When the actors’ union went on strike, many could not promote their projects. The future of red carpets quickly became a topic of concern. But within days of the strike ending in early November, celebrities had again begun stepping out in their finest borrowed garments and those fears disappeared faster than the flash of a flashbulb.
After the strike-induced hiatus, and with awards season now underway, outfits have gotten bolder. We’ve seen real-life Wonkas, daring silhouettes and, despite the time of year, lots of shirtless men.
The looks on this list are highlights from red carpets in November and December. Consider them a taste of what to expect as some of the biggest events of the coming year kick off in January.
Jacob Elordi: Most Oxbridge!
The actor left his purses at home for the Los Angeles premiere of “Saltburn,” allowing his sharply tailored three-piece suit to get all the attention.
Elizabeth Debicki: Most Diana!
Though the actress did not accessorize her black off-the-shoulder dress with pearls, her look at the Los Angeles premiere of “The Crown” Season Six: Part 1 seemed like a subtle homage to the so-called revenge dress worn by Princess Diana, whom she plays in the series.
Meg Bellamy: Most Effortless!
A red poppy pin diverted attention from the plunging neckline of the slinky, black dress that the actress — who plays Kate Middleton “The Crown” — wore to the Los Angeles premiere. (The pin was in honor of Britain’s Remembrance Day.)
The singer and flutist was a vision in white ruffles at the world premiere of “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.” A flowing robe worn over her stomach-baring, two-piece made the look more elegant.
Laverne Cox: Most Frozen!
At the “Renaissance” premiere, a red-carpet host of “Live From E!” traded her microphone for a tiny purse that complemented her ice-blue corset and sleek silver skirt.
Janelle Monáe: Most Pop Art!
The singer seemed to channel one of the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s speckled pumpkins in a hooded polka-dot dress with a balloon skirt at the “Renaissance” premiere.
Charles Melton: Most Debonair!
In a double-breasted suit and no shirt at the Gotham Awards, the “May December” actor — who received the award for Outstanding Supporting Performance — looked like a hypebeast James Bond.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph: Most Regal!
The actress, a star of “Only Murders in the Building,” dazzled at the Gotham Awards in a deep-blue velvety gown that fit like a glove.
Timothée Chalamet: Most Wonka!
The star of “Wonka” dressed the part at the film’s world premiere, pairing a purplish suit with chocolate-brown boots.
Lily Gladstone: Most Radiant!
The bright marigold color helped show off the unusual structure of the dress that the “Killers of the Flower Moon” actress wore at the Academy Museum Gala.
Barry Keoghan: Most Commando!
After baring it all in “Saltburn,” the actor went shirtless beneath an olive-green vest and matching pants that brought out the color of his eyes at the Academy Museum Gala.
Greta Lee: Most Statuesque!
The “Past Lives” actress lit up the Academy Museum Gala carpet with a crimson column-like gown and a glowing complexion.
Emma Stone: Most Sleeves!
At a “Poor Things” screening in London, the actress evoked her wardrobe in that film with a shawl that made it look like her slip dress had mega sleeves.
Stella Bugbee, Madison Malone Kircher and Anthony Rotunno contributed reporting.