I am overjoyed that award shows are back. While we all understood the need to do them on Zoom last year, the virtual experience lacked the energy and spirit of seeing so many A-listers dolled up and gossiping in a hotel ballroom.
As always, the red carpet is my favorite part of the Sunday night ritual. This year, it seemed like most stars played it safe. Maybe they'd forgotten how take risks after a year away? Across the board, I was pretty underwhelmed.
That said, there were a few stands outs. Let's start with the head turners.
BEST DRESSED
1. Eugene Levy - How can you not love Eugene Levy? He's a true treasure. This look is classic and I love that he chose a white bow tie in place of the traditional black. While I already miss Schitt's Creek, it was wonderful to see the cast reunited as presenters during the broadcast.
2. Yara Shahidi - The star of Black-ish and Grown-ish wowed in a Kelly green Dior dress. This was giving me major Jackie O. vibes. The tulle drapped across the neckline gave it a softness, the bell shape of the skirt gave it a fun twirl, and the gold jewelry punched up the glamour.
3. Jason Sudeikis - It takes a particular kind of man to pull off a light blue, velour suit. That man is Jason Sudeikis. This felt like the perfect choice for this fun-loving guy. The suit is Tom Ford. A major upgrade from the sweatshirt he wore during the Emmy's Zoom last year, no?
4. Angela Bassett - It's official, Angela Bassett in aging in reverse. When she walked onto the red carpet, I gasped. This is a complete look - hair, makeup, jewelry, dress - all hand picked to join forces and deliver a stunning style moment.
Now for the looks that didn't hit the mark.
WORST DRESSD
1. Anya Taylor Joy - There was so much going on here. The cream colored, body-hugging, slip dress. Then the poofy, yellow skirt / train. The strands of sparkling embelishments down the back. And the pile of curls on top of her head. It was just way too much and wldly disjointed. Swing and a miss, Dior.
2. Cynthia Erivo - I think Cynthia Erivo is an insanely talented singer and actress, but this Louis Vuitton dress had her looking like an exotic bird. The top of the dress was ill-fitting and the feather bottom felt like a costume (not in a good way).
3. Kaley Cuoco - Kaley Cuoco is styled by Brad Goreski (who I adore), but this outfit just didn't work. The color made her look like a highlighter, and the matchy matchy nature of the floral accents, the gown and the shoes was just too much. If this had been a different color - navy, lavender - it could have been spectacular.
4. Gillian Anderson - Gillian Anderson was in London with the rest of the nominees for The Crown, dressed as what I can only describe as a human dream catcher. While I thought her hair and makeup was gorgeous, this Chloe ensemble felt too bohemian for this occassion.
There were so many people on the red carpet who I thought looked nice, but didn't wow me in the way I was hoping. On that list I would include Kathryn Hahn, Kate Winslet, Mandy Moore, Hannah Waddingham, Taraji P. Henson, Regé Jean Page, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Jennifer Coolidge.
Let's hope for a more exciting night of fashion come January! Let the countdown to the Golden Globes begin.
*All images courtesy of Just Jared.
