Award season is here, which means we're coming up on eight solid weeks of red carpets. And if there's one red carpet I've been anticipating, it's that of the 2016 Critics Choice Awards on Jan. 17. Every awards ceremony has its vibe, of course. Anything on MTV's carpet is bound to be eclectic — the weirder, the better being an upheld mantra. But you know that if you turn on the Oscars, you're about to see a whole lot of floor-length couture — and in the latter case, the fancier, the better. The CCA, however, have always seemed like something in between. Not quite Academy Awards levels of glam, but certainly not the kookiness of the VMAs. In that respect, the carpet of the Critics Choice Awards allows for an excellent blend of traditional elegance with genuine personality.
Tonight's show is welcoming a lot of greats, from Cate Blanchett to Helen Mirren to Jennifer Lawrence. As well as celebrating them for their cinematic achievements, the red carpet is the perfect occasion to celebrate them for their stylistic prowess. Ultimately, there's nothing quite as powerful as feeling baller in your outfit — feeling like a single dress can transform you or share an aspect of your persona with the world. For this reason and many more, the looks of the Critics Choice Awards blue carpet are worth celebrating.
1. Alyvia Alyn Lind
How precious is 8-year-old actress Alyvia Alyn Lind of NBC's Dolly Parton’s Coat Of Many Colors? She's getting dolled up for her attendance as a nominee in the Best Actress In A Movie Made For Television Or Limited Series category, and her hair and '90s spaghetti strapped frock are already #outfitgoals. As for the final product? She's making royal blue the hue of my heart.
2. Sarah Paulson
Nominee for Best Supporting Actress In A Movie Made For Television Or Limited Series for her role in American Horror Story: Hotel, Sarah Paulson is giving us all the AHS vibes in the glam-est of ways with her pre-show prep photo. Sheet masks are totes in, as is transparency when it comes to our beauty routines.
3. Turleen The Trailer Park Queen
With her fabulous rollers in and cigarette at the ready, Turleen The Trailer Park Queen is undoubtedly responsible for one of the most colorful ensembles we'll see tonight. What a doll!
4. Liz Hernandez
Talk about making a statement! Hernandez looks like a complete bombshell in this gorgeously rich color.
5. Charissa Thompson
You can never go wrong with nude!
6. Samantha Harris
The dangerously high thigh slit and exposed midriff makes Harris' look ultra sexy.
7. Eden Sher
Sher's look leans more towards a formal gown, with a larger silhouette and strapless neckline.
8. Carrie Keagan
Talk about old Hollywood glam! Love Keagan's bombshell look and beachy waves.
9. Rachel Bloom
This funny gal's look is so simple and minimalist, it's practically perfect. There's a reason the sentiment, "Less is more" reigns supreme.
10. Breeda Wool
Wool is rocking one of this season's biggest trends: A low v.
11. Constance Zimmer
Love the midi cut of Zimmer's dress — Especially with the bold pattern and nude shoes.
12. Wendi McLendon-Covey
Eternally obsessed with the deep royal blue hue of this simple dress.
13. Bryce Dallas Howard
Plunging neckline and lariat necklaces are always a good idea.
14. Sarah Paulson
Shining bright like a diamond.
15. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
If anyone can pull off an asymmetrical dress, it's Ms. Huntington-Whiteley.
16. Constance Wu
Wu is looking like a Grecian Goddess in this draped number.
17. Kathryn Hahn
Canary yellow is a tough hue to pull of, but Hahn does it with such playful grace. In. Love.
18. Krysten Ritter
The Jessica Jones looks absolutely lovely in this deep red dress with a low v.
19. Gina Rodriguez
Love the fresh orange color of Gina's dress. As always, she nails it.
20. Marisa Tomei
Dang girl, slay me with that embroidery!
21. Hayden Panettiere
How gorgeous is Panettiere's peachy look?
22. Leslie Mann
Mann's look is giving me some major Black Swan vibes, and I'm definitely not complaining.
23. Jacob Tremblay
This little guy looks super sharp in his suit and slicked back hair.
24. Kirsten Dunst
Of course, Dunst pulls of a tiered dress with no problem.
25. Aziz Ansari
The Master Of None star looked dapper in a bowtie and all-black ensemble.
26. Liv Tyler
Though simple-looking from far away, Tyler's dress actually has some gorgeous draping.
27. Helen Mirren
Oh, Helen. Can she do any wrong? You rock that black and white print!
28. Mary J. Blige
A good way to show off some unexpected skin? The shoulder cutout.
29. Rachel McAdams
Burgundy red must be the color of the evening, and McAdams does it some serious justice.
30. Bryshere Y. Gray
Handsome face? Check. Killer bowtie? Check.
31. Alicia Vikander
This goes down as my favorite dress for the evening — Can you blame me?
32. Amy Schumer
Schumer basically looks like the sleekest angel in heaven.
33. Melissa McCarthy
Ok, this jungle print is everything. She wins best pattern of the evening.
34. Zoe Kravitz
I'm a big fan of matching separates, especially one as bold as this one.
35. January Jones
Love her baby blue dress that matches the baby blue carpet. This dress is like an embroidered lover's dream.
36. Zoe Kazan
Two prints, one rockstar dress. I'm so into this quirky dress that totally stands out from the rest of the sleek looks of the evening.
37. Kate Beckinsale
I call this look "dripping in ice." Beckinsale definitely wasn't afraid to get her bling on.
38. Regina King
King nails so many trends in this look: High low skirt, matching separates, and statement crop top.
39. America Ferrera
I've said it once, and I'll say it again? A little black dress trumps everything.
40. Neil Brown Jr.
Whoa...What's going on here! Why go with a single colored suit when you can go with two?
41. Tracee Ellis Ross
Cap sleeves are always so elegant, especially when they're jeweled like these.
42. Saoirse Ronan
Ronan is so elegant in this dress, it hurts. With those shoulder jewels and half pony, she is the epitome of effortless elegance.
43. Justin Theroux
There's a reason Theroux constantly secures a spot on the best dressed list — Just look at him.
This article was co-written by Eliza Florendo.
Image: alyviaalind/Instagram
