Red Carpet: Best Looks at the SAG Awards
Monday, January 30, 2017 at 9:31PM
Jose here. In terms of fashion the SAG awards tend to be the least exciting awards show this side of the plain dull Critics’ Choice Awards. More often than not the stars are exhausted from the myriad luncheons, panels and critics’ awards they’ve attended (some are also still hungover from the Golden Globes), and they know they still have to save their best look for Oscar (is that why TV stars usually outshine movie stars at the SAGs?) This year, however, seemed to be the exception as many stars showed up in stunning designs. Coming up with *just* 10 was quite the task. Apologies to Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kirsten Dunst, Sarah Paulson, and Michelle Williams (although I’m still torn about her recent love of chokers) who almost made the list, but there was just way too much to love this year.
The ten best looks after the jump...
10. Taraji P. Henson in Reem Acra
On the runway, Taraji’s gown featured long sleeves, but never one to go for coyness, the Hidden Figures star decided to show off her sculpted arms while maintaining the gown’s romanticism. Her soft makeup and updo complimented what might be her best look ever.
09. Sophie Turner in Louis Vuitton
When in doubt, go simple. Sophie Turner’s Louis Vuitton column with an asymmetrical cleavage was the stuff “star is born” moments are made of. Channeling other blondes in red like J.Law and ScarJo, the Game of Thrones star was age appropriate and effortlessly sexy.
08. Meryl Streep in Valentino
Never thought I’d live to see the day when Meryl Streep and Elle Fanning wore the same dress. To be honest I don’t know what it says about either of them. Meryl might be the world’s best actress, but her style choices are usually rather Razzie-worthy, so it’s always a joy to see her look comfortable in what she’s wearing. This romantic Valentino makes me think of that lovely scene by the lighthouse in The Age of Innocence, and anything that recalls that movie should be cherished. Extra points for sticking to the night’s theme (see also Thandie Newton and Nicole)
07. Brie Larson in Jason Wu
I will never understand why she saved all her best looks for the season *after* she won all her awards, but after seeing her in this ivory column (the off-center straps are perfection) I can’t wait to see what she wears to Oscar (yet another thing I never thought I’d live to see)
06. Thandie Newton in Schiaparelli Couture
Only someone like Thandie Newton can pull off one of the fashion world’s most iconoclastic houses, kudos for sticking to the bird theme and for pulling off the gown in all of its structural glory.
05. Michelle Dockery in Elie Saab
An Elie Saab without flowers or sheer fabric is as rare as an Oscar ceremony without Meryl, so first of all bravo to Michelle for picking a dress from an awards staple house, that looks like nothing else they put out. But I’m even more grateful for her commitment to paying tribute to the fashion without over-accessorizing, or doing extremely dramatic makeup. At all time it’s as if Dockery is the epitome of “I woke up like dis”.
04. Claire Foy in Valentino
This Valentino is so busy that it takes a whole lotta star power to pull it off without letting it drown you, or making it too twee. Claire Foy not only accomplished this, but she also made us want to look at the dress even closer and examine how it is that all these strange parts work together -- sheer! Different color lining! Schoolgirl neck!
03. Evan Rachel Wood in Altuzarra
May she never wear anything that’s not an Altuzarra suit ever again.
02. Naomie Harris in Lanvin
Naomie Harris might be Miss Moneypenny, but in this pinstripe Lanvin jumpsuit she’s telling us she could perfectly play James Bond as well. Harris’ choices have been spot on this season, each one unique and completely different than the last, leading us to salivate over the prospect of what she’ll don for Oscar.
01. Nicole Kidman in Gucci
The reason why I worship at the altar of Nicole Kidman is her adventurousness. Name one other movie star willing to put herself in some of the deranged projects Nicole has done. From battling animated teddy bears while wearing leopard print catsuits, to hula dancing in an Adam Sandler movie, and going all pulp dame for Lars Von Trier, I believe her fashion choices can also be compared to some of her screen work. When she saw this shiny Gucci complete with parallel parrots, the first thing she might’ve thought was “don’t be daft Nicole, you’ll get eaten alive if you do this”, but then her sense of adventure took over…
...so if her Globes Alexander McQueen misfire was Invasion, this extravagant Gucci is Birth, something that sounds so bonkers on paper, that we know Nicole is the only reason why it not only works, but actually achieves brilliance.
If you could pair one of Nicole’s red carpet looks with one of her movies, which would they be?
Who were your favorite SAG ladies?
Reader Comments (36)
How is Kidman #1? She looks like a walking disaster. The worst dresses are White Michelle, Nicole Kidman and Brie Larson.
As I stated in a previous blog....Kidman looks like a giraffe trying to be human
Her hubby is much prettier than she!
Kidman looked awesome. My other favorite was Thandie Newton.
While I thought Janelle Monae's getup was the absolute worst, she looked like a French poodle in that awful fussy dress and the puffs of hair on top of her head, a close runner up is Kidman in that hideous parrot gown.
Aside from those two fashion tragedies there weren't too many others that were real misses. I thought Octavia Spencer looked wonderful, very pulled together and glamorous. Emma Stone's look was also great.
I think Nicole has become someone's crazy aunt who raids antique stores and dress up closets for a living and I am living for it - I cannot wait to see what she wears to the Oscars and I think at this point she's just trolling people who troll her for a living.
Meryl looked a little washed out but I loved seeing her in something completely different.
Brie Larson has turned it all the way up - a year too late!
Where is Emily Blunt and Emma Stone? Two of my favourite looks - Emily Blunt is a goddess.
Natalie Portman just gets fashion while pregnant.
I love Sophie Turner but that look just didn't work - neither did Claire Foy's dress as much as I adore her.
Where is Janelle Monae?
Only a real movie stars such as Nicole can wear that dress. So extravagant and fearless; its memorable and she looks stunning.
I would rank Nicole Kidman as worst dressed. Just hideous!
My roommate last night when Nicole Kidman popped up: "She's like 'I want to be a peacock from the 70s.'" Where's the lie?
With that said, she looks happy and always glad when she takes risks.
Nicole's dress - right up there with Bjork's swan dress. Insane, but you can't stop looking at it, so...mission accomplished?
there was a theme??
When I first saw Nicole's dress on Twitter I chuckled and said to myself "Oh Nicole you're so crazy and you're going to get butchered" then as the night went on I was more and more mesmerized by it and by the time she presented the ensemble award I was completely under her spell. We are lucky to be living in the age of quirky adventurous no holds barred and completely unrelatable Nicole Kidman.
Emily Blunt's dress is marvelous...from the back. Emma Stone has looked (and probably will?) better, although her hair and makeup definitely were on point. Nicole Kidman, however, is unimpeachable in gorgeous green. What an incredible showstopper of a wacky, brilliant getup. Brava.
I'll still defend Nic's GG McQueen. Edit the sleeve poofs (I kind of reckon it to be the clouds in the storm theme that was that gown) and that would have been amazing. Lupita didn't even pull that dress off on her Vanity Fair cover. It was very ice-queen to me. I love how much she's really taking the risks though. Both her awards season dresses this year have been memorable to say the least. I severely hope she brings the crazy/amazing at the Oscars.
This Gucci is like her and The Paperboy for me. The sheer ridiculousness of it all works against her on a surface level but somehow she comes out on top.
Other than Nic, I thought Michelle Dockery looked lovely. I'm glad she's having success outside of Lady Mary.
Naomie has looked better and Janelle Monae looked like she was going to a Harajuku girl's funeral.
The Valentino on Meryl was divine.
Nicole was brave but the green sequins (?) made that outfit look garish.
Evan Rachel Wood is stunning. She rocks tailored pants more than any fashionista. Beautiful woman.
I liked Octavia, Taraji and Janelle a lot.
Emma Stone looked great. Overall, It was a very fashion forward evening.
I love Nicole's dress. Easily the best dressed. And I adore that she took a decidedly Australian themed dress to represent an Australian film that she's nominated for. And seeing it in motion on stage was even better.
Of those listed, I am not a fan of Naomie's. That fabric in a pant is a world of no.
@Glenn - Glad you said that. Naomie is so gorgeous, and I (ordinarily) love Lanvin, but that print and material look like pajamas more than couture. Oh, well, at least it was only the SAG Awards.
1. 02 Golden Globes (what she wore for her win for The Hours) Lavender column with high low, giant shoulder dusted and black heels is her Moulin Rouge-on paper it feels too disparate but Niccan handle it.
2. 04 Globes- Teal with peacock plume is her Eyes Wide Shut. Underrated and forgotten too readily for being one of her strongest performances.
3. 96 Oscars- To Die For- because that look is just that.
This SAG look reminded me she has fun being adventurous. Was one of the best dressed for sure
In my own opinion, Taraji was the best dressed. However, I think there was a plan to Nicole's dress. She clearly got the most attention on the red carpet when the ceremony started, and then she literally gets the last word announcing the ceremony is over. So the first and last thing we all remember seeing is her. She had to be flashy to bookend the ceremony.
Kidman is totally No.1 too in my book. She effortlessly pulls off the glitzy parrot look, people!
Michelle Dockery has always been a favorite. Just amazing.
Brie Larson is boring boring boring.
No offense to Nicole, but that green dress is hideous. She deserves to be on the worst dressed list. If Kate Hudson or Emma Stone wore it, they also would be dissed because the dress is a flat out mess.
What? That dress is Atonement meets Rio.
Kirsten dunst's edgy bride looked gorgoeus.
Octavia Spencer was far and away the best.
Tariji and Emma Stone get special mentions.
Evan Rachel Wood. Again.
Half of these choices I hate, while the other half I'm indifferent towards. Most of the stuff I saw Sunday night made me think the only taste some of these people have is in their mouths.
Still think Nicole looks like Drag Race meets Dynasty
Michelle Dockery blew everyone away.
Michelle Dockery and Octavia Spencer were my favorites. That being said, you go, Nicole Kidman! The bird look won me over by the time she presented best ensemble.
Claire Foy NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
awful
Evan in a suit.... I hear she's going to wear a different suit for the year of every event she's in. I'm all for that all the fucking way. If anyone says shit about her will be invited to her SUPAKICK!!!!!! party!
Nicole's dress was FASHION. A walking piece of art. If the basics can't handle that and prefer simplicity or a basic column dress, then please look elsewhere. People like Nicole and Cate Blanchett don't dress for the peanut gallery.
@jojo. Kidman's dress was OK ...It was the wrnog dress for her! She looked as if she was growing out of a tree trunk!
You are actually s rude person.
A giant no for Nicole's dress. It's not high fashion and looks cheap. The green, the cut, the feathers, the fabric, no.
I'm firmly in the love camp for Nicole's gown. And I'm happy that she's back to taking risks. This is probably a dress that is considered incredibly divisive now but will be looked back on as a *moment* in the future. Sort of like her Galliano for Dior gown she wore to the Oscars in the 90s. Many thought it was bonkers or just plain ugly (I still remember Joan Rivers RIPPING her for it) but it's highly revered now. It was literally on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for a period a couple years ago. Nicole is always three steps ahead fashion-wise when she actually tries and throws caution to the wind.
Lol the fact that Nicole's dress is causing such an adore it or despise it reaction is how you know it's true ~*F A S H I O N*~
I forgot to say that i love everything about Mary Poppins' cameo in this article.