A moment of genuine celebrity fandom stole the spotlight on the red carpet at the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards, as pop icon and actress Ariana Grande was left visibly awestruck upon encountering the Hollywood couple Leighton Meester and Adam Brody.
A Viral Red Carpet Encounter
The charming incident unfolded as celebrities arrived for the prestigious ceremony, held in Santa Monica, California on Sunday. In a brief clip that quickly spread across social media platform X, the 32-year-old Wicked star can be seen passing Meester and Brody while being ushered along the press line.
Wearing a stunning pale-pink embellished gown by designer Alberta Ferretti, Grande turned to the pair and emphatically declared, "I love you so much." As she was gently pulled away, Leighton Meester, 39, spun around in response. Grande then exclaimed "wow, wow, wow" in a higher-pitched, delighted tone before laughing and continuing into the venue.
The spontaneous interaction sparked amused reactions online, with some users questioning whether Meester's echoing "wow" was playful teasing or shared surprise. For the main ceremony, Ariana changed into an ethereal pink waterfall gown, accessorised with sparkling Swarovski jewellery.
A Night of Major Wins and Surprises
While the red carpet provided the viral moment, the night was defined by significant awards. Ariana Grande was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked: For Good, the final chapter of the blockbuster film adaptation. However, in a surprise to many, the honour went to veteran actress Amy Madigan, 75, for her performance in the horror film Weapons.
The film category's top prize, Best Picture, was claimed by the Warner Bros. epic One Battle After Another. Its director, Paul Thomas Anderson, also secured wins for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.
In one of the evening's most talked-about acceptance speeches, Timothée Chalamet earned the Best Actor award for his work in A24's ping-pong drama Marty Supreme. During his emotional speech, he publicly declared his love for his partner of three years, mogul Kylie Jenner, stating, "Thank you to my partner of three years... I love you. I couldn't do this without you." Jenner, visibly moved, replied from the audience, "I love you, too."
Television Triumphs and a Private Couple's Night Out
On the television side, HBO Max's drama The Pitt led the field, winning the coveted Best Drama Series award. Its star, Noah Wyle, 54, took home the trophy for Best Actor in a Drama Series. The Best Comedy Series award went to Apple TV's The Studio, whose lead Seth Rogen won Best Actor in a Comedy Series.
For Leighton Meester and Adam Brody, the night was one of support. Brody was nominated in the Best Actor in a Comedy Series category for his role in Netflix's Nobody Wants This, which also featured a guest appearance from Meester. The notoriously private couple, who have been married for nearly 12 years after meeting on the set of The Oranges in 2011, looked elegant on the red carpet.
Meester chose a lavender purple strapless gown by Caroline Herrera, while Brody paired a cream satin shirt with a grey pinstriped suit. The parents to two children—daughter Arlo Day, 10, and a five-year-old son whose name they keep private—represented one of Hollywood's most enduring partnerships amidst the glamour of the awards season.
The 2026 Critics Choice Awards proved to be a blend of predictable honours, unexpected upsets, and the kind of unscripted, human moments that continue to captivate fans worldwide.
