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
Biggie and Diddy’s Strange Friendship: Revisiting the Most Defining Moments

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

Screenshot: Instagram

The Shocking Life Story of Soul Singer Al Green

In honor of his 80th birthday, we’re looking at the life of the legendary soul singer, Al Green …
Inside the Unnecessary Renovations Trump Is Making to and Around the White House

Inside the Unnecessary Renovations Trump Is Making to and Around the White House

Here’s all of the changes Trump’s made to and around the White House, including his controversial ballroom construction and latest triumphal arch …
Family Seeks Justice For Influencer, Ashlee Jenae, After Suspicious Death While On Vacation in Tanzania

Family Seeks Justice For Influencer, Ashlee Jenae, After Suspicious Death While On Vacation in Tanzania

Influencer Ashlee Jenae’s family is demanding answers after she died on her birthday trip to Tanzania …
Why Anti-Redistricting Ads Targeting Black Voters in VA Have Civil Rights Leaders Outraged

Why Anti-Redistricting Ads Targeting Black Voters in VA Have Civil Rights Leaders Outraged

Ahead of a special election in Virginia, Black residents received shocking messages via phone and mail invoking Jim Crow’s dark past …
Massive Faith Strategy Summit at Yale to Save the 2026 Midterms

Massive Faith Strategy Summit at Yale to Save the 2026 Midterms

Barber is hosting the 2026 Public Theology & Public Policy Conference to organize Churches for the midterms this fall …
Maryland Mother Devastated After Learning Her Baby’s 'Ashes' Weren’t Human At All

Maryland Mother Devastated After Learning Her Baby’s ‘Ashes’ Weren’t Human At All

Michelle Bivens thought she was keeping her son close after she cremated him, until an expert determined the ashes weren’t human …
Why the Deeply Racist Nixon-Reagan Tapes Are Only a Surprise to Those Not Paying Attention

Why the Deeply Racist Nixon-Reagan Tapes Are Only a Surprise to Those Not Paying Attention

While the explicit nature of the “monkey” and “cannibal” slurs is jarring, it sits within a long, documented tradition of presidential prejudice that has shaped the nation’s policies …
Zendaya's Character in 'The Drama' Was Bad, But We Need to Talk About the Real Villain

Zendaya’s Character in ‘The Drama’ Was Bad, But We Need to Talk About the Real Villain

There’s a lot of rightful online chatter about Zendaya’s character in her latest movie. But there’s an even bigger person we need to talk about! …
Why Black Women Are More Affected by Postpartum Depression, But Less Likely to Receive Help

Why Black Women Are More Affected by Postpartum Depression, But Less Likely to Receive Help

Black mothers are disproportionately affected by postpartum depression, but often go without proper diagnosis or care. During Black Maternal Health Week, we highlight the urgent gaps in maternal mental health support …
The Truth About Why This Former Congolese President Was Sentenced to Death

The Truth About Why This Former Congolese President Was Sentenced to Death

Even after a death sentence forced former Congolese President Joseph Kabila back into exile, his story is not over yet …
Why Parents of the 'Black-ish' Generation Are Choosing HBCUs Now

Why Parents of the ‘Black-ish’ Generation Are Choosing HBCUs Now

As more parents rethink what college readiness looks like, historically Black colleges and universities are emerging as a preferred path in today’s shifting educational landscape …
Judge Mathis Finally Secures His Wife Back and the Internet Is Overjoyed!

Judge Mathis Finally Secures His Wife Back and the Internet Is Overjoyed!

Judge Greg Mathis told his fans and followers that he was going to do whatever it took to get his wife back. Now, it looks like his efforts have finally paid off! …
NAACP Joins the Growing Call to Remove Trump From Office Now

NAACP Joins the Growing Call to Remove Trump From Office Now

As President Trump’s approval rating continues to drop, there is a growing call for his removal from office from both sides of the aisle …
Everything You Need to Know About Jackie Young, The WNBA’s First Million-Dollar Player

Everything You Need to Know About Jackie Young, The WNBA’s First Million-Dollar Player

The Las Vegas Aces guard made history as the league’s first seven-figure player …
Video of Black Houston Mom Wrongfully Held at Gunpoint by Police Will Make You Angry

Video of Black Houston Mom Wrongfully Held at Gunpoint by Police Will Make You Angry

A Black woman in Houston is raising alarms after she was wrongfully detained in front of her kids. Police, however, are telling a different story …
New Updates on Rapper Offset After FL Shooting Incident, Here's What We Know

New Updates on Rapper Offset After FL Shooting Incident, Here’s What We Know

We’re keeping our eye on the latest news about Offset, Cardi B’s Ex, who was shot at a casino in Hollywood, Florida …
The Real Story Behind Why Marques Houston Left 'Sister, Sister'

The Real Story Behind Why Marques Houston Left ‘Sister, Sister’

‘Go home, Roger!’ may be a beloved cultural phrase now, but for Marques Houston—it holds bittersweet memories. Let’s get into it! …
Meet the Black Women Responsible for Launching Artemis II

Meet the Black Women Responsible for Launching Artemis II

Black women have played “hidden” roles at NASA since the 1940s. Now, their work is finally being recognized with the Artemis II mission …
Coco Gauff Responds To The Hate She Received For Her 4c Hair In Viral Miu Miu Campaign

Coco Gauff Responds To The Hate She Received For Her 4c Hair In Viral Miu Miu Campaign

After receiving criticism for her hair in a recent Miu Miu campaign, Coco Gauff is calling out the haters for being insecure …
R&B Royalty Usher and Chris Brown Announce a Joint Tour, and Fans are Losing It!

R&B Royalty Usher and Chris Brown Announce a Joint Tour, and Fans are Losing It!

Is Usher or Chris Brown the King of R&B? We’re all about to find out thanks to their upcoming joint tour and fans can’t get enough! …