Golden Globes 2026: The Most Talked‑About Dresses and Why They Went Viral
The Golden Globes are like the “fun aunt” of awards season. It’s the night where Hollywood lets its hair down a little, the champagne flows freely, and the fashion? Well, the fashion is where the real magic happens. Since 1944, this red carpet has given us moments of pure glamour, shocking risks, and gowns that we still talk about over coffee years later.
From Nicole Kidman’s recent backless masterpiece to that time Julia Roberts made a suit look cooler than any ballgown, the Golden Globes carpet is rarely boring. Whether you’re a die-hard fashionista or just love judging looks from your couch in sweatpants, let’s take a look at some of the most viral dresses and daring ensembles from the Golden Globe Awards 2026.
A Rainbow of Bright Colors
We have to start with the color. Oh, the color! It feels like for the past few years, “nude” and “champagne” have reigned supreme, but 2026 said goodbye to playing it safe. We saw electric hues that reminded us of a fresh box of crayons, and it was exactly the mood booster we needed in January.
The absolute standout moment of warmth came from Wunmi Mosaku. She used the carpet to share the most beautiful news. Glowing in a sunny yellow gown, she announced her pregnancy in a way that felt deeply personal. She mentioned that the color choice was a nod to the Yoruba phrase “Mother is golden.” It’s those thoughtful, human details that turn a pretty dress into a memory we’ll keep.
Then there was Laufey, who embraced the “electric brights” trend in a Balenciaga number that felt fresh and youthful. Along with Rose Byrne—who stunned in an emerald green gown that took a staggering 210 hours to create—the message was clear: bold is beautiful. Byrne’s look was a masterclass in craftsmanship, covered in over 4,000 embroidered elements. You could practically feel the weight and luxury of it through the screen.
The Viral Dresses We Can’t Stop Thinking About
Of course, it wouldn’t be the Golden Globes without a few looks that sent the internet into a frenzy.
Jennifer Lawrence knows how to make a statement, and this year she leaned into an earthy, sheer aesthetic that felt very reminiscent of Beyoncé’s iconic 2015 Met Gala look. It was confident, layered, and just glamorous enough without trying too hard. On the flip side, Teyana Taylor brought the edge in a custom Schiaparelli that was pure sculpture. She didn’t even use a stylist; she worked directly with the designer, which makes the look feel even more authentic to her vibe.
And we have to talk about Claire Danes. In a world of corsets and uncomfortable boning, she showed up in a Zac Posen gown inspired by… a Gap T-shirt? It was arguably the cleverest look of the night—comfortable, chic, and effortlessly cool. It’s the kind of high-low fashion mix we dream of pulling off.
Love Was in the Air
Is it just us, or was this red carpet particularly romantic? The couples brought their A-game, and we were swooning.
Emily Blunt and John Krasinski continue to be the parents we all wish we were cool enough to be. Emily looked statuesque in Louis Vuitton, giving us major Jackie O vibes, while John channeled a bit of “Bruce Wayne” mystery in Dolce & Gabbana. They just looked solid, happy, and incredibly sharp.
Then there was Selena Gomez, who walked with Benny Blanco. She wore a white, feathery Chanel dress, the mother of viral dresses, that her stylist described as “Joy meets elegance,” and honestly, that is the perfect description. You can see it in her face—she looked radiant. Fashion is always better when the person wearing it looks genuinely happy.
The Men Stepped It Up
We can’t leave the guys out, especially when Timothée Chalamet is involved. He skipped the boring black tuxedo and opted for a velvet suit by Chrome Hearts. But the real kicker? He wore Timbaland boots. It was a little bit New York, a little bit grunge, and totally Timothée.
Colman Domingo also proved that menswear doesn’t have to be stiff. His Valentino suit featured delicate appliqué on the lapel, proving that men can—and should—play with texture and florals.
A Night of “Joy Meets Elegance”
If we had to sum up the 2026 Golden Globes in a few words, it would be “optimistic.” From Nikki Glaser’s parade of dresses (starting pink and ending in a power red) to Ayo Edebiri’s classic velvet Chanel, everyone seemed to be having fun.
Fashion is supposed to be a form of expression, and at the Golden Globes this year, the stars expressed happiness, boldness, and a little bit of rebellion. Whether it was the viral dresses or the sweet personal announcements, this red carpet reminded us why we tune in year after year. It’s not just about the clothes; it’s about the people wearing them. And they did not disappoint.
