Nicole Kidman, Amy Adams, Emma Stone on the Critic’s Choice Red Carpet (PHOTOS)

The Critic’s Choice Awards, held on Sunday December 11, is the second awards show of “official awards season” after the Hollywood Film Awards. However, it is the first truly important one, fashion-wise, as stylists create original gowns for important nominees.

Of course, the biggest fashion statement will happen at the Golden Globes on January 8, but the Critics is the last awards show before the holidays. The outfits were low key for the most part – but with a fair amount skin. Here are ENTITY’s picks for the top looks at the Critics Choice Awards. And if you notice, Brandon Maxwell is the only American designer in our top five.

1 Nicole Kidman in Brandon Maxwell

Nicole Kidman at the 22nd Annual Critics’ Choice Awards, 2016. Photo by John Salangsang/BFA/REX/Shutterstock

Kidman went ultra sleek in this black point-and-keyhole gown by Lady Gaga’s stylist and designer, Brandon Maxwell. The shape of the dress emphasizes her body and face more than the dress itself – sexy and sleek, but not at all crass. Beyoncé and Rihanna could take a lesson in decorum here.

2 Amy Adams in Atelier Versace

Amy Adams at the 22nd Annual Critics’ Choice Awards, 2016. Photo by John Salangsang/BFA/REX/Shutterstock

Amy Adams doesn’t usually go sexy – she’s a fashion minimalist – but Atelier Versace in Milan built this white form-fitting gown that emphasized her cleavage and shoulders. White always stands out on the red carpet – if you’ve got the figure for it. Amy certainly does.

3 Emma Stone in Roland Mouret

Emma Stone at the 22nd Annual Critics’ Choice Awards, 2016. Photo by Matt Baron/BEI/Shutterstock

Emma Stone is young and fresh enough to pull off this halter bandeau top embellished in black and silver by London-based designer Roland Mouret. She and her stylist Petra Flannery are very good at dressing Stone in young looks that are still a little sexy. After all, she’s 28 now!

4 Natalie Portman in Alexander McQueen

Natalie Portman at the 22nd Annual Critics Choice Awards, 2016. Photo by John Salangsang/BFA/REX/Shutterstock

The pregnant “Jackie” star and her stylist Kate Young had an Alexander McQueen cape dress in black and red embroidery and embellishment made for her. The dress is quite unique in that it’s short and very busy – but we say, she can carry it, though some fashion critics aren’t wild about it.

5 Kerry Washington in Elie Saab

Kerry Washington at the 22nd Annual Critics’ Choice Awards, 2016. Photo by Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock

Washington is known to take fashion risks on the red carpet, and this short black illusion volume dress by Elie Saab – with star detail on the mesh  – is definitely that. Points for going for it!