Jewels, jeans and Jessica Rabbit: Breaking down the best — and the rest — on the 2025 Emmy red carpet

Television’s biggest stars went for the gold at the 2025 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on Sept. 14, but on the red carpet, it was all about black and dark hues. Those who dared to wear color — from a sugary sweet puff of pink to a kaleidoscope of silver sparkles — stood out in the best way.

While I’ve covered Emmys red carpets before — the last time having to help up the reporter next to me who collapsed in the unbearable heat — this year I was a world away. Parked in front of the TV on my couch, in black workout pants and a well-worn top , I tracked the night’s most memorable moments from afar and in full comfort mode.

Nonetheless, I had a critical eye sizing up the efforts of the best and brightest — comparing them to old Hollywood icons, animated characters, spherical objects, and, yes, even snacks. So who brought the glam and who forgot their tan lines? Let’s get into it.

Most bejeweled: Jenna Ortega

The Wednesday star, who presented, was a walking treasure in Givenchy — draped in a cascade of oversize crystals on top and a sleek black skirt with a full-length slit.

Best in black: Meghann Fahy

One way to stand out in black? Go deep. The Sirens actress and nominee took a dip in her Valentino masterpiece and proved that black doesn’t always fade into the background.

Best dressed for the reunion: Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel

The Stars (Hollow) aligned as the mother-daughter dream team from Gilmore Girls came together 25 years after the show’s debut. Bledel shimmered in a strapless silver Marmar Halim gown, sparkling like a princess’s tiara, next to Graham in a nude Akris number with black appliqués that fit her like a hug. Together, they proved some bonds better with time.

Best argument to bring back denim on the red carpet: Meg Stalter

The Hacks actress had a rarely heard answer to the question of “Who are you wearing?” Her answer was Hanes and Levi’s — topped off with a DIY political statement taped to her purse. “I think people need to bring back jeans on the red carpet!” she told Variety, harkening back to the ’90s before Hollywood got overstyled, trading denim for designer and diamonds.

Most Jessica Rabbit: Sydney Sweeney

Who didn’t wear jeans? The Euphoria actress after the brouhaha over her American Eagle ad campaign. This time, she stunned in a red, strapless, cleavage-accentuating custom Oscar de la Renta showstopper that brought to mind the other bombshell from Who Framed Roger Rabbit?

Best at playing the part: Noah Wyle

The Pitt star, and big winner of the night, kept his doctor character close to heart, sporting a one-of-a-kind tuxedo made by scrubwear company Figs.. It was actually his idea, saying months ago in a red carpet interview that he’d like to wear a suit as cozy as the medical material, and the brand delivered. As a bonus, he wore it onstage — twice.

Best color coordination: Leighton Meester and Adam Brody

The days of couples effortlessly coordinating his tie to her dress color are fading away. This ’00s TV dream couple took it up a notch in coordinating Prada looks with Meester’s blush ensemble featuring an ombre stripe that perfectly echoed the Nobody Wants This nominee’s baby blue tux, showing their haute harmony.

The most real tan lines: Scarlett Johansson

The actress worked hard over the summer, shooting Paper Tiger in a heat-trapping wig and fall layers on New York’s hottest days, but she clearly worked in some time off. In her butter-colored Prada strapless dress, her tan lines were on full display. And why hide them? Summer memories are the best kind.

Most likely to be mistaken for cotton candy: Lisa

The White Lotus star and Blackpink singer (real name: Lalisa Manoban) was a sugar rush in a Lever Couture petal pink, tulle dress that was sculpted at the waist and flowed into a ribbon train that looked ready to board the best dressed express.

Most synchronized styling: Walton Goggins and Nadia Conners

The White Lotus actor, a nominee, and his wife both took the plunge in outfits that seemed to be daring one another: How low can you go? His Louis Vuitton outfit featured show Easter eggs, and keeps with his signature undone vibe.

Most hypnotizing: Chris Perfetti

Staring into the pattern of the Abbott Elementary star’s suit was making me very sleepy, though I didn’t dare nod off for fear of being sent to detention.

Most effortlessly cool: Pedro Pascal

The Last of Us actor, a nominee, was well-suited for his moment in the spotlight in a creamy double-breasted suit from Celine. But with sneakers, shades and a chilled-to-the-max vibe, he made it seem easy breezy, as only a true style player can.

Best job spicing up the red carpet: RuPaul's Drag Race cast

No one brought more color, charisma and pageantry to the event than this crew. From ornate headpieces to all-out fuzzy costumes and even a Michael Jackson copycat, they owned the moment with unmatched flair and fabulousness — and then some.

Most inspired by a disco ball: Charlotte Le Bon

The White Lotus actress brought full party energy in this figure-kissing Courrèges creation with the high collar and structured cuffs. But while the inside was lined with heavenly tulle, the outside was embroidered with metal pressure snaps, which had me thinking: Chic? Yes! But comfortable for three hours in theater seats? I’m not sure.

Most Grace Kelly: Katherine LaNasa

The Pitt actress was a winner in more ways than one. In custom Jason Wu, LaNasa channeled the timeless elegance of Old Hollywood royalty, specifically stunning and talented American actress turned Princess of Monaco, who won quite a few awards herself, though Oscars, not Emmys.