The time of year known as awards season is ripe with opportunities for celebrities to make indelible memories. Sometimes it is with upset wins, other times it is with moving speeches.
It can also be with unforgettable clothes.
Of the many stars who have paraded down carpets at the Golden Globes, Grammys, Oscars and other events over the past few months, the eight on this list reliably did so in attire both surprising and delightful.
The ease with which each wore their clothes only made them more memorable.
Audrey Nuna
A singer of Golden, the Oscar-winning song from KPop Demon Hunters, Nuna made a signature of voluminous ensembles with avant-garde elements – face coverings, geometric skirts, deconstructed jackets – that commanded space and attention.
An apparent appetite for taking risks often resulted in Nuna, 26, who has worked with stylist Danyul Brown, creating satisfying visual feasts.
Teyana Taylor
A star of One Battle After Another, Taylor took home a best supporting actress award at the Golden Globes, where she wore a black Schiaparelli gown with a jeweled bow at the dress’s rear – or a “party in the back”, as she called it.
The look was one of several body-forward ensembles worn by Taylor, 35, who has worked with stylists Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald (or Wayman and Micah, as they are also known).
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Amy Madigan
The Weapons star, who won the best supporting actress Oscar, leaned into something of a uniform for the awards circuit: roomy blazers, trousers and funky high-heeled boots.
Feather-like embellishments, bold patterns and accessories like sunglasses and ties brought flair to the menswear-inspired looks worn by Madigan, 75, who has worked with stylist Andrew Gelwicks.
Ryan Coogler
The Sinners filmmaker, who walked several carpets with his wife, producer Zinzi Coogler, received several statuettes, including an Oscar (for "Best Original Screenplay"), a Golden Globe (for "Box Office Achievement") and a Grammy (for "Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media").
Coogler, 39, who has worked with stylist Jason Bolden, attended ceremonies in suits ranging from relaxed to formal, which he wore with a selection of distinctive eyeglasses and with intricate braids in his hair.
Odessa A’Zion
Few stars seemed to have more fun with fashion this awards season than the Marty Supreme actor, who has said that she does not regularly work with a stylist (and that she sometimes wears wigs).
Whether in fringed gowns, glittery caftans or slouchy suiting, A’zion, 25, brought a breath of fresh air to occasions that can often veer stuffy.
Jessie Buckley
The “Hamnet” star, who was named best actress at the Oscars, Golden Globes, Actor Awards and Baftas, sartorially embodied the role of leading lady in elegant gowns – and the occasional suit – with striking colours and silhouettes.
Bright, clean makeup and delicate jewellery were refined finishing touches to the attire worn by Buckley, 36, who has worked with stylist Danielle Goldberg.
Ethan Hawke
Bolo ties and Western embroidery were ways that the Blue Moon actor, a native Texan, seemed to nod to his roots with his red-carpet finery.
Flourishes like those, along with menswear enlivened by sparkles and avian motifs, helped Hawke, 55, who has worked with stylist Michael Fisher, stand out in a sea of standard penguin suits.
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Miles Caton
The Sinners actor had fewer awards seasons under his belt than many others.
But he still out-dressed most in a mix of sharply tailored suits and streetwear like leather jackets – a wardrobe that gave Caton, 21, who has worked with stylist Eric Figueroa, an air of youthful maturity. – ©2026 The New York Times Company
This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
