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?