Governors Awards 2025: The Best Red-Carpet Fashion Moments
The stars officially kicked off awards season in stunning style.
Awards season has begun, and the first major chapter unfolded at the 16th annual Governors Awards. Inside the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) welcomed some of the biggest names in Hollywood for an evening dedicated to honoring lifetime achievements—and showcasing early red-carpet glamour.
Held each year ahead of the Oscars, the Governors Awards celebrate individuals whose contributions have shaped film history. For 2025, Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise, and Wynn Thomas received the prestigious Academy Honorary Award, while Dolly Parton was recognized with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her extraordinary charitable work. The honorees certainly carried the spotlight, but the star-studded guest list made the entire ballroom shine.
Beyond the ceremony, the event doubled as an early preview of what this year’s awards-season fashion will bring. The red carpet became a showcase of couture craftsmanship, striking silhouettes, and polished styling. Actors, filmmakers, and industry creatives embraced the moment to debut looks that set the tone for the months ahead.
CYNTHIA ERIVO
Cynthia Erivo made one of the boldest style statements of the night. Known for her fearless, expressive fashion choices, she arrived in a remarkable Givenchy gown by Sarah Burton. The piece featured sculptural lines softened by fluid movement, highlighting Erivo’s talent for blending drama with elegance. She once again proved she’s a red-carpet force.
ARIANA GRANDE
Ariana Grande turned the carpet into her own vintage fashion moment with a Dior gown sourced from Happy Isles. Archival couture has become an important part of her evolving aesthetic, and this look paired classic beauty with her signature soft glam. It was an instant standout and one of the evening’s most refined ensembles.
JENNIFER LOPEZ
Jennifer Lopez delivered unmistakable star power in a sculptural Tamara Ralph couture design paired with radiant Chopard jewelry. The gown’s luxurious detailing and confident silhouette were perfectly aligned with her long-standing red-carpet persona. Lopez once again reminded everyone why she remains one of the most awaited arrivals at any major event.
JENNIFER LAWRENCE
Jennifer Lawrence chose timeless sophistication in a beautifully simple Dior look, complete with Stuart Weitzman heels. A longtime face of the brand, she embraced effortless minimalism and made a strong case for classic Hollywood refinement. Her clean, understated style fit seamlessly with the night’s overall fashion mood.
ANYA TAYLOR-JOY
Anya Taylor-Joy, always one of fashion’s most exciting risk-takers, arrived in a stunning Maison Margiela couture creation. With sculptural craftsmanship and shimmering Tiffany & Co. jewelry, her look balanced avant-garde artistry with vintage allure. Taylor-Joy’s commitment to bold fashion storytelling was on full display.
These standout stars were joined by an impressive lineup of A-listers. Emma Stone, Dakota Johnson, Natalie Portman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Octavia Spencer, and Queen Latifah added even more glamour to the carpet, each showcasing their own personal take on evening elegance. Some opted for sleek minimalism, while others embraced texture, movement, and color—together creating a diverse and visually striking fashion moment.
As the traditional kickoff to Hollywood’s busiest and most stylish season, the Governors Awards provided an early glimpse of the trends likely to shape 2025. Expect to see plenty of vintage couture, architectural gowns, metallic tones, and a continued emphasis on individuality. Increasingly, stars are leaning into personal expression rather than sticking to standard awards-season formulas, making the red carpet feel fresher than ever.
With the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and the Oscars fast approaching, the Governors Awards remind us why this time of year feels so special. It’s a celebration of legacy, creativity, and everything still to come—both in film and in fashion. If this first red carpet is any indication, awards season 2025 promises to be unforgettable.
