2016 SAG Awards Red Carpet: 13 Standout Fashion Moments and the Heels Behind Them

At the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 30, 2016, at the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles, actresses arrived in an array of red-carpet looks ranging from shimmering sequined gowns to modern minimalist designs.

While not every pair of shoes was visible beneath the evening’s sweeping skirts and couture trains, footwear still played an important role in many of the night’s standout ensembles.

From metallic Giuseppe Zanotti platforms and nude sandals to crystal-embellished pumps, these looks highlight both the shoes that stole the spotlight and the styling decisions that helped complete some of the SAG Awards’ most memorable outfits.

1. Alicia Vikander Shimmers in Louis Vuitton Sequins and Black Platform Sandals

Fresh-faced and pretty, Alicia Vikander was a shining beauty in a Louis Vuitton gown featuring an edgy patchwork sequin design.

Alicia Vikander in a long, sequined colorblock gown by Louis Vuitton that shimmered and sparkled at the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles on January 30, 2016 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Brian To / Apega)

The thigh-high slit in Alicia Vikander’s custom Louis Vuitton gown offered frequent glimpses of her footwear, revealing black suede Louis Vuitton platform sandals with peep-toe detailing and gold trim.

Alicia Vikander’s black Louis Vuitton platform sandals peek out from beneath her shimmering patchwork sequin gown

The choice balanced the look beautifully. While the gown’s patchwork sequin design combined gold, copper, white, and black panels in a striking geometric pattern, the sandals remained deliberately understated.

Alicia Vikander won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for playing the supportive wife of transgender pioneer Lili Elbe in The Danish Girl

Their matte suede finish grounded the high-shine dress without competing for attention, demonstrating how a simple black platform sandal can complement even the most elaborate red-carpet ensemble.

Alicia Vikander’s outfit was completed with a stunning pair of drop chandelier earrings (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Brian To / Apega)

2. Saoirse Ronan Softens the Red Carpet in Pale Pink Michael Kors and Giuseppe Zanotti Heels

Embracing one of Pantone’s 2016 Colors of the Year, Saoirse Ronan wore a soft Rose Quartz pink dress from the Michael Kors Collection.

Saoirse Ronan impressed on the red carpet in a pale pink Michael Kors gown, accessorized with Forevermark Diamonds and Giuseppe Zanotti heels at the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles on January 30, 2016 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Brian To / Apega)

While the gown appeared soft and romantic from a distance, Ronan’s footwear introduced a more fashion-forward element. She paired the pale pink Michael Kors design with sky-high Giuseppe Zanotti mirror-metallic platform heels in a matching blush tone.

The reflective finish caught the light with every step, while the substantial platforms and dark metallic heels added structure and contrast beneath the airy, embellished gown. The combination demonstrated how a statement shoe can enhance a monochromatic red-carpet look without disrupting its overall harmony.

Ronan completed the ensemble with Forevermark diamond earrings and a softly tousled updo, keeping the focus on the interplay between the shimmering dress and metallic heels.

Saoirse Ronan’s large diamond earrings complemented the sparkling finish of the gown (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Brian To / Apega)

3. Rooney Mara Brings Dark Romance in Valentino Couture and Givenchy Sandals

Rooney Mara pulled off another edgy but glamorous look in her Valentino Haute Couture gown, which she styled with Fred Leighton jewelry and a sleek, high ponytail.

Rooney Mara in a black Valentino dress and a chic high ponytail at the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles on January 30, 2016 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Brian To / Apega)

Rooney Mara embraced the minimalist aesthetic that had become synonymous with her red-carpet appearances during the Carol awards season campaign.

Her black Valentino gown combined a plunging V-neckline with delicate cap sleeves and a softly tiered silk tulle skirt, creating a silhouette that felt both ethereal and architectural.

Rooney Mara’s sleek high ponytail and plunging black Valentino Haute Couture gown embodied the minimalist elegance that defined her standout 2016 SAG Awards appearance (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Brian To / Apega)

Kate Mara also attended the ceremony in a different Valentino gown, creating an unintentionally coordinated fashion moment between the sisters.

Rooney Mara and Kate Mara pose on the red carpet in Valentino dresses

While Kate accessorized with Forevermark Diamonds, Rooney completed her look with Fred Leighton jewelry and her trusted black Givenchy platform sandals, which she had previously worn to a Pan premiere.

Rooney Mara’s feet in black platform Givenchy sandals

4. Rachel McAdams Grounds Gothic Elie Saab Couture With Brian Atwood Platform Sandals

Rachel McAdams embraced romantic gothic glamour in an Elie Saab Spring 2015 Couture gown layered over a nude illusion base.

The design combined sheer black dotted tulle with intricate floral beadwork that shimmered across the bodice and cascaded into the sweeping A-line skirt, creating one of the evening’s most visually detailed looks.

Rachel McAdams in an Elie Saab gown that perfectly balanced old-Hollywood glamour with gothic accents at the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles on January 30, 2016 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Brian To / Apega)

Beneath the dramatic skirt, McAdams wore Brian Atwood’s Tribeca platform sandals. While the towering black satin heels remained hidden throughout the evening due to the gown’s full silhouette and train, they provided the height needed to support the couture design and maintain its elegant proportions on the red carpet.

Rather than competing with the dress’s elaborate embellishments, she kept her accessories refined with Harry Kotlar diamonds and a Le Vian ring. Loose, textured waves and understated makeup added a modern softness that balanced the gown’s darker, more theatrical elements.

The beautiful, feminine, and edgy elements of Rachel McAdams’ dress make it a standout on the red carpet (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Brian To / Apega)

5. Claire Danes Keeps It Sleek in a Blue Stella McCartney Column Gown

Claire Danes took a more minimalist approach to the evening in a custom Stella McCartney gown defined by sharp colorblocking and clean architectural lines.

The design paired a deep navy V-neck bodice with a vibrant cerulean-blue skirt, creating a striking contrast without relying on embellishment or texture.

Claire Danes in a sleeveless blue color block gown designed by Stella McCartney at the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles on January 30, 2016 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Brian To / Apega)

While her footwear remained hidden beneath the floor-length Stella McCartney gown, the streamlined silhouette demonstrated how some red-carpet looks rely on clean lines rather than visible accessories.

Danes completed the ensemble with Tiffany & Co. diamond jewelry and a softly textured lob.

The dress featured a plunging neckline, highlighting Claire Danes’ figure in an elegant and modern way (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Brian To / Apega)

6. Ellie Kemper Makes Patterned Red-Carpet Dressing Work in Peter Pilotto

Ellie Kemper stood out in a Peter Pilotto gown that showcased the designer’s signature blend of bold pattern and architectural structure. The strapless design paired a textured black bodice with a sweeping skirt adorned with intricate geometric motifs, creating a look that felt both artistic and red-carpet-appropriate.

Ellie Kemper in a stunning strapless patterned gown designed by Peter Pilotto at the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles on January 30, 2016 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Brian To / Apega)

The floor-length Peter Pilotto gown concealed Kemper’s shoes throughout the evening, placing the emphasis on the dress’s intricate geometric pattern and structured silhouette. She finished the look with understated jewelry and a black clutch.

Ellie Kemper looked elegant and glamorous on the red carpet (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Brian To / Apega)

7. Viola Davis Wins the Night in Lavender Zac Posen and Buccellati Jewelry

Viola Davis embraced classic Hollywood glamour in a custom Zac Posen gown distinguished by the designer’s signature sculptural tailoring.

Crafted from lustrous duchess satin, the off-the-shoulder silhouette featured a folded architectural neckline that framed her shoulders before flowing into a fitted mermaid skirt with a subtle train.

Viola Davis in a lavender off-the-shoulder gown designed by Zac Posen at the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles on January 30, 2016 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Brian To / Apega)

The custom Zac Posen gown featured the designer’s signature sculptural tailoring and a dramatic off-the-shoulder neckline. While her shoes were hidden beneath the mermaid skirt, Davis completed the look with Buccellati jewelry and a metallic clutch.

Viola Davis won for outstanding performance by a female actor in a drama series for her role on How to Get Away With Murder at the SAG Awards (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Brian To / Apega)

8. Emilia Clarke Goes Bright in a Hot Pink Dior Haute Couture Gown

Emilia Clarke made one of the evening’s boldest color statements in a custom Dior Haute Couture gown rendered in vibrant fuchsia silk crepe.

The design featured a plunging V-neckline, an open back, and a defined waist that flowed into a dramatic full skirt, creating a silhouette that balanced classic couture proportions with modern simplicity.

Emilia Clarke in a bright-pink, low-cut Dior gown at the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles on January 30, 2016 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Brian To / Apega)

The dramatic ballgown silhouette concealed Clarke’s footwear throughout the evening, keeping the focus on the vivid fuchsia color and couture construction. She accessorized with Dior Fine Jewelry earrings, a coordinating ring, and a metallic Dior clutch.

Emilia Clarke looked every bit the Disney princess and accessorized with green and blue jewels from the same fashion house (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Brian To / Apega)

9. Julianne Moore Balances Lime-Green Givenchy Couture With Nude Platform Sandals

Julianne Moore stepped onto the red carpet in a lime-green Givenchy Couture gown paired with nude platform sandals and Chopard jewelry.

The look stood out for its bold color choice and distinctive cutout details, making it one of the evening’s more talked-about fashion moments.

Julianne Moore lets the vibrant color and intricate texture of her Givenchy Couture gown take center stage (Credit: Apega / FayesVision / WENN)

While opinions on the dress were divided, the footwear offered a softer counterpoint.

Moore’s nude platform sandals helped balance the vivid gown and created a longer, uninterrupted line through the leg, a styling approach frequently seen on major awards-show red carpets.

Julianne Moore wears a lime green Givenchy dress on the red carpet

The sandals may have been overshadowed by the dress, but they remain a useful example of how neutral platform heels can complement a statement-making outfit without competing for attention.

Julianne Moore waves to fans as the shimmering lime-green Givenchy Couture gown parts just enough to reveal her nude platform sandals, offering a glimpse of the understated footwear that balanced the bold look

10. Sofia Vergara Adds Playful Glamour in Charlotte Olympia Kiss Me Dolores Pumps

Sofia Vergara pairs her vibrant fuchsia Vera Wang gown with a bold diamond-and-gold statement necklace and matching berry-toned lipstick

The Colombian-born actress was pretty in pink in a strapless Vera Wang gown that featured a corset bodice and a sweetheart neckline.

Joe Manganiello and Sofia Vergara posing for photos on the red carpet of the SAG Awards

Sofia completed her Barbie-inspired look with a matching pink Jimmy Choo clutch, chunky David Webb jewelry, and a pair of Charlotte Olympia “Kiss Me Dolores” pumps that featured crystal-studded pink lips on the toes.

Sofia Vergara turns heads in a vibrant fuchsia Vera Wang gown, pairing the strapless silhouette with a matching Jimmy Choo clutch and playful Charlotte Olympia “Kiss Me Dolores” pumps

The appearance came shortly after Sofia’s November 2015 wedding to Joe Manganiello, making the newlyweds one of the evening’s most photographed couples.

Newlyweds Joe Manganiello and Sofia Vergara pose for photos together at the SAG Awards

Here’s a closer look at the ultra-girly shoes that the Modern Family actress picked to finish her ensemble.

Sofia Vergara matches her pink Vera Wang dress to a pink Jimmy Choo clutch

In addition to Sofia’s brown satin version, the shoes also came in mink satin, black-and-red suede, and nude-and-red leather.

Crystal-encrusted lips transform Sofia Vergara’s Charlotte Olympia “Kiss Me Dolores” pumps into one of the evening’s most memorable shoe moments

11. Anna Faris Shows Off Stuart Weitzman Nudistplatform Sandals With a Red Naeem Khan Gown

At the 2016 Screen Actors Guild Awards, Anna Faris lit up the red carpet in a striking red gown—and even shared a sweet reunion with her friend and The Hot Chick co-star Rachel McAdams, making the night as memorable off the runway as it was on.

Anna Faris wears her hair back at the 22nd annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held on January 30, 2016, at The Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

After announcing the SAG nominees, Anna stepped on the red carpet in a beautiful classic silhouette by Naeem Khan.

She completed the look with Norman Silverman Diamonds jewelry and a Tyler Alexandra clutch. Still, it was her shoes that truly sealed the red-carpet moment: a satin pair of Stuart Weitzman’s iconic Nudistplatform heels.

Anna Faris lit up the 2016 SAG Awards in a scarlet Naeem Khan gown with a thigh-high slit, paired with satin Stuart Weitzman Nudistplatform heels for a timeless red-carpet finish

First introduced in 2013, the Nudist sandal has become a modern classic thanks to its barely-there silhouette—just a slim strap across the toes and a delicate ankle strap balanced on a towering stiletto. Its simplicity makes it a stylist’s favorite, elongating the legs while letting the gown take center stage. The design’s runaway success spawned an entire Nudist collection, including lower-heeled versions like the Nudistsong, block-heeled Nearlynude, and even sky-high platform takes like Faris’s choice at the SAG Awards.

Now a red-carpet staple spotted on everyone from Blake Lively and Jessica Biel to Zoe Saldaña, the Nudist has earned its reputation as fashion’s “invisible shoe”—a timeless sandal that works with virtually any look.

Anna Faris shows off her feet in satin Stuart Weitzman Nudistplatform sandals, adding a leg-lengthening finish to her red Naeem Khan gown at the 2016 SAG Awards

Anna retweeted a photo of her with Rachel at the SAG Awards alongside another photo of the two on set in 2002. The comedian didn’t hide the excitement caused by the reunion.

Anna Faris brings playful energy to the 2016 SAG Awards, waving enthusiastically in her sleek red Naeem Khan gown paired with a matching clutch

12. Eva Longoria Turns Up the Drama in Julien Macdonald and Black Olgana Sandals

At the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in January 2016, Eva Longoria chose one of the evening’s most revealing looks in an intricately embellished Julien Macdonald gown.

Eva Longoria’s softly waved hair and smoky makeup complemented the plunging, intricately embellished olive Julien Macdonald gown she wore at the 2016 SAG Awards (Credit: Brian To / FayesVision / WENN / Nikki Nelson)

The olive green dress had an open-back design and a daringly low, plunging neckline that put her décolletage on show. It also featured a high slit at the back, and see-through netted panels gave the gown a bold, skin-baring finish.

Eva Longoria dazzles at the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in a plunging, embellished olive green gown by Julien Macdonald, showcasing her effortless red carpet glamour

Eva Longoria reveals the dramatic open-back design of her intricately embellished Julien Macdonald gown, while black satin Olgana sandals peek out beneath the rear slit

Eva kept her accessories understated, opting for elegant Lorraine Schwartz ear cuffs and sleek black sandals.

Eva Longoria shows off some skin in an embellished dress from Julien Macdonald

She completed the look with her hair styled in soft waves, sultry smoky eye makeup, and a touch of nude lipstick.

Eva Longoria commands attention in an intricately embellished olive-green Julien Macdonald gown at the 2016 SAG Awards

Eva finished her stunning look by showing off her small feet in a pair of “La Decouverte” sandals from Olgana’s Black Tie collection. These satin shoes feature adjustable ankle straps, pleated vamps, and about 4.5-inch stiletto heels.

Eva Longoria’s black satin Olgana sandals peek out from beneath her intricately embellished Julien Macdonald gown at the 2016 SAG Awards

13. Brie Larson Wins Big in Atelier Versace and Satin Roger Vivier Sandals

Brie Larson took home trophy after trophy for her work on “Room,” including a Best Actress Award at the Golden Globes.

Brie Larson wears her hair back at the 22nd annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held on January 30, 2016, at The Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles

Brie Larson continued her awards-season momentum at the 2016 SAG Awards, where she won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for her performance in Room.

The actress chose a pale blue Atelier Versace gown featuring asymmetrical draping and cutout details, styling it with Tiffany & Co. jewelry and satin Roger Vivier platform sandals. While the dress divided opinion among fashion observers, the understated accessories helped maintain the focus on the gown’s sculptural silhouette.

Brie Larson reveals her satin Roger Vivier platform sandals through the thigh-high slit of her pale blue Atelier Versace gown at the 2016 SAG Awards

Larson’s satin Roger Vivier sandals provided a soft, elegant complement to the icy-blue color palette, while the platform design added height without competing with the dramatic lines of the dress.

Brie Larson shows off her feet in blush satin Roger Vivier platform sandals on the SAG Awards red carpet

During the evening, Larson was also photographed with fellow winner Leonardo DiCaprio, who took home the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role. The pair had become two of the most celebrated performers of the 2016 awards season following their Golden Globe wins earlier that month.

In her acceptance speech, Larson reflected on the recognition she had received for Room, delivering one of the evening’s most memorable and emotional moments.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Brie Larson pose for photos together at the Screen Actors Guild Awards