Red Carpet Power Rankings: The Influence of Celebrities and Brands at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards
The Red Carpet Power Rankings for the 2026 awards season kicked off with the Critics Choice Awards, shedding light on the influence of celebrities and the brands they wear. Ariana Grande, with her massive Instagram following, topped the rankings by wearing a custom gown by Alberta Ferretti. Stars like Timothée Chalamet, who skipped the red carpet, saw a drop in their rankings, emphasizing the impact of red carpet appearances on the rankings.
The Red Carpet Power Rankings, a collaboration between The Hollywood Reporter and Launchmetrics, analyze the influence of stars and brands at major events like the Critics Choice Awards. Launchmetrics uses its Media Impact Value (MIV) algorithm to rank brands and stars based on their social media presence and engagement. The rankings cover categories like fashion, watches, jewelry, and accessories, highlighting the top stars and brands at each event.
The Critics Choice Awards showcased the star power of celebrities like Ariana Grande, Elle Fanning, and Teyana Taylor, who made a statement with their fashion choices. Grande's homage to vintage fashion, Fanning's archival gown from Ralph Lauren, and Taylor's menswear-inspired look by Saint Laurent garnered attention and set the tone for the upcoming awards season.
Notable brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Versace also made an impact at the Critics Choice Awards. Kylie Jenner's choice to wear a vintage Versace gown purchased from Tab Vintage generated significant buzz, showcasing the brand's influence. Stars like Jacob Elordi and Michael B. Jordan, who wore Bottega Veneta and Louis Vuitton respectively, stood out in their custom suits, contributing to the brands' rankings in the Power Rankings.
Jewelry brands like Chopard and Swarovski also shone at the event, with stars like Sarah Snook and Ariana Grande showcasing their stunning pieces. Swarovski, in particular, benefited from Grande's partnership as a brand ambassador, highlighting the importance of celebrity endorsements in the fashion industry. Tiffany & Co. and Christian Louboutin also earned top rankings among accessory brands, with stars like Teyana Taylor and Kate Hudson sporting their designs.
The Critics Choice Awards provided a glimpse into the star-studded world of red carpet fashion, where celebrities and brands compete for attention and influence. As the awards season unfolds, audiences can expect to see more iconic fashion moments and brand collaborations that shape the industry's trends and standards.