All the Best Fashion Moments From the 2025 Governors Awards

Hollywood kicks off awards season in unforgettable style.

Awards season officially opened its doors at the 16th annual Governors Awards, where Hollywood’s most influential figures gathered inside the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Los Angeles. Hosted by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the evening honored industry legends while also delivering one of the year’s first major red-carpet showcases.

Held every year ahead of the Oscars, the Governors Awards recognize artists whose work has shaped the history of cinema. For 2025, Debbie Allen, Tom Cruise, and Wynn Thomas were chosen for the Academy Honorary Award, while Dolly Parton received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her extraordinary philanthropic commitment. These honorees brought depth and significance to the ceremony—but the night also buzzed with the presence of stars ready to make their mark on the season.

The red carpet quickly became a centerpiece of the event, offering an early glimpse at the designers, trends, and silhouettes likely to dominate in the months ahead. From avant-garde couture to refined simplicity, the arrivals showcased the wide range of style that makes this season so anticipated.

CYNTHIA ERIVO

Cynthia Erivo made a dramatic entrance in a breathtaking Givenchy gown designed by Sarah Burton. Known for her fearless approach to fashion, Erivo once again embraced a sculptural silhouette with fluid movement, creating a look that was both powerful and poetic. Her red-carpet presence remains one of the most consistently original in the industry.

ARIANA GRANDE

Ariana Grande chose a vintage Dior dress carefully selected from Happy Isles, continuing her love affair with archival fashion. The gown’s timeless aesthetic paired beautifully with her signature soft glam, resulting in a polished, romantic look that stood out immediately.

JENNIFER LOPEZ

Jennifer Lopez stepped onto the carpet in full superstar mode. Wearing Tamara Ralph couture with radiant Chopard jewels, she showcased a sculpted, high-impact silhouette that felt unmistakably hers. With every detail perfectly aligned, Lopez proved once more why her red-carpet entrances are always among the most anticipated.

JENNIFER LAWRENCE

Jennifer Lawrence opted for quiet elegance with a minimalist Dior ensemble, complemented by Stuart Weitzman heels. As one of the house’s most recognizable ambassadors, she delivered a clean and effortless look—a reminder that simplicity, when done well, can make just as strong a statement as elaborate couture.

ANYA TAYLOR-JOY

Anya Taylor-Joy brought her trademark drama in a stunning Maison Margiela couture piece. Enhanced with sparkling Tiffany & Co. jewelry, her look combined modern artistry with vintage glamour. Taylor-Joy’s ability to transform fashion into storytelling continues to set her apart on every carpet she steps onto.

Beyond these standout moments, the event welcomed a long list of A-listers—including Emma Stone, Dakota Johnson, Natalie Portman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Octavia Spencer, and Queen Latifah—each bringing their own interpretation of evening glamour. Some favored streamlined silhouettes, while others arrived in bold textures, vibrant hues, or intricate designs, resulting in a dynamic and eye-catching red carpet.

As the first major fashion moment of the season, the Governors Awards hinted at what’s ahead for 2025: an increased appreciation for vintage couture, structured shapes, luminous finishes, and deeply personal style choices. More and more, stars are leaning into garments that reflect their individuality rather than following predictable formulas.

With the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and Oscars approaching, the Governors Awards set a sparkling tone for the months to come. The ceremony honored cinematic legacies while offering a preview of the fashion excitement that awaits. If this opening red carpet is any indication, awards season 2025 is shaping up to be bold, stylish, and impossible to forget.