2025 Critics Choice Awards: Ariana Grande, Nicole Kidman Lead Star-Studded Night
February 8, 2025
The 30th Annual 2025 Critics Choice Awards transformed Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar into a celebration of fashion and film on Friday evening. Amid Los Angeles' recent wildfires, the event was a moment of recovery and glamour, guided by the lively host, Chelsea Handler. The night not only honored cinematic achievement but also showcased some of the most breathtaking red carpet fashion of the year, with nominees and presenters alike stepping out in haute couture.
The fashion narrative began with a breathtaking moment from Ariana Grande, nominated for her transformative role in Wicked. She stunned in a Dior Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2025 creation, an innovative short collared dress that highlighted the brand's craftsmanship. The design featured embroidered tulle made to mimic woven raffia, delicately adorned with organza flowers, while the flowing straw trimmings suspended from a grosgrain crinoline gave the piece its mesmerizing silhouette.
Dior also dressed Marisa Abela, who appeared in a dark red velvet gown that exuded understated elegance. Leighton Meester dazzled in gold-embellished tulle, while Delainey Hayles chose a black velvet creation from Dior's Cruise 2025 collection, its lace collar adding a hint of Victorian charm.
Saint Laurent had a strong presence throughout the evening, with Zoe Saldaña leading the house's representation. The actress, nominated for "Emilia Perez" and recognized in both acting and song categories, chose an elegant open-back silk dress with bow detailing, paired with La Scandale platform sandals.
Meanwhile, Nicole Kidman took to the classic Saint Laurent imprint: a tailored wool jacket with high-waisted pants. As presenter, Natasha Lyonne embraced a bolder look in a leather dress paired with rhinestone-studded pumps. Cristin Milioti, recognized for her role in "The Penguin," channeled sophistication in a Saint Laurent one-shoulder jersey dress.
The French fashion house's menswear also shone through with Edgar Ramirez appearing in a grain de poudre tuxedo, complemented by Wyatt Chelsea boots. Cory Michael Smith honed sartorial precision in an Yves jacket in wool chiné, and Leila George, nominated for "Disclaimer," channeled the brand's signature androgyny in a tuxedo ensemble accented by Cassandre duo link earrings.
Danielle Deadwyler wore a custom Prada pink satin and voile dress with wide train, white satin gloves, and grey satin platforms.
Naomi Watts wore a custom Prada black satin dress with geometric construction, wide back neckline and black satin sandals.
Monica Barbaro wore a Prada black fringed top embellished with crystal embroidery, black satin skirt, and silver brushed leather platforms.
Caitriona Balfe wore a Prada ice-colored double satin top embellished with eyelets, matching skirt with leather belt and metal clasps, and cream leather slingbacks.
Mona Fastvold wore a Prada white sequined jersey satin dress with bow detail, and black leather pumps.
Bowen Yang wore a Valentino look by Alessandro Michele from the Resort 2025 "Avant Les Débuts" collection with Valentino Garavani shoes.
Adrien Brody wore a Dior Men's Collection navy wool and silk peak lapel tuxedo, white cotton shirt, navy silk bow tie and black leather derbies.
Adam Brody wore a Dior Men's Collection black wool and silk peak lapel tuxedo and a white cotton shirt.
Ethan Herisse wore a Dior Men's Winter 2025 Collection pink wool and silk oblique jacket with bow detail on the back, black wool trousers and black leather and silk derbies.
Sean Baker wore a Dior Men's Collection navy wool notch lapel suit, a white cotton shirt and black leather derbies.
Jesse Eisenberg wore a Dior Men's Collection black wool and silk shawl lapel tuxedo and a black wool knit. Grooming by Dior Beauty.
As "Conclave" claimed Best Ensemble and FX's "Shōgun" dominated early television categories with wins for Moeka Hoshi and Tadanobu Asano, streaming platforms celebrated their own victories: Hannah Einbinder for "Hacks," Michael Urie for "Shrinking," and "The Wild Robot" securing Best Animated Feature. The red carpet captivated through the night, as stars brought their own cinematic moments to the arrivals, each entrance a story of fashion's enduring relevance to Hollywood and beyond.
