Elle Fanning Turns Heads at Critics Choice Awards 2026 in Plunging Rainproof Gown
Elle Fanning wowed fans at the Critics Choice Awards 2026 in a striking 23-year-old gown. The actress, who is nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Sentimental Value, chose a vintage Ralph Lauren dress from 2003 that turned heads on the red carpet.
The golden gown featured a plunging cowl neckline, an open back, and a fitted design that flowed into a long trailing skirt.
Fanning paired the look with minimal jewelry, wearing only a couple of diamond rings and Cartier drop earrings. Her golden-blonde hair was styled in soft waves with a middle part, and she completed the look with glowing makeup, including luminous skin, fluttery lashes, rosy eyeshadow, and glossy lips.
Elle Fanning and Mckenna Grace at the 31st Critics Choice Awards https://t.co/FTYPngmgdt
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) January 5, 2026
Fanning’s entrance at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, immediately drew attention. Many fans and photographers praised her for stepping out of her usual whimsical, voluminous style to embrace a bolder, glamorous look.
Elle Fanning attends the 31st Annual #CriticsChoiceAwards 💛 pic.twitter.com/rnJ1Tq2oNR
— Variety (@Variety) January 4, 2026
This night is especially important for Fanning, as she is up for Best Supporting Actress alongside her co-star Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas. The film Sentimental Value has also received six nominations in total, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Renate Reinsve, Best Supporting Actor for Stellan Skarsgård, and Best Director for Joachim Trier.
Fanning has a long history with the Critics Choice Awards, having attended multiple times before, including in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2022, and 2023. Three years ago, she appeared in a cream-colored floral gown with a strapless neckline, cutouts, and a ballgown skirt, pairing it with sunflower earrings and gold shoes.
The choice to wear a 23-year-old gown shows Fanning’s confidence and fashion sense. She clearly enjoyed taking a risk with her look, and the response from fans and photographers shows it paid off. What do you think of Elle Fanning’s vintage red carpet look? Share your thoughts in the comments.