Tessa Thompson just delivered a one-two punch. A career-defining win, and a red-carpet jolt in pink and vermillion that reset the room. The Actress Award for her lead turn in Hedda landed tonight at the Critics’ Choice Association Celebration of Black Cinema and Television. Her fashion moment landed just as hard. Together, they mark a new chapter, and it is electric.
The look that changed the conversation
Thompson arrived in a bubblegum pink and vermillion Diotima Spring Summer 2026 ensemble, styled by Karla Welch. The silhouette was sharp and sculptural. The surface was textured, almost petal-like, which gave the set a living, floral energy. The color story was brave. Pink met red head on, and the clash felt intentional, modern, and romantic.
Black disc earrings grounded the brightness. Satin peep-toe heels added a sleek finish. Hair fell in crimped waves, which introduced movement and a hint of 90s ease. The glam stayed clean and luminous, which let the saturated palette lead. This is how you do impact without losing polish.
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Pair one bold color with one exact match lip or nail. Keep everything else neutral to avoid clutter.
A role, a risk, a real shift
Hedda is a queer reimagining of Ibsen’s classic, directed by Nia DaCosta. Thompson carries the film with a performance that is precise and dangerous, then tender in the next breath. That control, and that risk, are the point. This is not Valkyrie. This is not Charlotte Hale. This is a pivot, and it shows.
The industry is taking note. Thompson received a Spotlight Tribute at the Gotham Film Awards on December 1 for her performance and producing role on Hedda. The film premiered at TIFF, opened in theaters on October 22, and began streaming on Prime Video on October 29. The praise has been steady, and the momentum is real.
Her fashion is mirroring that energy. Pink and red are not subtle. They signal a woman who is not asking permission. The Diotima set underlines the film’s themes, desire and power, through color and texture. The choice reads as strategy and as self-expression.
Beauty notes you can steal tonight
The hair. Soft crimping is back, but the finish is modern. No crunch, no heavy spray. Ask your stylist for loose waves with a micro bend, not a tight scrunch. The vibe is air, not glue.
- Mist heat protectant on dry hair.
- Use a wave iron on medium heat, tapping sections for a soft bend.
- Rake through with fingers, then smooth ends with a light serum.
- Lock with a flexible hold spray for movement, not stiffness.
The makeup. Keep skin dewy with a sheer base. Add a tonal blush that echoes the outfit, then a neutral eye and inky lashes. Finish with a soft satin lip in rose or tomato, chosen to match either pink or red.
- How to wear pink and red with zero fear:
- Choose one dominant color, then let the other be an accent.
- Break it up with black or silver accessories.
- Keep lines clean to avoid costume energy.
- Match nails to the accent shade for a precise hit.
Inside the styling strategy
Welch’s playbook tonight was discipline with a twist. A sculpted set, a fearless palette, and tight accessory choices that read editorial and event-ready. The texture of the Diotima look did the storytelling. The color did the talking. Everything else got out of the way.
This is how awards season style works at the highest level. A bold visual makes an instant imprint under lights and in photos. It also frames a narrative, in this case a performer entering a more daring phase. The clothes are not just pretty. They are a message.
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This moment marks a clean break for Thompson. The performance is the risk. The wardrobe is the receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What award did Tessa Thompson win tonight?
A: She received the Critics’ Choice Association Actress Award for her lead role in Hedda.
Q: What did she wear on the red carpet?
A: A bubblegum pink and vermillion Diotima Spring Summer 2026 ensemble, styled by Karla Welch, with black disc earrings and satin peep-toe heels.
Q: Where can I watch Hedda?
A: The film opened in theaters on October 22, then began streaming on Prime Video on October 29.
Q: How can I try the pink and red combo at home?
A: Let one color lead, use the other as an accent, add black for balance, and keep hair and makeup clean.
Q: Why is this a turning point for Thompson?
A: Hedda shows a new risk-taking phase in her work, and her style is matching that ambition in public.
Tessa Thompson closed the night with a trophy in hand and a look that will be studied all season. Hedda confirms the artist. Diotima confirmed the icon. The message is clear, and it is thrilling. 🌹
