The 31st Annual Critics’ Choice Awards took place on January 4, 2026, at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, where Hollywood’s finest gathered to celebrate the year’s best in film and television. While One Battle After Another claimed Best Picture and Timothée Chalamet took home Best Actor for Marty Supreme, the red carpet told its own story through glittering diamonds, vibrant gemstones, and unexpected jewelry choices. From Cartier to Chopard, Tiffany & Co. to Boucheron, the evening showcased how the right jewels can transform a look from simply beautiful to absolutely unforgettable.
Yet amid the glamour, a surprising trend emerged: restraint. As I examined over 160 looks from the evening, I found myself disappointed by how many celebrities opted to forgo jewelry altogether. The carpet felt surprisingly bare, with countless stars letting their designer dresses do all the talking. The men were even more conservative, with plain black suits dominating the landscape in what can only be described as safe—and frankly, boring—styling choices. However, when stars did choose to embrace jewelry, they committed fully. From Brian Tyree Henry’s collection of whimsical brooches to Sarah Snook’s cascade of Chopard emeralds and diamonds totaling over 95 carats, those who went for it truly went for it. This contrast between minimalism and maximalism created an interesting dynamic, making the jewelry moments that did occur all the more memorable.
The Jewelry Trends That Defined the Evening
Statement Earrings Command Attention
The best jewelry at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards confirmed what we’ve been seeing across red carpets: statement earrings are having their moment. Diamond chandelier earrings like those worn by Rose Byrne delivered classic glamour, while bold studs in unexpected colors—particularly Britt Lower’s black enamel Tiffany & Co. Jean Schlumberger ‘Banana Dot’ ear clips—proved that earrings need not be traditional to make an impact. What united these diverse styles was their ability to frame the face and create visual interest without overwhelming the wearer’s features.
Diamonds Still Reign Supreme
Some celebrities went all-in on diamonds, reiterating why this gemstone remains the king of the jewelry world. Kate Hudson’s Chopard high jewelry collection pieces totaled over 57 carats of diamonds (including 43.32 carats in her necklace alone), while Sarah Snook wore a lace-like necklace featuring over 45 carats of white diamonds. Amanda Seyfried reached into the archives for a 1950s Tiffany & Co. platinum and diamond necklace that demonstrated how vintage pieces can feel utterly contemporary. These full-diamond moments reminded us that when you want to make a statement without relying on color, diamonds deliver unmatched brilliance and versatility.
The Surprising Return of Dainty Jewelry
Perhaps the most unexpected trend among the best jewelry at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards was the presence of delicate, understated pieces. Since the resurgence of big, bold jewelry in recent years, I had assumed dainty jewels had taken a permanent backseat. I was wrong. Stars like Teyana Taylor opted for simple jewelry to add subtle accents to their already eye-catching outfits. This trend suggests a maturing approach to jewelry styling, understanding that sometimes less truly is more, especially when your dress or suit is already making a loud statement. It’s about balance and knowing when to let your clothing speak, while jewelry provides the finishing whisper rather than a shout.
Brooches Make Their Presence Known
Brooches continued their renaissance on the Critics’ Choice carpet, appearing in various iterations from wavy diamond versions to chunky emerald statements. Keri Russell’s Boucheron New Sarpech diamond brooch set with a 6.26-carat emerald on her lapel elevated her Tom Ford suit with sophisticated polish. Noah Schnapp brought color to his John Varvatos suit with a Torsade diamond brooch from Chaumet’s high jewelry collection, while Ramy Youssef (perhaps my personal favorite) added two ruby and diamond floral brooches to his Dolce & Gabbana suit. Lee Byung-hun wore a large gold, pearl, and colored gemstone floral brooch, and Brian Tyree Henry’s collection of charm-style brooches brought character and intrigue to his black suit.
Here Are the Stars and Their Stunning Jewelry at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards
Jessica Biel in Cartier
Jessica Biel brought golden glamour to the carpet in Cartier’s ‘Grain de Café’ earrings, ring, and bracelets—all crafted in 18K yellow gold with diamonds. She added a Panthère de Cartier gold and diamond bracelet to the mix, creating a cohesive yellow gold moment that perfectly complemented her cascading backless halter dress. The gown, comprised of tiers of golden sequins and mesh from Lanvin’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection, had debuted at Paris Fashion Week last year. The warm gold tones created a sun-kissed effect that felt both luxurious and approachable.
Kate Hudson in Chopard
Kate Hudson understood the assignment with her Chopard high jewelry pieces. Her necklace alone featured 43.32 carats of natural diamonds, while she added a ring with 4.98 carats of black diamonds and another with 5.78 carats of diamonds. Diamond earrings from the Precious Lace Collection totaling 3.77 carats completed the look. Paired with a red Stella McCartney mini dress that flaunted a dramatic train, Hudson delivered one of the most jewelry-heavy moments of the evening.
Chase Infiniti in Messika
Chase Infiniti chose custom Louis Vuitton for her gown—a butter yellow creation that radiated sunshine—and paired it with Messika diamond earrings. Styled by Wayman + Micah, the look balanced the vibrancy of the dress with the timeless sparkle of diamonds, creating a moment that felt both contemporary and classic.
Amanda Seyfried in Tiffany & Co. Archives
Amanda Seyfried set the carpet ablaze in Maison Valentino, but it was her jewelry selection that truly captivated. She wore a 1950s archival Tiffany & Co. necklace in platinum and diamonds, paired with platinum and diamond drop earrings and an archival wristwatch in platinum-iridium and diamonds, also from the 1950s. The choice to wear vintage pieces demonstrated the timeless quality of exceptional jewelry and how archive pieces can feel utterly modern when styled with contemporary fashion.
Britt Lower in Tiffany & Co.
Britt Lower made perhaps the boldest earring choice of the evening, ditching classic diamond drops for chunky black Jean Schlumberger ‘Banana Dot’ ear clips in gold, diamonds, and black enamel from Tiffany & Co. Against her white Bottega Veneta gown, the black enamel created a striking contrast that was both graphic and elegant. Among the best jewelry at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards, these earrings demonstrated how a single unexpected detail can elevate an entire look.
Keri Russell in Boucheron
Nominated for her role in The Diplomat, Keri Russell chose a statement emerald and diamond brooch by Boucheron to punctuate her Tom Ford cropped jacket suit. The Boucheron New Sarpech diamond brooch featured a 6.26-carat emerald at its center, while she added a Serpent Bohème XL diamond ring and Serpent Bohème XS and S motifs diamond stud earrings. The combination of emerald and diamonds against her tailored suit created a look that was polished yet powerful.
Jessie Buckley in Boucheron
Best Actress winner Jessie Buckley (for Hamnet) was a vision in Boucheron’s ‘Lavalliere Diamants’ white gold pendant earrings from the ‘Histoire de Style, Art Déco’ jewelry collection. The earrings, paved with diamonds and featuring inlaid onyx and black lacquer, perfectly complemented her white and black silk pants set from Dior. The Art Déco inspiration felt both vintage and modern, creating a look that honored jewelry history while feeling completely contemporary.
Rose Byrne in Messika
Rose Byrne kept her jewelry simple yet stunning, pairing her black Valentino maxi dress with chandelier drop earrings from Messika. The elongated silhouette of the earrings provided vertical interest against the clean lines of her gown, proving that sometimes one perfect jewelry piece is all you need to complete a look.
Michelle Randolph in Pomellato
Michelle Randolph added personality to her sculptural black and white corset-top dress with jewelry from Pomellato. The Italian house’s distinctive aesthetic—known for colorful gemstones and bold designs—brought an element of playfulness to her graphic outfit.
Sarah Snook in Chopard
Best Actress in a Limited Series winner Sarah Snook (for All Her Fault) jazzed up her Akris tailored suit with serious jewelry firepower from Chopard. She chose a lace-like necklace in 18K white gold with over 45 carats of white diamonds, paired with 18K white gold statement earrings featuring almost 34 carats of emeralds. A matching ring showcased a 6.84-carat emerald framed by two diamonds, while a floral-shaped 18K rose gold ring added 9.87 carats of white diamonds to the mix. The total carat weight exceeded 95 carats, making this one of the most substantial jewelry moments at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards.
McKenna Grace in Chopard
McKenna Grace elevated her archival Vera Wang dress with Chopard pearl and diamond earrings. The combination of pearls and diamonds felt age-appropriate yet sophisticated, proving that young stars can wear fine jewelry with as much grace as their more experienced counterparts.
Noah Schnapp Brings Color
Noah Schnapp brought welcome color to the carpet in his dark red John Varvatos suit, punched up with a fabulous Torsade diamond brooch from Chaumet’s high jewelry collection. The brooch added a touch of old-world glamour to his modern suiting, demonstrating how men can successfully incorporate fine jewelry into formal wear.
Danielle Brooks in Chopard
Danielle Brooks stunned in custom black MÔNOT, paired with a show-stopping choker-style necklace in 18K white gold set with seven sapphires weighing 65.4 carats total and over 126 carats of white diamonds, all from Chopard. She balanced this dramatic piece with simple 18K white gold and diamond stud earrings and coordinating rings. The choker made a powerful statement against the minimalist dress, creating one of the evening’s most memorable jewelry moments.
Ejae in Multi-Gemstone Suite
Ejae was a vision in a black voluminous dress amplified by a multi-gemstone and diamond jewelry set. The colored gemstones brought vibrancy and personality against the dramatic silhouette of her gown, creating a look that celebrated both fashion and fine jewelry.
Ramy Youssef
One of my favorite jewelry moments was definitely Ramy Youssef’s approach to accessorizing his black Dolce & Gabbana suit and matching Stuart Weitzman shoes. He added two ruby and diamond floral brooches that brought color, personality, and a touch of romance to classic menswear. The brooches felt fresh, unexpected, and perfectly executed—a reminder that men’s jewelry styling offers endless creative possibilities for those willing to take risks.
Wunmi Mosaku in Messika
Wunmi Mosaku exuded goddess-like glamour in a draped floor-length gown by Zac Posen, paired with the diamond-studded ‘Night Owl’ high jewelry suite from Messika. The nature-inspired design brought whimsy and sophistication, proving that jewelry can tell stories beyond simple adornment.
Lee Byung-hun in Dolce & Gabbana
Lee Byung-hun wore a Dolce & Gabbana black suit accented with a large gold, pearl, and colored gemstone floral brooch. The substantial size and mixed materials of the brooch created visual interest and demonstrated how a single piece can transform a classic suit into something memorable.
Brian Tyree Henry’s Charm Offensive
Brian Tyree Henry brought drama to his black suit with multiple charm-style brooches that boasted character and intrigue. Rather than choosing a single statement piece, he created a collected, layered effect that felt personal and artistic. Among the men who chose to wear jewelry, Henry’s approach was the most adventurous, proving that when men embrace fine jewelry, they can create moments as memorable as any worn by their female counterparts.
The Takeaway
The best jewelry at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards told a story of contrasts—restraint versus abundance, classic versus contemporary, subtle accents versus show-stopping statements. While many stars opted out of jewelry altogether (a disappointing trend that I hope doesn’t continue), those who chose to wear it created truly memorable moments. The evening reinforced several key truths about red carpet jewelry: statement earrings remain the easiest way to elevate any look; diamonds continue to dominate for their versatility and impact; brooches are firmly back in fashion vocabulary; and sometimes dainty jewelry deserves its moment, too.
As award season continues toward the Golden Globes and Academy Awards, these jewelry moments will influence what we see on future red carpets. Statement earrings will continue their reign, brooches will appear on more lapels, and hopefully, more celebrities will embrace the transformative power of exceptional jewelry rather than leaving it in the vault. Because while a beautiful dress can make you look good, the right jewelry makes you unforgettable.
Featured image: Gianna via @wunmimosaku/Instagram
Amanda Akalonu is dedicated to weaving together the worlds of jewelry, watches, and objects through a lens of literary storytelling.
