The 2026 Golden Globes kicked off the awards season with a red carpet dominated by black dresses, as stars used fashion to subtly comment on the current political climate. The event, held in Los Angeles, saw a notable shift away from colourful ensembles towards the classic Hollywood shade, which many attendees wore with pointed accessories.
Among the celebrities opting for black were BLACKPINK's Lisa, Ayo Edebiri, Jenna Ortega, Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Julia Roberts, Jennifer Garner, Leslie Mann, Teyana Taylor, Aimee Lou Wood, Ana de Armas and Miley Cyrus. While other colours appeared, the sheer volume of black was unmistakable and deliberate.
The sombre choice reflects the 'bleak state of the world', according to observers, with recent events including multiple ICE shootings, large-scale protests, unprecedented military operations and controversial White House statements. Some stars wore 'Be Good' and 'Ice Out' pins in support of anti-ICE protesters, including Mark Ruffalo, Natasha Lyonne, Ariana Grande and Wanda Sykes.
Fashion has always mirrored the moment, and this red carpet was no exception. Against a backdrop of uncertainty and grief, black offered a way to show up without pretending all is well. As one fashion editor noted, it felt less like a return to old glamour and more like a collective acknowledgement of darker times.
