In the hushed, gilded halls of the Ray Dolby Ballroom, before the televised frenzy of the Oscars and Globes begins, Hollywood holds its breath for a night of quiet prestige and potent style statements. The 16th Governors Awards, held on November 16, is far more than a precursor; it is the industry's revered ‘Honorary Oscars,’ a ceremony celebrating lifetime achievement that serves as the official, unofficial start to the awards season. This is where the sartorial tone is set, where narratives are crafted, and where the first chess moves on the red carpet are made. This year, as legends like Dolly Parton, Tom Cruise, Debbie Allen, and Wynn Thomas were honored, a new generation of style titans laid down their markers for the season to come.
The event showcased a breathtaking spectrum of fashion, from daring, architectural couture to the enduring power of classic Hollywood elegance. It was a masterclass in personal branding, with each ensemble telling a story about the star wearing it—their current career trajectory, their artistic sensibilities, and their ambitions for the months ahead. What unfolded was not just a parade of beautiful clothes, but a nuanced preview of the style conversations that will dominate 2025.
The New Guard of Couture
On a night dedicated to cinematic history, two actresses chose to write its next chapter in fashion, embracing the intellectual and artistic rigor of true couture. Cynthia Erivo and Anya Taylor-Joy, both known for their fearless approach to red carpet dressing, delivered moments that were less about simple glamour and more about profound sartorial statements.
Cynthia Erivo has long established herself as a red carpet visionary, and her arrival in Givenchy by Sarah Burton was a powerful continuation of this legacy. Celebrated for her tour-de-force performances and recently lauded for an act of off-screen heroism defending her Wicked: For Good co-star Ariana Grande, Erivo’s choice felt particularly resonant. Sarah Burton’s tenure at the house (following Alexander McQueen) was defined by a blend of sharp, architectural tailoring and a deep, almost mythic romanticism. Erivo’s ensemble embodied this spirit, a head-turning look that was both formidable and exquisitely crafted. It was a visual declaration of strength and artistry, perfectly aligning with an actress at the zenith of her power and public admiration. This was not just a dress; it was armor for an artist who commands every stage she graces.
In a similar vein, Anya Taylor-Joy opted for the avant-garde, appearing in an ethereal creation from Maison Margiela by Glenn Martens. This is a choice that speaks volumes. Martens’ work is cerebral, deconstructed, and challenging—a far cry from conventional red carpet fare. For Taylor-Joy to select his vision of couture signals a deep alignment with fashion as an art form. The look, described as ethereal, likely played with transparency, unconventional silhouettes, and the house’s signature focus on craftsmanship. Paired with the timeless brilliance of Tiffany & Co. jewelry, the ensemble created a fascinating dialogue between the classic and the cutting-edge. It solidified Taylor-Joy's status as a fashion intellectual, someone who understands not just what looks good, but what has meaning.
The Enduring Allure of Classic Glamour
While some stars pushed boundaries, others reminded us of the unshakable power of timeless elegance. In a world of fleeting trends, the codes of classic Hollywood glamour remain a potent force, and no one wields them with more confidence than Jennifer Lawrence and Mia Goth, both of whom chose the storied house of Dior.
Jennifer Lawrence, a long-time ambassador for Dior, stunned in an elegant gown that exemplified the house’s codes of feminine strength. Her look was a masterclass in restraint and sophistication. Rather than chasing a dramatic, headline-grabbing moment, Lawrence opted for a silhouette that celebrated perfect form and luxurious fabrication. The choice to accessorize with the rarefied, artist-designed pieces from JAR jewelry further underscored her commitment to elevated taste. This was a statement of quiet confidence from an established A-lister who has nothing left to prove. She wasn't just wearing a dress; she was embodying an ideal—the modern movie star who is poised, powerful, and impeccably polished.
Mia Goth, another star on a meteoric rise, offered a different interpretation of the Dior woman. Her striking, icy blue gown was a captivating choice, reflecting the complex and often chilling characters she brings to the screen. The color itself—cool, distant, yet beautiful—seemed to echo her versatile screen presence, particularly her dual roles in the upcoming film Frankenstein. While Lawrence's Dior was about classic warmth, Goth's was about a more enigmatic and modern form of glamour. It was a look that highlighted her unique position in Hollywood as a fearless performer drawn to complex, challenging material. The gown wasn't just pretty; it was intriguing, much like the actress herself.
Redefining the Modern Leading Man
The evolution of menswear on the red carpet has been one of the most exciting fashion narratives of the past few years, and the Governors Awards proved that the movement is only gaining momentum. Jacob Elordi and Jeremy Allen White, two of the most talked-about actors of their generation, eschewed traditional black-tie in favor of looks that were personal, directional, and utterly contemporary.
Jacob Elordi, fresh off the buzz of his latest film, Frankenstein, continued his impressive style streak in a perfectly tailored suit distinguished by a high-neck collar. This subtle yet significant detail instantly set him apart. It was a choice that felt considered and intentional, moving beyond the standard tuxedo to craft a more specific, almost severe silhouette. This refined aesthetic mirrors his career choices, as he pivots from teen idol to acclaimed dramatic actor. The suit was a reflection of this new chapter: serious, sophisticated, and with an edge of quiet intensity. It was a look that said more about his artistic ambitions than any flashy accessory ever could.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Allen White brought his signature brand of effortless cool to the carpet in a Louis Vuitton ensemble. His look, featuring high-waisted pants and his now-famous unbuttoned shirt, has become a uniform of sorts, but one that feels authentic rather than repetitive. It’s a style that projects a certain nonchalant confidence—a blend of high-fashion sensibility with a grounded, approachable masculinity. By sticking to this silhouette, White is building a recognizable personal brand that feels perfectly in sync with his on-screen persona: intense, a little rough around the edges, but undeniably compelling. It’s a modern approach to menswear that prioritizes personality over protocol.
A Barometer for the Season Ahead
More than just a collection of individual triumphs, the red carpet at the 16th Governors Awards provided a clear and compelling forecast for the 2025 awards season. Several key themes emerged that we can expect to see elaborated upon in the coming months.
First, the commitment to true couture—pieces that are not just expensive but are conceptually and artistically ambitious—is stronger than ever among Hollywood’s more daring stars. Second, timeless glamour is being reinterpreted through a modern lens, with houses like Dior providing a canvas for stars to express different facets of classic femininity. Finally, menswear continues to be a playground for personalization, with leading men using tailoring and silhouette to build distinct and memorable personal brands.
As the industry gathered to celebrate the titans who built its foundation, the stars on the red carpet were busy laying the groundwork for its future. The night was a powerful reminder that in Hollywood, style is never just about the clothes. It’s about storytelling, ambition, and the art of making a statement without saying a word. If this is just the beginning, we are in for a truly spectacular season.
