The 2024 National Board of Review Awards Gala in New York City was a star-studded affair. Hollywood luminaries like Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway turned heads in sultry strapless gowns.
Justine Triet kept it effortlessly cool in a relaxed brown suit and leather loafers, while Jessica Chastain stunned in a strapless purple Vivienne Westwood gown with a scalloped train at the 2024 National Board of Review Awards Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City (Credit: TheNews2 / Cover Images)
Despite their outfits’ varying shades, American actresses shared a common theme: their very low-cut necklines set a glamorous tone for the evening.
Held at the Cipriani 42nd Street, the gala attracted the presence of A-listers such as Bradley Cooper, Zac Efron, Ethan Hawke, Mark Ruffalo, Michael J. Fox, Wendell Pierce, Elizabeth Olsen, Amy Sedaris, Teyana Taylor, Laura Linney, Andrew Scott, and Da’Vine Joy Randolph.
Anne Hathaway captivates in a sparkling midnight-black Giorgio Armani gown, showcasing a plunging sweetheart neckline and captivating side cutouts paired with elegant Bulgari jewels (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
The ceremony, hosted by Willie Geist, recognized outstanding achievements in film. Top honors went to Killers of the Flower Moon for Best Film, Martin Scorsese for Best Director, Paul Giamatti for Best Actor in The Holdovers, and Lily Gladstone for Best Actress.
Jessica Chastain Wows in Purple Vivienne Westwood Gown
Making her first red carpet appearance of the year, Jessica Chastain presented at the gala and stunned everyone in a custom Vivienne Westwood gown.
The 46-year-old star’s strapless iridescent gown, featuring a rich purple fabric with the English fashion designer’s signature corset detailing, showcased a sharp scoop neckline, adding three-dimensional drama to the ensemble.
Jessica Chastain captivates in a custom Vivienne Westwood gown, showcasing signature corset detailing and a dramatic scoop neckline at the 2024 National Board of Review Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on January 11, 2024, in New York City (Credit: TheNews2 / Cover Images)
As the corset-shaped bodice tapered inward, the skirt maintained a straight silhouette adorned with a delicate scalloped train.
Chastain accessorized with a multicolored tennis necklace from Suzanne Kalan, maintaining a minimalist beauty approach with blush-colored lipstick and pale pink nails. Keeping the spotlight on her dress, her long red hair cascaded down in effortless waves.
Jessica Chastain complements her Vivienne Westwood gown with a dazzling multicolored tennis necklace from Suzanne Kalan, and her iconic red hair cascades in elegant waves (Credit: Barbara Hine / Future Image / Cover Images)
While gracing the red carpet, the Blackbeard actress captured moments in photographs alongside Justine Triet, sporting a brown suit and white T-shirt.
During the ceremony, Chastain presented the 45-year-old French film director and screenwriter with the accolade for Best International Film, recognizing the courtroom drama Anatomy of a Fall.
Anne Hathaway Dazzles in Black Giorgio Armani Dress
Anne Hathaway made a sensational entrance in a sparkling Giorgio Armani ensemble adorned with intricate bead embellishments, modernizing the timeless Hollywood Little Black Dress (LBD).
The 41-year-old movie actress selected a midnight-black evening gown from the Italian luxury fashion house’s Fall/Winter 2023 couture collection.
Anne Hathaway shines in a Giorgio Armani sparkling black gown featuring a plunging sweetheart neckline and elegant Bulgari jewels at the 2024 National Board of Review Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on January 11, 2024, in New York City (Credit: Barbara Hine / Future Image / Cover Images)
Adding to the allure, Hathaway’s outfit featured a daring plunging sweetheart neckline, showcasing her bare décolletage and captivating cutouts wrapping around the sides of her torso, complemented by a strap detail extending to her back.
The slight train gracefully concealed her choice of footwear – a pair of coordinating black Aquazzura Sheeva heels that flawlessly rounded off her ensemble. You can check them out at Farfetch.
View this post on Instagram
True to her style, the Interstellar star kept accessories elegantly simple, opting for silver Bulgari jewels. These included dazzling diamond Bulgari High Jewelry earrings, a matching Bulgari High Jewelry Serpenti bracelet, and multiple diamond rings.
Anne Hathaway pairs her Giorgio Armani dress with sophisticated Bulgari High Jewelry earrings, her brunette locks styled in graceful loose waves (Credit: Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto)
Hathaway’s brunette locks were casually styled in loose waves, while her natural glam look featured flushed, dewy makeup, including blush pink eyeshadow and glossy peachy lipstick.
During the ceremony, The Devil Wears Prada actress was honored to present the Icon Award to Bradley Cooper.
Chastain and Hathaway Join Forces for Mothers’ Instinct
For fans of Jessica Chastain and Anne Hathaway, the glamour of the gala wasn’t the last time these two stars shared the spotlight.
In the 2024 psychological thriller Mothers’ Instinct, the Academy Award-winning actors portray best friends and neighbors whose bond unravels after a tragic accident. As guilt, paranoia, and suspicion mount, their relationship spirals into a gripping psychological battle of wills that explores the darker side of maternal instinct.
Anne Hathaway wears a powder blue Celine blouse and pearl necklace, while Jessica Chastain stuns in a blush pink embroidered dress as Alice in Mothers’ Instinct (Credit: Neon)
Directed by Benoît Delhomme in his directorial debut, Mothers’ Instinct also stars Anders Danielsen Lie and Josh Charles. The film is a remake of Olivier Masset-Depasse’s 2018 French-language film, which was based on the 2012 novel Derrière la haine by Barbara Abel.
The film was released in Lithuania on March 8, 2024, and in the United States on July 26, 2024, adding another layer of acclaim to the dynamic duo’s cinematic collaboration.
Why the National Board of Review Awards Matter
As one of the first major events of the U.S. film awards season, the National Board of Review (NBR) Awards serve as a powerful bellwether for what’s to come during Oscar season. With a history dating back to 1909, the NBR combines tradition with a unique and diverse voting body, often spotlighting underseen gems alongside mainstream favorites. Celebrated for its focus on cinematic artistry and storytelling, the NBR Awards not only honor the year’s most compelling performances and films but also influence the trajectory of awards season buzz. In addition to shaping critical conversations, the gala has become a red carpet favorite for high-fashion moments. Below, we take a look at some of the most stylish celebrity appearances from past NBR Awards.
Let me know if you’d like a meta description or intro to go with this section as well!
Stepping Out in Style: Shoe and Fashion Highlights from the National Board of Review Awards
The National Board of Review Awards Gala has consistently been a platform where celebrities showcase their impeccable fashion sense. Here are some standout moments from recent years:
Elizabeth Olsen Stuns in Thom Browne and Santoni Heels
- Event: 2024 National Board of Review Awards Gala
- Outfit: Elizabeth Olsen captivated in a black and white Thom Browne ensemble featuring a structured blazer and corseted top.
- Footwear: She completed her look with black Santoni Arizona platform sandals, which added height and elegance.
- Read more: Elizabeth Olsen’s Thom Browne ensemble at the NBR Awards
Ariana Grande Embraces Pink in Loewe and White Toy Pumps
- Event: 2025 National Board of Review Awards Gala
- Outfit: Ariana Grande returned to her signature color in a custom baby pink Loewe gown, exuding Old Hollywood glamour.
- Footwear: She paired her gown with white Loewe Toy pumps, known for their second-skin construction and comfort.
- Discover more: Ariana Grande’s pink Loewe gown and Toy pumps at the NBR Gala
Elle Fanning Channels Retro Glamour in Pastel Valentino and Lavender Pumps
- Event: 2025 National Board of Review Awards Gala
- Outfit: Elle Fanning embraced spring vibes in a pastel Valentino dress with a lavender ruched bustier top and yellow ruffled skirt.
- Footwear: She complemented her ensemble with lavender satin pumps from Valentino’s Pre-Fall 2025 collection, featuring floral embroidery.
- See more: Elle Fanning’s pastel Valentino look at the NBR Awards
Gal Gadot Dazzles in Elie Saab and René Caovilla ‘Snake’ Sandals
- Event: 2018 National Board of Review Awards Gala
- Outfit: Gal Gadot turned heads in a waterfall-blue Elie Saab gown with a thigh-high slit and cutout detailing.
- Footwear: She paired her gown with René Caovilla’s Snake sandals, which featured a coiled design that wrapped elegantly around her ankles.
- Explore her style: Gal Gadot’s Elie Saab gown and René Caovilla sandals at the NBR Gala
Lady Gaga Makes a Statement in Ralph Lauren and Gianvito Rossi Pumps
- Event: 2019 National Board of Review Awards Gala
- Outfit: Lady Gaga showcased a sleeveless black Ralph Lauren tuxedo dress adorned with over 23,000 jet crystals.
- Footwear: She completed her ensemble with black suede pumps by Gianvito Rossi, adding a touch of classic elegance.
- Read more: Lady Gaga’s Ralph Lauren dress and Gianvito Rossi pumps at the NBR Awards
These fashion moments from the National Board of Review Awards Gala highlight the impeccable style choices of celebrities, combining designer outfits with stunning footwear to create memorable red carpet appearances.