The Baddest Black Fashion From the 2025 Governors Awards

Damson Idris, Teyana Taylor and Debbie Allen are some of Black stars who showed off their style at the 2025 Governors Awards.

The stars were out on Nov. 16 for the 2025 Governors Awards in Los Angeles. The event, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, is a chance to honor artists for their lifetime contributions to film, including Debbie Allen, who received a well-deserved honorary Oscar. When you gather the best and brightest in Hollywood, you already know that you can expect some serious style.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Social Media Split After Bishop T.D. Jakes Retires from The Potter’s House

Damson Idris, Teyana Taylor and Andra Day are just a few of the stars who slayed the red carpet at the 2025 Governors Awards. If this is a preview of the looks we’re going to see this award season, we can’t wait to see what’s next.

Queen Latifah

Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images

All hail the Queen! Latifah looks regal in a floor-length Lanvin gown.

Damson Idris

Photo by JC Olivera/WWD via Getty Images

Damson Idris looks dapper in a Ralph Lauren tux.

Teyana Taylor

Photo by Frazer Harrison/WireImage

Teyana Taylor continues her stunning red carpet streak wearing a gorgeous bodycon tube dress from Miss Sohee Couture.

Cynthia Erivo

Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images

“Wicked: For Good” star Cynthia Erivo wears a floor-length Givenchy gown.

Debbie Allen

Photo by Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

Honorary Oscar winner Debbie Allen wears a coat with beautiful embroidery and gold accents.

Michael B. Jordan

Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Michael B. Jordan keeps it classic in Louis Vuitton.

Jurnee Smollett

Photo by Frazer Harrison/WireImage

Jurnee Smollett wears a Alberta Ferretti slip dress.

Regina Hall

Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images

From the sheer long-sleeved top to the peek of leg in the skirt, Regina Hall serves red carpet sexy.

Paul Tazewell

Photo by Frazer Harrison/WireImage)

Award-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell pairs black and white perfectly.

Andra Day

Photo by Frazer Harrison/WireImage

Actress Andra Day in a beautiful Marmar Halim corset gown.

Ryan Coogler & Zinzi Coogler

Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Filmmaker Ryan Coogler and his wife, Zinzi are a perfect pair on the red carpet.

Jayme Lawson

Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images

“Sinners” actress Jayme Lawson makes a bold statement in an orange gown with fringe detail.

Tessa Thompson

Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Tessa Thompson glows in a red off-the-shoulder gown from Valentino.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Black Movies To Look Forward to in 2026

Black Movies To Look Forward to in 2026

From Colman Domingo to Zendaya, Black stars are coming in hot with new movies in 2026. Let’s take a look! …
New Year's Day Movie Watchlist

New Year’s Day Movie Watchlist

Finally, the holiday festivities are over—now it’s time to unwind. Let us guide you to hilarious stand-ups, intense dramas, and thrilling adventures that will keep you entertained all weekend long …
A$AP Rocky Covers Rent for Residents In His Childhood Harlem Building

A$AP Rocky Covers Rent for Residents In His Childhood Harlem Building

As part of a “Rent Free” campaign with Bilt, rap superstar A$AP Rocky is paying January’s rent for residents in the same building where he grew up …
Internet Reacts To Reports That Teyana Taylor, Aaron Pierre Split

Internet Reacts To Reports That Teyana Taylor, Aaron Pierre Split

Fans are speculating the Hollywood couple may have parted ways, with social media sharing plenty of shade and opinions …
Stylist Tells The Fascinating Story Behind Brandy’s Iconic Braids

Stylist Tells The Fascinating Story Behind Brandy’s Iconic Braids

How Celebrity Stylist Chuckie Amos turned Brandy’s braids into a cultural revolution …
'Hell's Kitchen' Black Chef Opens A Bar Where Phones Are Banned in D.C.

‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Black Chef Opens A Bar Where Phones Are Banned in D.C.

Hush Harbor is a Black-owned bar in Washington D.C. with a strict no-phones policy …
Bring These Delicious Drinks to Your New Year's Eve Celebration Tonight!

Bring These Delicious Drinks to Your New Year’s Eve Celebration Tonight!

If you’re looking for the perfect bottle to bring to a New Year’s Eve celebration, we’ve got you covered …
Idris Elba May Never Be called James Bond, But This is How You Must Address Him Now On…

Idris Elba May Never Be called James Bond, But This is How You Must Address Him Now On…

British actor Idris Elba was just given high honors from King Charles III — along with a new title! …
We Finally Get the D4vd Celeste Rivas Investigation Update We Were Waiting For

We Finally Get the D4vd Celeste Rivas Investigation Update We Were Waiting For

Reports that a grand jury could indict D4vd in connection to the death of Celeste Rivas are coming to light …
Everything You Didn't Know About Boxing Champ Anthony Joshua

Everything You Didn’t Know About Boxing Champ Anthony Joshua

Two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is becoming a household name in America. Here are all the deets you never knew about him! …
You'd Better Pay Close Attention to This Small But Crucial Change in U.S. Postal Service Policy

You’d Better Pay Close Attention to This Small But Crucial Change in U.S. Postal Service Policy

Late fees and penalties have been predicted after USPS changed its decades-long postmark policy …
Best True Crime Documentaries to Stream Right Now on Netflix

Best True Crime Documentaries to Stream Right Now on Netflix

With some much needed time off on the horizon for a lot of us, we thought it’d be fun to round up more than a handful of documentaries that keep you on the edge of your seat as 2026 rolls around! …
Oprah Breaks Silence on Her One Unexpected Side-Effect of Popular Weight Loss Drug

Oprah Breaks Silence on Her One Unexpected Side-Effect of Popular Weight Loss Drug

After losing and regaining weight on and off for years, Oprah feels that what’s working right now is making her healthier …
Chicago Blocks Troops but New Orleans Welcomes Them

Chicago Blocks Troops but New Orleans Welcomes Them

Chicago celebrates a court victory blocking federal troop deployments as New Orleans prepares for hundreds of National Guard members to enter the city for New Year’s Eve …
Cardi B.'s Clapback to Her Haters Over Stefon Diggs is <i>Peak</i> Cardi

Cardi B.’s Clapback to Her Haters Over Stefon Diggs is Peak Cardi

In true Cardi B fashion, her latest post is super funny. Unfortunately, not everybody is finding the humor in her situation with Stefon Diggs …
The Terrifying Reason a N.C. Amazon Driver and Her Son Were Shot At While Delivering Packages

The Terrifying Reason a N.C. Amazon Driver and Her Son Were Shot At While Delivering Packages

A North Carolina Amazon driver and her teen son were delivering packages when a homeowner allegedly shot at them with a shotgun …
The Bizarre Reason a Ga. Prison Guard Allegedly Held Welfare Workers Captive in Their Office

The Bizarre Reason a Ga. Prison Guard Allegedly Held Welfare Workers Captive in Their Office

A Georgia prison guard locked people up for a living, but now he’s accused of locking welfare workers in their building over this wild reason! …
Ryan Coogler's Newly Revealed Original 'Black Panther 2' Script is Mind-Blowing!

Ryan Coogler’s Newly Revealed Original ‘Black Panther 2’ Script is Mind-Blowing!

While ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ was good, the original script sounds like it would’ve slapped SO HARD. Let’s talk about it! …
New Development In The Uncle Nearest CEO Fawn Weaver-Classmate Saga

New Development In The Uncle Nearest CEO Fawn Weaver-Classmate Saga

Fawn Weaver isn’t done apologizing after the internet dragged her over that awkward interaction with her old schoolmate …
How Trump is Threatening to Erase the Legacies of World War II's Black Soldiers

How Trump is Threatening to Erase the Legacies of World War II’s Black Soldiers

After Trump’s anti-DEI policies rocked the nation, a WWII museum in Europe is facing backlash for removing Black soldiers’ memorials …