Hollywood’s elite arrived in top form, setting a high bar for the season’s red-carpet style.
From dramatic couture to minimalist elegance, the night delivered no shortage of standout fashion.
The 2025 Governors Awards ushered in a fresh wave of awards-season excitement as Hollywood’s biggest names gathered at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles. Organized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the event celebrated influential figures in film while doubling as one of the first major style showcases of the year.
Traditionally held ahead of the Oscars, the ceremony honors artists whose contributions have left a lasting mark on cinema. This year’s recipients included Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise, and Wynn Thomas, each receiving the Academy Honorary Award, while Dolly Parton was recognized with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her far-reaching philanthropic work. Their presence brought gravitas to the night, while the red carpet added a dose of glamour that set the stage for the season ahead.
The arrivals turned the event into a fashion preview—an early look at the aesthetic themes and designer choices likely to shape 2025’s awards circuit. From bold couture to refined simplicity, stars embraced a wide spectrum of style.
CYNTHIA ERIVO
Cynthia Erivo delivered one of the most unforgettable looks of the night. Her sculptural Givenchy gown, designed by Sarah Burton, showcased her signature mix of elegance and boundary-pushing style. Erivo continues to define what modern red-carpet dressing can look like.
ARIANA GRANDE
Ariana Grande opted for an archival Dior gown sourced from Happy Isles, reinforcing her growing love of vintage fashion. Soft, graceful, and timeless, the look paired seamlessly with her iconic glam, resulting in a standout moment.
JENNIFER LOPEZ
Jennifer Lopez arrived in a striking Tamara Ralph couture creation, elevated with dazzling Chopard jewelry. The sculpted silhouette and intricate detailing delivered a quintessential J.Lo moment—polished, dramatic, and unforgettable.
JENNIFER LAWRENCE
Jennifer Lawrence chose quiet sophistication with a minimalist Dior design and Stuart Weitzman heels. Her clean, streamlined look aligned with her long-standing partnership with the French house and embraced the simplicity that often defines her most memorable red-carpet appearances.
ANYA TAYLOR-JOY
Anya Taylor-Joy brought her signature theatricality in a Maison Margiela couture ensemble paired with Tiffany & Co. jewels. With its artistic structure and vintage-inspired finish, the look demonstrated why Taylor-Joy remains one of Hollywood’s most compelling fashion risk-takers.
Beyond these standout moments, the evening welcomed a roster of major stars—Emma Stone, Dakota Johnson, Natalie Portman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Octavia Spencer, and Queen Latifah—each showcasing their own interpretation of red-carpet style. Some embraced crisp, minimalist silhouettes, while others gravitated toward bold colors, opulent fabrics, or statement shapes, creating a carpet full of diversity and personality.
As the first major red carpet of the season, the Governors Awards offered a glimpse at the trends likely to dominate in 2025: an embrace of vintage couture, sculptural tailoring, luminous fabrics, and looks that reflect personal expression above all else. More than ever, celebrities are choosing fashion that tells a story, making every appearance feel distinct and intentional.
With the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and Oscars approaching, this year’s Governors Awards set an inspiring and stylish tone. It honored film legends while giving us a taste of the standout fashion moments still to come. If this red carpet is a preview, awards season 2025 is shaping up to be memorable, expressive, and utterly stylish.
