Lupita Nyong’o & Rose Byrne Lead a Sea of Classic Pointed-Toe Pumps at the 91st NYFCC Awards

The 91st New York Film Critics Circle Awards wrapped up at Tao Downtown, celebrating the best films of 2025. One Battle After Another took home Best Film, Jafar Panahi won Best Director for It Was Just An Accident, Wagner Moura earned Best Actor for The Secret Agent, Rose Byrne won Best Actress for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, and KPop Demon Hunters claimed Best Animated Film. It was definitely a big night for cinema.

Fashion-wise, the red carpet leaned classic. There were plenty of black-and-white looks from stars like Rose Byrne, Gaby Hoffmann, and Chase Infiniti, with Lupita Nyong’o standing out beautifully in red. What surprised me, though—and honestly disappointed me a bit—was the lack of variety in shoes.

At the 91st New York Film Critics Circle Awards at TAO Downtown on January 6, 2026, Rose Byrne, Lupita Nyong’o, Gaby Hoffmann, and Chase Infiniti showcase distinct red-carpet styles, each anchored by classic pointed-toe pumps (Credit: Dave Allocca / Starpix / INSTARimages)

Almost everyone went with the same option: classic pointed-toe pumps. They’re timeless, polished, and an easy choice, so it makes sense. Still, I couldn’t help wishing for something more.

A sculptural heel or a sandal could have added something fresh. With awards season just getting started, I’m hoping footwear gets a little more interesting.

Rose Byrne’s Greek-Inspired Carolina Herrera Dress Anchored by Classic Black Pumps

Rose Byrne stepped onto the red carpet looking every bit the winner she was that night, and her look was just perfectly suited to the occasion—elegant and quietly glamorous. Nothing about it was loud, which is exactly why it stood out to me. It was serious in the best way, with just enough sparkle to keep things interesting.

Byrne wore a strapless Carolina Herrera midi dress that fit her beautifully. The dress was richly embroidered with intricate details inspired by ancient Greek motifs—scrolls, olive branches, and swirling patterns—all brought to life with delicate black beads and sequins. I loved how the embellishments sparkled under the light without feeling flashy. It shimmered softly rather than screaming for attention, striking that rare balance between refined and eye-catching.

Even with all the accents, the silhouette remained timeless and flattering. The bodice was structured with subtle boning, giving the dress shape and support, while the strapless neckline kept it clean and classic. It hugged Rose’s figure from the waist to the hips before falling straight into a column skirt that skimmed down to her ankles.

Rose Byrne, Best Actress winner for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, looks elegant in a black strapless dress by Carolina Herrera featuring beads and sequins arranged in ancient Greek motifs (Credit: Dave Allocca / Starpix / INSTARimages)

With a dress this detailed, I loved that she kept her styling refreshingly minimal. She skipped heavy accessories and wore just a simple pair of earrings, letting the craftsmanship of her Carolina Herrera dress do the talking.

Her beauty look followed the same classic route. Her shoulder-length hair was worn down, swept to one side, with softly curled ends that framed her face. Makeup-wise, she stuck to timeless glamour with defined eyeliner and a bold red lip, which added just the right amount of drama.

To finish, Byrne chose classic black patent leather pumps. The pointed toes and high stilettos matched the elegance of the dress, though I couldn’t help wishing for something slightly lighter, like an open-toe heel, to soften the look. Still, it was a polished finish to an otherwise intricate ensemble.

Rose Byrne opts for timeless black patent pointed-toe pumps to ground her elegant red-carpet ensemble (Credit: Dave Allocca / Starpix / INSTARimages)

Lupita Nyong’o Makes a Monochrome Statement in Red Alice + Olivia and Matching Pumps

Lupita Nyong’o attended the event to present the Best Actor award to Wagner Moura, and even without being nominated, she easily became one of the night’s most striking figures. Standing out among a sea of black-and-white looks, she chose a rich, monochromatic red ensemble that instantly drew my eye.

Nyong’o wore a red velvet suit by Alice + Olivia, and while the silhouette was simple, the color was what truly stood out. The deep red velvet had a soft sheen that looked radiant against her skin tone!

Her outfit featured an oversized blazer with sharp lapels, giving it a relaxed, modern feel, while the wide-leg trousers fell to the floor. I loved the idea of the full red look, but on her petite frame, the proportions were slightly overwhelming. Instead of elongating her silhouette, the oversized jacket and flowing pants made the look feel heavier.

What really saved the outfit for me was what she wore underneath. Rather than a classic blouse, Lupita layered a red sheer lace top, adding texture and softness to the tailored suit. Tucked into the trousers, it broke up the velvet just enough, bringing an unexpected, delicate contrast.

Lupita Nyong’o arrives with Best Actor winner Wagner Moura at the 91st New York Film Critics Circle Awards, wearing a rich red velvet Alice + Olivia suit layered over a sheer lace blouse (Credit: Dave Allocca / Starpix / INSTARimages)

Her accessories were kept minimal. Lupita wore statement earrings and a few rings, letting the outfit stay front and center. Her makeup was warm and glowing, with bronzed skin and nude lips that complemented the outfit’s red richness.

Nyong’O finished her look with pointed red pumps, which matched the suit, creating a seamless head-to-toe effect that enhanced the monochrome statement and kept the look cohesive.

Lupita Nyong’o grounds her red velvet Alice + Olivia suit with sleek pointed-toe pumps, peeking out beneath fluid wide-leg trousers (Credit: Dave Allocca / Starpix / INSTARimages)

Gaby Hoffmann Breaks the Mold With Rachel Comey and Orange Velvet Heels

Gaby Hoffmann took the stage to present the Best Supporting Actress award to Amy Madigan for Weapons, wearing a bold and unconventional look. While the outfit itself didn’t completely win me over, I couldn’t help but admire how comfortable she looked in it.

She wore a two-piece black-and-purple ensemble by Rachel Comey that leaned into texture and shimmer. The $550 “Notte” top was pretty low-key in silhouette, but the fabric did most of the talking. The sheer mesh base was patterned with metallic purple floral embroidery that caught the light beautifully.

While the ribbed knit trim at the collar, cuffs, and hem provided structure, the loose fit and dolman sleeves created a carefree vibe. It was sparkly without being flashy, though the shape felt more casual than I expected for the event.

Gaby paired it with the matching $595 “Vine” midi skirt, which carried the same textured theme. The skirt had a straight, relaxed silhouette and was finished with an ornate velvet burnout overlay that added depth to the design. I liked the practical details, including the ribbed waistband, side slip pockets, and the back slit, which made the outfit more wearable.

Gaby Hoffmann, with Best Supporting Actress winner Amy Madigan, shimmers in the Rachel Comey “Notte” sweater and “Vine” midi skirt, featuring a black mesh base with metallic purple floral embroidery (Credit: Dave Allocca / Starpix / INSTARimages)

Hoffmann kept the styling simple, letting the details of her outfit stand out. Large stud earrings added a touch of shine, while her hair was worn in voluminous, tousled waves with a deep side part, giving off a slightly retro, party-ready vibe. Her makeup was kept minimal, with rosy cheeks and coral lipstick that stood out nicely against the darker tones.

Instead of sticking to black or purple, Gaby went for the $575 orange velvet Rachel Comey “Keta” heels. The crisscross straps, peep-toe front, chunky wooden platform, and block heel gave them a sculptural, statement feel. I’m still undecided about the pairing, but I do find it refreshing. In a room full of predictable footwear, her choice clearly stood out!

Gaby Hoffmann adds a pop of contrast to her black-and-purple ensemble with the orange Rachel Comey “Keta” pumps (Credit: Dave Allocca / Starpix / INSTARimages)

Chase Infiniti Balances Ruffles and Restraint in Gianvito Rossi Pointed Pumps

Rising star Chase Infiniti of One Battle After Another stepped onto the NYFCC red carpet in a look that was hard to miss. Wearing a black-and-white Carolina Herrera Spring 2026 dress, she looked like she was ready to dance the night away.

The dress was all about ruffles and texture. A fitted corseted bodice with structured bra cups shaped Chase’s figure, but the clear focal point was the oversized white ruffle at the top. These tiered floral ruffles extended to the sleeves, creating a bold contrast against the black base. I won’t lie, it gave me a bit of a clown-collar vibe at first, but the sharp white fabric helped keep it looking chic instead of costumey.

The skirt continued the ruffled theme, falling into soft, tiered layers that reached her ankles. While I liked the movement it created when she walked, I found myself wishing the ruffles had stayed either on the top or the skirt, not both.

Chase Infiniti opts for the dramatic black-and-white Carolina Herrera dress featuring a corseted black bodice, a tiered ruffled skirt, and an oversized white ruffled top (Credit: Dave Allocca / Starpix / INSTARimages)

Infiniti kept her accessories simple, which was a smart choice. A few rings, a delicate bangle, and thin hoop earrings added just enough polish to her look. Her hair was styled in a bun, with tight curls framing her face, and her rosy makeup, with blush, lipstick, and eyeliner, added warmth to the monochrome look.

Chase finished her ensemble with white Gianvito Rossi 105 pumps featuring pointed toes and slim high heels. They were classic and clean, tying in perfectly with the white ruffles while keeping the overall look sharp and balanced.

These classic Gianvito Rossi pumps are available for $795 at Farfetch.

Chase Infiniti grounds her ruffled black-and-white Carolina Herrera dress with sleek white Gianvito Rossi 105 pointed-toe pumps (Credit: Dave Allocca / Starpix / INSTARimages)

Classic Pointed Pumps at the NYFCC Awards: Safe Choice or Missed Opportunity?

While the 91st New York Film Critics Circle Awards leaned heavily toward timeless pointed-toe pumps, the season is far from predictable.

As awards season unfolds, footwear choices often shift—balancing safe elegance with emerging silhouettes that hint at what’s next. From past NYFCC standouts to the shoe trends shaping 2026, these moments offer valuable context for where red-carpet style has been—and where it’s headed.