Golden Globes 2025 red carpet review: Who dazzled, who fizzled, and who was plain confused

As fashion pundits have come to expect from the first big-scale awards show of the year, the 82nd Golden Globes red carpet was nothing short of a spectacle, delivering a mix of high-glamour triumphs and a few eyebrow-raising missteps.

The first woman to host the Los Angeles event that celebrates the best in film and television solo, presenter Nikki Glaser set the bar high. She dazzled in a metallic mocha Prabal Gurung creation featuring a plunging bustier top and a draped skirt, topped off with a bold floral accent at the waist – proof that the American comedienne-actress’ sharp wit is matched by her equally sharp style.

Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande – the stars of the hit musical film Wicked who turned the promotional tour into their personal pink-and-green-themed fashion show – are not just wickedly talented but also sartorially on point.

Erivo turned heads in a black-and-white Louis Vuitton gown, accessorised with bejewelled talons that reportedly took five hours to perfect, while Grande wore a pale yellow empire-waist dress from Givenchy.

But not all black-tie attempts hit the mark.

While black was the go-to choice for many celebs this season, many of these ensembles showed that even a classic hue needs a little more flair to truly shine.

Cases in point: The Bear (2022 to present) star Liza Colon-Zayas’ feather-and-tulle Christian Siriano gown seemed more chaotic than couture, while actress Sarah Paulson’s feathered number by Elie Saab had her resembling a rooster that misplaced its plumage.

But they did not quite compare with the ones that made it onto The Straits Times’ worst-dressed list.

Here is a rundown of the winners and those whose outfits should have been left on the runway.

Best

Keri Russell

If power dressing had a poster child, it would be Keri Russell in her ivory Stephane Rolland suit-dress. With its razor-sharp tailoring, this look screamed “CEO of Style”, while her contrasting black Aquazzura heels added just the right touch of elegance. Equal parts boss babe and goddess, the American actress showed a suit-dress can mean both business and pleasure.

Anya Taylor-Joy

How dreamy is Anya Taylor-Joy floating onto the red carpet like a vision in blush pink? The American actress’ Christian Dior satin slip gown, practically custom-designed to flatter her porcelain complexion, was the epitome of quiet elegance. Topped with a Tiffany & Co floral necklace, the ensemble gave old Hollywood glamour a modern twist, proving one does not need to shout to steal the spotlight.

Angelina Jolie

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama nominee Angelina Jolie channelled pure diva energy, fittingly embodying the spirit of Maria Callas, the American-Greek opera legend she portrays in the musical drama Maria. Dressed in a breathtaking McQueen gown with sheer panels and streaks of silver and black sequins, the Hollywood screen siren reminded everyone that divas do not just hit high notes – but they also set high standards.

Rachel Brosnahan

American actress Rachel Brosnahan served emerald elegance on the red carpet with a gown that looked like it was sculpted by an artist. The architectural detailing was pure perfection, and those silver pumps added just the right touch of metallic magic to complete the look. Meanwhile, viewers were green too – with envy.

Tyler James Williams

In a refreshing departure from all-black suits, American actor Tyler James Williams turned up in a sleek grey pinstriped one instead. Skipping the undershirt was a bold move, but he pulled it off with effortless confidence – proving that less can indeed be more. The look was daring and cemented the Abbott Elementary (2021 to present) actor as one of the night’s best dressed. Who needs a tie when you have got this much swagger?

Worst

Karla Sofia Gascon

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy nominee for Emilia Perez and Spanish transgender performer Karla Sofia Gascon’s orange Saint Laurent dress may have aimed for sunset glam, but it veered straight into traffic cone territory. It boldly declared, “Caution: Fashion Victim Ahead.” Let this be a style PSA (public service announcement): No matter how bold the hue, poor tailoring will always dim the shine.

Ali Wong

American actress-comedienne Ali Wong – who won Best Performance in Stand-Up Comedy on Television for Ali Wong: Single Lady – left audiences laughing for all the wrong reasons with this Balenciaga dress. The red, ribbon-like chaos looked like gift wrap gone rogue. While viewers appreciated a bold choice, this was a sartorial punchline that did not quite land. Next time, maybe leave the jokes for the stage – not the red carpet.

Matty Matheson

Wait, was Matty Matheson attending the Golden Globes as a guest or was he moonlighting as the leader of a mariachi band? While viewers applauded the Canadian chef-restaurateur from The Bear’s all-white choice, this Bode suit and bolo tie feels “fiesta-ready” and all he is missing are a sombrero and a trumpet.

Leonie Benesch

German actress Leonie Benesch’s Chanel dress in grey and black demonstrated that even the biggest fashion houses can have an off day. With its puffed tier and dated pattern, this outfit is the fashion equivalent of a lukewarm tea.

Jennifer Coolidge

What is worse than being the worst dressed? Looking like you did not even try. Usually a scene-stealer, the fabulous American actress Jennifer Coolidge showed up in what can only be described as “mall chic meets midnight boredom”. This black dress lacked flair, energy or even a hint of glamour, making it look like The White Lotus (2021 to present) star accidentally wandered into the Globes on her way to run errands.