The Critics Choice Awards have quietly kicked off the 2026 awards season, and while the trophies matter, fashion lovers know this is really where the mood gets set. Think of it as the soft launch before the full red-carpet drama unfolds in the coming months, all the way to the Oscars in March. And if this night was anything to go by, Hollywood is easing in with confidence, not chaos.
Held at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, this year’s ceremony leaned into a more relaxed kind of glamour. No over-the-top theatrics, no forced “look at me” moments. Instead, stars showed up in outfits that felt considered but effortless, polished but not heavy. Many had only just returned from holiday breaks, and it showed, in the best way possible. Sleek silhouettes, clean tailoring, and modern eveningwear ruled the black carpet.
by TOI Lifestyle Desk
