’s shimmering custom look. Her dress also nodded to old Hollywood glam with a deep V-neckline, matching back and intricate floral embroidery that mimicked a sparkle with silver and cool pastels. Seriously, she looked like she should’ve lost a shoe when the clock turned midnight.
Parker Posey falls in third place with her custom gold silk taffeta Rodarte gown with ruffles cascading down her chest and skirt. The yellow-gold and sheer brown Atelier Biser gloves perfectly complemented her dark features, and her funky poses matched the extravagance of the dress.
Fourth place goes to Sabrina Elba, who channeled Y2K in a 2002 archival Guy Laroche and beautifully accompanied the look with her chic pixie cut.
Maura Higgins achieved fifth with her black, figure-hugging MarMar Halim dress. Higgins’ statement shawl appeared slightly like gold aluminum foil, but amped up her outfit when paired with styled hair, clean makeup and simple jewelry.
The awards season fashion has only just begun, and it’s already leaving me wanting more.
