What did Elle Fanning wear to the Critics Choice Awards 2026? Outfit details explored

Looking as glamorous as ever, Elle Fanning stole the show at the Critics' Choice Awards 2026 in a shimmering Ralph Lauren metallic gold plunging gown, completing her look with fluttery golden locks and a pair of diamond earrings from Cartier.

The Sentimental Value actress arrived on the red carpet at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, radiant on Sunday, Jan. 4. The 2025 Joachim Trier-helmed film, headlined by Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, and Fanning, was nominated for Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay.

In her recent conversation with i-D, Elle Fanning discussed the project and her character as Rachel, revealing that she broke down in tears after reading the script for the first time. She said:

"My agents didn't tell me about [Sentimental Value] for a while, until they got a call. They knew I would be hounding them."

The 27-year-old actress added:

"Rachel is not the cliché Hollywood actor. She's a little lost in her career. She's famous, but she doesn't feel very fulfilled. It seems like she's looking for something deeper, and there are times I've totally felt like that. You feel so misunderstood, or you feel like you have more to offer. You're like, 'Why won’t they put me in this part?!' Or you want to break out of that box. Those were all feelings that I can relate to. I don't ever want to be pinned down. It's like, why not try it all? I want to taste everything."

In the same interview, Elle Fanning also shared her process for choosing her projects and how it has evolved through the years. She said:

"It's funny because when you're young, you're not thinking about that [who you want to work with]. You're not planning it out. It's about keeping that playfulness and openness to emotions as you get older. You have to be just raw and open and accessible. The camera picks up on all of it. It sees through you. It can see your insides. I don't know if there's anything that I would say 'no' to. There are definitely boundaries, but if the story is good…"

Also Read: Does Elle Fanning want children? Actress opens up about motherhood and generational dynamics during Sentimental Value promotion

Elle Fanning among the best-dressed celebrities at the Critics Choice Awards 2026

Meanwhile, Elle Fanning has been crowned one of the best-dressed attendees of the Critics Choice Awards 2026 by People Magazine, taking the 3rd spot, with Teyana Taylor and Ariana Grande placing first and second, respectively.

Next to the Maleficent star are Danielle Brooks, Jessica Biel, and Meghan Fahy.

Fanning also secured the fourth-best-dressed title, according to InStyle, following Ariana Grande, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti. Other celebrities who made it to the rankings are Mia Goth, Jessica Biel, and Amy Madigan.

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Critics Choice Awards 2026 airs live across E! and USA networks.

Also Read: What did Krys Marshall wear to show off her baby bump at Critics Choice Awards 2026? Actress announces second pregnancy on the red carpet

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