Maya Jama captivated onlookers as she made a spectacular entrance at the 28th annual GQ Men of the Year Awards in London on Tuesday evening. The celebrated Love Island host, 31, dominated the red carpet at 180 Thames with her breathtaking style and undeniable presence.
A Show-Stopping Red Carpet Arrival
The television personality chose a daring all-black ensemble that perfectly highlighted her figure. Her outfit combined a sophisticated satin cowl-neck halter top with a striking leather fringed skirt, creating a look that was both elegant and edgy.
Maya elevated her appearance with asymmetric black open-toe heels that added significant height to her frame. She accessorised with a collection of chunky gold bangles that provided a luxurious contrast to her dark attire. Her beauty look featured a sultry smoky eyeshadow palette, while her dark curly hair fell naturally around her shoulders, completing the sensational overall effect.
Celebrating Cultural Impact-Makers
The GQ Men of the Year Awards 2025 marks the event's 28th edition, continuing its tradition of honouring individuals who have made substantial contributions to sport, art, and entertainment over the past twelve months. This year's ceremony, supported by sponsors including eBay, Patrón and Defender, featured Kareem Rahma of Subway Takes hosting red carpet arrivals, while Benito Skinner and Mary Beth Barone presided over the main dinner proceedings.
Among the distinguished guests were numerous high-profile figures from the entertainment industry. Pierce Brosnan, Skepta and Cynthia Erivo attended following their recent appearances on GQ covers and received honours during the evening. The guest list also included acclaimed actors Jack O'Connell, Stellan Skarsgård and Tom Hiddleston, alongside The Summer I Turned Pretty stars Christopher Briney and Gavin Casalegno.
Musical talent was well represented by artists who have dominated the past year, including Laufey, Nemzzz – who delivered a performance during the event – and Wet Leg. The awards ceremony operates dual events in London and Los Angeles annually, each celebrating different groups of honourees. The Los Angeles ceremony had previously taken place on November 13 at the Chateau Marmont, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Men of the Year issue and honouring Stephen Colbert, Sydney Sweeney, Seth Rogen, SZA, Oscar Isaac, Clipse, and Hailey Bieber.
Cynthia Erivo's Personal Revelation
Among the evening's honourees, Cynthia Erivo shared a poignant personal story during her recent GQ coverage, published as she promotes her role as Elphaba Thropp in the upcoming film Wicked. The 38-year-old actress revealed that despite her professional success and the pride it brings to her mother Edith, her achievements are shadowed by personal sadness regarding her estranged father.
Erivo explained that she last saw her father when she was sixteen years old, following a disagreement about a ticket in a London tube station. She recalled his final words to her: "This will be the last time I ever see you." The actress admitted she hadn't anticipated this permanent separation and has since had no contact with her father, knowing nothing about his current life, occupation, relationships, or beliefs.
The Tony Award winner noted that physical resemblances, particularly their shared distinctive gap between the front teeth, serve as constant reminders of their relationship. She described the situation as "a supreme joke" from the universe but has chosen to accept it rather than seek explanations or reconciliation. Erivo believes this acceptance has protected her emotionally and enabled her to move forward without being constrained by the past.
Other notable celebrities who graced the star-studded event included Shay Mitchell, Madison Beer, Winnie Harlow, and Kaley Cuoco, making it one of the most anticipated events in the British social calendar.
