Golden Globes 2026: 10 red carpet moments defined by dark glamour and high drama
The 83rd Annual Golden Globe Awards marked a seismic shift in red-carpet dressing. Gone were the minimalist dresses and neutral palettes that defined recent awards seasons. In their place: a moody, subversive landscape of gothic deconstruction, architectural rebellion and unapologetic risk-taking. From controversial whale tail straps to 323-hour couture masterpieces, the night’s most memorable looks proved that Hollywood’s leading women are done playing it safe. This was fashion as statement, transformation and deliberate provocation—a funeral for everything safe, polished and predictable.
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Jenna Ortega’s goth-goddess moment in Dilara Findikoglu
Jenna Ortega in a deconstructed black gown featuring whale tail straps by designer Dilara Findikoglu (Photo: Michael Buckner/2026GG/Penske Media/Getty Images)
Nominated for Wednesday, Jenna Ortega elevated goth aesthetics in a sheer black Dilara Findikoglu gown featuring beaded fringe and controversial “whale tail” straps simulating an exposed thong. Paired with bleached brows and a brown lip, Ortega exuded a luxurious, villainous energy at the Golden Globes red carpet.
Ariana Grande’s anti-Glinda look in Vivienne Westwood Couture
Ariana Grande wearing a voluminous black Vivienne Westwood Couture ball gown with corseted bodice (Photo: Christina House/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images)
After two years of method dressing in pink for Wicked, Ariana Grande arrived at the Golden Globes in a custom Vivienne Westwood Couture—a voluminous black ball gown with signature corset bodicing. Styled with chocolate brown hair done in her signature ponytail, the look mourned her Glinda era.
Lisa’s second skin sheer moment in Jacquemus
Lisa from Blackpink in a sheer black Jacquemus gown with stacked gold choker necklaces (Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/GA/The Hollywood Reporter/Getty Images)
The Blackpink star delivered sharp minimalism in a custom sheer black Jacquemus gown that appeared poured onto her frame. Lisa paired the dark moment with auburn hair and stacked gold necklaces, marking her evolution to serious fashion force.
Selena Gomez’s black swan bustier in Chanel
Selena Gomez wearing a custom Chanel black velvet gown with handcrafted feather flower neckline (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
Nominated for Only Murders in the Building, Selena Gomez wore custom Chanel featuring 200 handcrafted feather flowers requiring 323 hours of labour. The black velvet gown paired with a sculptural bob and deep ruby lip delivered her graduation to Hollywood royalty.
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Audrey Nuna’s surrealist cocoon in Thom Browne
Singer Audrey Nuna in an architectural Thom Browne cocoon coat-dress with oversized bow detail (Photo: Tommaso Boddi/2026GG/Penske Media/Getty Images)
Singer Audrey Nuna, whose song “Golden” (with Ejae and Rei Ami) won Best Original Song, treated the carpet as performance art in a Thom Browne cocoon coat-dress with oversized bow detail. Paired with a net face veil and gravity-defying braids, this was avant-garde fashion at its most uncompromising.
Emma Stone’s butter yellow deconstruction in Louis Vuitton
Emma Stone in a custom Louis Vuitton butter yellow crop top and beaded skirt ensemble (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
Nominated for Bugonia, Emma Stone defied convention in custom Louis Vuitton: a butter-yellow crop top and beaded skirt. The midriff-baring ensemble paired with a razor-sharp blunt bob proved that serious contenders don’t need full gowns to make an impact.
Jennifer Lawrence’s rain dress in Givenchy by Sarah Burton
Jennifer Lawrence wearing a semi-sheer Givenchy gown with floral embroidery and satin shawl (Photo: Gilbert Flores/2026GG/Penske Media/Getty Images)
Nominated for Die My Love, Jennifer Lawrence wore custom Givenchy by Sarah Burton—a semi-sheer gown embroidered with colourful florals creating a rain effect. The satin bomber shawl tempered exposure, whilst soft curled hair balanced the avant-garde construction with glamour.
Zoë Kravitz’s boudoir slip in Saint Laurent
Zoë Kravitz in a dusty rose Saint Laurent silk slip dress with cream lace trim (Photo: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images)
Zoë Kravitz’s dusty rose Saint Laurent silk slip brought bedroom intimacy to the Golden Globes red carpet. The lingerie-inspired piece featured cream lace trim and a butter-yellow bow around the waist, styled with an intricate updo and sharp cat-eye for her signature cool-girl aesthetic.
Now read: Zoe Kravitz’s best style moments prove less is always more
Hailee Steinfeld’s high-fashion bump in Prada
Hailee Steinfeld in a salmon pink sequined Stephane Rolland Couture gown showcasing her pregnancy (Photo: Christina House/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images)
Sinners star Hailee Steinfeld debuted maternity style in custom Prada—a salmon-pink sequined gown that skimmed her baby bump. Vintage-inspired waves and vibrant pink blush created high-fashion expectant glamour, defying traditional goddess tropes.
Ejae’s global glamour moment in Dior
Singer Ejae in a black strapless Dior column gown with Bulgari jewellery (Photo: Roger Kisby/2026GG/Penske Media/Getty Images)
Singer Ejae chose unapologetic evening glamour: a black strapless Dior column that allowed her Bulgari diamonds to shine. The classic silhouette and sculptural high bun proved that timeless elegance holds power, cementing her status as a global fashion force amongst Hollywood’s elite.
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