Veteran star Sheryl Lee Ralph turned heads on the Critics’ Choice Awards red carpet, proving once again why she is a style muse for “dopamine dressing”. Ralph descended the steps of the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on January 4, 2026, in a rich burgundy halter-neck gown from Tony Ward Couture. The sculptural dress (from Tony Ward’s Fall/Winter 2025-26 collection) featured intricate beadwork and floral-inspired embroidery along the neckline and bodice, with a cinched, belted waist that showcased Ralph’s figure. Her daughter-and-stylist Ivy “Coco” Maurice selected the dramatic design: as People notes, Ralph “made an entrance in a plum Tony Ward Couture” gown with “beading on the halter neckline and textured embellishments on the flared pocketed skirt”. The deep hue and opulent craftsmanship gave the look a modern Old-Hollywood vibe, while sharp tailoring by Madison McFarland ensured a flawless fit. International style outlets agreed – E! Online even listed Ralph among the night’s best-dressed stars, captioning her simply “in Tony Ward FW25 Couture”.
Ralph complemented the couture gown with statement accessories. She swept her hair into a sleek, long ponytail (courtesy of hairstylist Sharif Poston), which elegantly framed her face and showed off a pair of sculptural Selim Mouzannar earrings. (Mouzannar is known for his pearl-and-gold floral designs, a perfect match for Ralph’s embroidered motifs.) Her makeup by Brandy Allen was glowing and natural, letting the gown remain the star, while the entire look was photographed by Cindy Romero amid sculptural set pieces designed by Ron Bass. In a behind-the-scenes interview, Ralph joked that the neoprene fabric of the gown made it “a very fabulous raincoat” for Los Angeles’s drizzle; a tongue-in-cheek reminder of her playful personality even as she dazzled the crowd.
Ralph’s red-carpet triumph came as Abbott Elementary (in which she plays Barbara Howard) was a major contender at the awards. The ABC sitcom earned three Critics’ Choice nominations, including Best Comedy Series. As People reports, Abbott Elementary “is up for Best Comedy Series” at the ceremony, underscoring the show’s continued critical acclaim. Co-stars Janelle James and Chris Perfetti were also nominated for their supporting comedic turns. Ralph happily cheered them on: speaking to Extra TV, she praised the ensemble’s teamwork, saying a win “for us, we are on a journey of togetherness, and a win for one is a win for all… I think we should be the critics’ choice.”
In the end, Abbott Elementary did scoop one Critics’ Choice trophy: Janelle James won Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (a role reversal from 2023 when Ralph herself took home that award). While Ralph did not compete for an award this year, her presence on the Critics’ Choice stage was unmistakable; she mingled with nominees and presenters, radiating confidence. Even her pre-show interviews were memorable: she quipped to People that she keeps “Lidocaine” and even glue on hand to avoid any red-carpet shoe discomfort (so there’s “no flip-floppage” in her stilettos). Through humor and grace, Ralph helped set the tone of the evening: one of celebration for Black women in comedy and television.
Ralph’s Critics’ Choice appearance was also culturally resonant. At 69, she embodies a new kind of red-carpet icon who refuses to fade into the background. As InStyle writes, her very presence inspires joy; a “legendary actress” who “never skips out on bright colors and bold silhouettes”. This Tony Ward gown, with its vivid jewel tone and sweeping line, was quintessential Ralph: joyful, bold, and unapologetically glamorous. In a night full of emerging young stars, Sheryl Lee Ralph reminded everyone that experience and style make an enduring statement. Critics and fans alike praised her look as a highlight of the evening, noting how her enduring elegance and warmth continue to light up every red carpet she graces.