Tessa Thompson wore custom Balenciaga by Pierpaolo Piccioli at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on Sunday night.
The strapless, shimmering gown featured a straight neckline and close-fitting bodice, covered in tightly packed metallic green paillettes that created a scale-like texture. The embellishment continued through a slim floor-length skirt that extended into a short back train.
Tessa Thompson at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes held at The Beverly Hilton on Jan. 11, 2026 in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Michael Buckner/2026GG
Thompson carried a chartreuse satin envelope clutch finished with round white “ICE OUT” and “BE GOOD” buttons. She accessorized with stacked diamond bracelets and multiple rings.
Styled by Karla Welch, Thompson attended as a nominee for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for her lead turn in “Hedda,” a film adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, playing the titular role. The performance made her the first Afro-Latina nominated in the category.
Tessa Thompson at the 83rd Annual Golden Globes held at The Beverly Hilton on Jan. 11, 2026 in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Gilbert Flores/2026GG
In the months leading up to the ceremony, Thompson built out a “Hedda” press wardrobe with Welch, returning often to saturated color, streamlined strapless silhouettes and sequined Balenciaga dresses styled with gloves — a combination she brought back partially on the Globes carpet. In New York last October, she wore a Tory Burch spring 2026 look, pairing a bright red leather belted midi skirt with a collared beige cardigan. At the Franca Fund Gala in Doha in November, she opted for a strapless seafoam green Balenciaga midi dress covered in sequins, styled with cream heels and gloves.
At LACMA’s Art+Film Gala last November, Thompson wore a silver Gucci gown and spoke about the role style plays in her work. Calling Kerry James Marshall “one of my favorite working artists,” she told WWD she was “continuously in awe of him and his craft,” later adding of her own process, “I love fashion… it’s something that has really been a source of inspiration for me since I was a little girl. Also, when I work, fashion becomes so much a part of building character.”
The 83rd Golden Globe Awards are underway tonight at The Beverly Hilton, honoring the best in 2025 film, television and podcasts. “One Battle After Another” leads film with nine nominations, with “Sentimental Value” and “Sinners” close behind, while “The White Lotus” tops TV nods. Hosted again by Nikki Glaser, the ceremony airs live beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on CBS and streams on Paramount+.
