Pop superstar and actress Ariana Grande made a stunning appearance at the 31st Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica, but her Glinda-inspired pink gown held a deeper, secret significance that has captivated fashion historians. The 32-year-old Wicked star, nominated for Best Supporting Actress, stepped onto the stage at the Barker Hangar in a custom creation that paid homage to a Hollywood trailblazer.
A Fashion Homage to an Icon
Eagle-eyed style observers quickly noted that Grande's ethereal look was directly inspired by the iconic gown worn by the late American actress and singer Diahann Carroll at the 1969 Academy Awards. Carroll, who passed away in 2019, made history as one of the first Black actresses to receive a Best Actress Oscar nomination in 1975 for her role in Claudine. Grande's choice to reference this specific dress is seen as a deliberate nod to Carroll's legacy and groundbreaking career.
The custom off-the-shoulder gown, designed by Lorenzo Serafini for Alberta Ferretti, was crafted from pink satin and enveloped in a dramatic floor-length white embroidered tulle cape. The ensemble was further embellished with delicate silver floral appliqués. Styling was masterminded by Law Roach and Yvonne Shelly, completing a look that blended fantasy with classic Hollywood glamour.
Behind the Scenes: Beauty and a Snub
Grande complemented the tribute outfit by returning to her original darker brunette hair colour, which she had before assuming the role of Glinda in Wicked: For Good. Her own beauty brand, r.e.m.beauty, detailed the exact products used to create her radiant look. The full face included the cherry blossom blush palette, Sweetener foundation in Light 8NW, and the Hypernova matte bronzer in Solar Storm, finished with the 'Practically Permanent' lip stain marker in Booked N Busy.
Despite the sartorial triumph, the evening ended in disappointment for Grande's fans. The honour for Best Supporting Actress was awarded to a surprise frontrunner, Amy Madigan, for her performance in Weapons. Grande had been nominated for her portrayal of Glinda.
The Full Winners List: Film and Television Triumphs
The 2026 Critics Choice Awards celebrated a wide array of talent across film and television. In the film categories, Timothée Chalamet secured Best Actor for his role in Marty Supreme, while Jessie Buckley won Best Actress for Hamnet. The night's biggest film, One Battle After Another, earned Paul Thomas Anderson awards for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.
In television, the drama series The Pitt on HBO Max took top honours, with its star Noah Wyle winning Best Actor in a Drama Series. Rhea Seehorn was named Best Actress in a Drama for Pluribus. The comedy category was dominated by Apple TV's The Studio, which won Best Comedy Series, while its star Seth Rogen won Best Actor in a Comedy Series. The coveted Best Talk Show award went to Jimmy Kimmel Live!
While Ariana Grande may not have taken home the acting trophy, her carefully considered fashion statement ensured she remained a focal point of the ceremony, weaving a thread of Hollywood history and respectful tribute into the fabric of the modern awards season.
