Wild Patterns, Cool Dad Suits and a Bit of Goth at the 2016 Critics' Choice Awards

By Clover Hope  |  December 12, 2016 | 6:25pm
Entertainment

All the beautiful people in Hollywood and none of the ugly ones came out to Sunday night’s 22nd Annual Critics’ Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California. The cast of The People v. O.J. Simpson rubbed shoulders with each other, as did Emma Stone and Leslie Mann and other stars eager to kick off the most wonderful, narcissistic time of the year. All the glam gowns, charming ensembles and striking couples below.

Let’s start with some winners. Amy Adams ARRIVED in a statuesque pure white gown swooped at the top for subtle cleavage. Naomie Harris vamped a bit in a sexy sort-of-LBD with a sheer bottom and sharp V-cut neckline. Viola Davis was graceful as usual in a deviant shade of blue.

In shades of red and blood orange, Anna Chlumsky looks freshly boudoir, and Busy Phillips is swimming in lace, a dress I wish was a touch shorter in length. This eye-popping mandarin color and whimsical frill design is super flattering on Leslie Mann.

Always on point, Tracee Ellis Ross appears ready for a summer soiree even though it’s winter. Allison Williams’ busy TV-signal dress is a miss for me. Bryce Dallas Howard is wearing a gown from TopShop that’s bright and effortless. She gets it.

Nicole Kidman wore a sharp, midriff-bearing gown and a judgmental stare. Kerry Washington’s dress is a little too sweetheart junior for me, though she’s still preternaturally stunning. Emma Stone opted for subtle sparkle.

Jim Parsons needs a bowtie because he’s not cool, Ryan Gosling doesn’t need a tie because he’s that cool, and the other Ryan (Reynolds) is so cool that he’s taking a chance in a mismatched suit. They all look fine.

More bow-tied men: Modern Family’s Nolan Gould, Veep’s Timothy Simons, Ty Burrell and Andrew Garfield.

William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman are some wild kids, as they should be. Moonlight’s Mahershala Ali and his wife Amatus Sami-Karim are grown and sexy. Mel Gibson left the North Pole for this?

Low necklines over here: Emmy Rossum pulled off a high ponytail well, paired with a revealing yet elegant Armani dress. Michelle Monaghan has a lot of sheer and lace swag happening and I dig it. Sarah Hyland’s billowing Vera Wang dress could be slightly shorter but it’s cute anyway.

Michelle Williams stuck with her prim, aristocratic style and it works for her. This was one of Janelle Monáe’s most out-there badass black-and-white costumes. Hailee Steinfeld floral gown is delightful, and Lisa Bonet never fails to look casually exquisite.

These kids need to go to bed already.

Evan Rachel Wood chose the perfect black suit with a smart sash to add flavor. Constance Zimmer went for a cool keyhole gown. Nia Long’s dress would’ve been great if either half were just one dress.

Courtney B. Vance is the older slicker version of Donald Glover in sophisticated burgundy, and RuPaul would be the one to wear this cowboy hat.

Per usual, Jessica Biel looks far better than Justin Timberlake. Kevin Hart and Eniko Parrish are mutually dapper again. Bob and Naomi Odenkirk, chaperones?

Gillian Jacobs’s dress is fine and somewhat enchanting, though the windmill/flower adornments seem glued on. Not sure where Ariel Winter is going in this. This Is Us star Chrissy Metz’ floral gown is busy in a good way, which is rare. Amanda Peet did a simple fun schoolteacher look.

Shiri Appleby is an impressive blue Swan, while Kate Beckinsale went full sheer princess and I think pulled it off. Carrie Keegan, not so sure…

Of the dudes, The Edge of Seventeen’s Hayden Szeto (left) and Norman Reedus (third from left) are daring and handsome in all black.

Lily Collins looks like a delicate goth in this very sick (in a good way) outfit. Can’t say much about Julie Bowen’s dress. Sarah Paulson’s interconnected pearls are fascinating minus the middle part, whatever that is.

I appreciate Joel Edgerton’s light, double-breasted suit, even if it washes him out. Rami Malek, a notable style risk-taker, gets an A for this velvet blazer and for effort. Moonlight director Barry Jenkins and its brave young star Alex R. Hibbert are adorable.

Robin Tunney, Mandy Moore and Rachel Bloom—all these people are easy to miss, sorry.

Cynthia Nixon in a two-tone Shakespearean gown, Linda Cardellini and Kaley Cuoco all tried, but the latter two outfits look a bit diseased.

Dashing is the word for Aldis Hodge, Michael Shannon and James Marsden, who’s an obvious standout. Casey Affleck’s grizzly appearance isn’t doing it, but at least he’s getting attention for his mediocre movie.

Katy Mixon wore a decent galactic gown, while the shiny fabric gang pushed the limits: Bella Thorne in melodramatic, half-eaten Alexander McQueen, Judith Light, dark and sophisticated city-chic, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge in romantic satin.

John Travolta and Christian Slater are both dressed for casino night. Anthony Davidson wore his best cool dad gear, and Glen Powell is smizing to the max.

 
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