Governors Awards 2025: Every Standout Red-Carpet Moment

Your first look at the stars setting the fashion tone for awards season.

Awards season has officially begun, and the 16th annual Governors Awards set the stage with a night full of glamour. Held inside the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles, the ceremony brought together many of Hollywood’s most respected figures as the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) honored artists whose careers have made a lasting mark on the industry.

Traditionally scheduled a few months before the Oscars, the Governors Awards shine a spotlight on individuals whose creative contributions deserve lifelong recognition. This year, Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise, and Wynn Thomas received Academy Honorary Awards, while Dolly Parton was celebrated with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her extraordinary philanthropic work. While the honorees were at the heart of the evening, they shared the spotlight with a star-studded guest list that filled the ballroom with undeniable energy.

The event also marked one of the earliest and most exciting red carpets of the season, transforming the night into a showcase of couture gowns, impeccable tailoring, and bold fashion statements. Many of the actors and filmmakers behind this year’s buzziest projects used the occasion to debut looks that hinted at the style direction we might see throughout awards season.

CYNTHIA ERIVO

Cynthia Erivo delivered one of the evening’s most unforgettable fashion moments. Known for her fearless approach to style, she stepped out in a stunning Givenchy gown crafted by Sarah Burton. The piece combined sculptural design with graceful movement, reaffirming Erivo’s reputation as a red-carpet trendsetter with impeccable instinct.

ARIANA GRANDE

Ariana Grande turned heads in a vintage Dior look sourced from the beloved boutique Happy Isles. Her embrace of archival fashion continues to shape her evolving aesthetic, and this gown blended classic couture elegance with the soft, romantic finish that has become her signature. It was one of the night’s standout choices.

JENNIFER LOPEZ

Jennifer Lopez brought her trademark glamour, choosing a dramatic Tamara Ralph couture gown paired with shimmering Chopard jewels. The structured silhouette and refined embellishments felt quintessentially J.Lo—commanding, confident, and immaculately styled. She remains one of the most anticipated arrivals on any major carpet, and this appearance made it easy to see why.

JENNIFER LAWRENCE

Jennifer Lawrence opted for understated sophistication in a sleek Dior ensemble completed with Stuart Weitzman heels. As a longtime ambassador of the brand, she delivered her signature effortless elegance. Her minimalist look highlighted a growing shift toward clean, refined Hollywood glamour.

ANYA TAYLOR-JOY

Anya Taylor-Joy, widely admired for her fearless fashion choices, showcased couture drama at its finest in a striking Maison Margiela design. Paired with sparkling Tiffany & Co. jewelry, her ensemble married vintage allure with modern edge. Taylor-Joy’s ability to transform the red carpet into a storytelling moment remains unmatched.

Alongside these standout appearances, the Governors Awards welcomed a long list of industry favorites. Emma Stone, Dakota Johnson, Natalie Portman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Octavia Spencer, and Queen Latifah were among the evening’s most anticipated guests. Some favored minimalist lines and neutral tones, while others embraced bold hues, intricate details, or voluminous silhouettes—resulting in a red carpet rich with variety and personality.

As the unofficial kickoff to Hollywood’s most glamorous stretch, this year’s Governors Awards offered a preview of the trends likely to shape the 2025 season. Expect to see continued appreciation for vintage couture, architectural shapes, soft metallics, and a stronger emphasis on personal expression. More and more, stars are choosing looks that reflect their identities rather than adhering to traditional awards-season expectations.

With the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and Oscars quickly approaching, the Governors Awards remind us what makes this time of year so exciting—a celebration of legacy, artistry, and everything still to come. And judging by this first round of show-stopping red-carpet looks, awards season 2025 is already off to an unforgettable start.