Awards season 2025 began with unparalleled glamour as the 82nd Golden Globes—fondly known as “Hollywood’s Party of the Year”—unfolded at the iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles on Sunday, January 5. The star-studded event brought together the entertainment industry’s biggest names to honor excellence in film and television. Among the evening’s highlights was the buzz surrounding HBO Max’s The Penguin, a gritty exploration of the DC character’s rise from obscurity to Gotham City’s most feared crime lord.
The Penguin Steals the Spotlight
Amid ongoing debates about superhero fatigue, The Penguin has emerged as a refreshing standout, captivating audiences and critics with its raw realism and stellar performances. Colin Farrell, in his transformative portrayal of the titular character, and Cristin Milioti, his formidable onscreen foe, earned well-deserved nominations for their electrifying roles.
Cristin Milioti: A Gothic Vision on the Red Carpet
Milioti took the Golden Globes by storm in a custom black velvet gown by Rodarte that perfectly embodied the night’s gothic glamour theme. Her stylist, Bailey Moon, revealed the collaborative effort behind the design:
“Cristin and I have so much fun working together,” Moon shared. “For this event, we turned to [Rodarte co-founders] Kate and Laura Mulleavy, who crafted this sleek, corseted velvet gown adorned with shimmering trim that mimics shards of glass. It was the perfect mix of old Hollywood and the dark, dangerous allure of The Penguin.”
Milioti’s look was completed with elegant opera gloves—one of the evening’s standout accessory trends—paired with dazzling Maison Boucheron jewelry featuring art-deco diamonds, onyx, and rock crystals. A Tyler Ellis clutch and Stuart Weitzman platforms rounded out her ensemble, exuding effortless sophistication.
“It was important to us to honor her character’s essence while keeping it modern and true to Cristin,” Moon added.
Behind the Glam: The Team That Brought It All Together
Milioti’s flawless hair and makeup were the work of hairstylist Clayton Hawkins and makeup artist Jen Tioseco. Hawkins crafted romantic waves that perfectly complemented the dramatic gown, while Tioseco enhanced Milioti’s natural beauty with a soft, luminous makeup look.
“Jen and Clayton are magicians,” Milioti gushed. “They are incredible artists and a joy to be around. We truly understand each other, and their impeccable taste elevates every look.”
Cristin Milioti’s Exclusive Insights
InStyle caught up with the actress for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at her Golden Globes preparation, style inspirations, and post-show plans.
On Collaborating with Rodarte:
“Rodarte has always been a favorite of mine,” Milioti said. “Working with Bailey Moon and the Mulleavy sisters on this gown was a dream. We wanted a mix of old Hollywood glamour with a nod to the danger of The Penguin, and they exceeded all expectations. I adore this dress.”
Her Go-To Designers:
“YSL, Dior, Proenza Schouler, Khaite, Kallmeyer, Christopher Esber, and of course, Rodarte.”
The Jewelry That Stole Her Heart:
“The jewelry was by Boucheron, and the earrings were so exquisite I joked about wanting to eat them. They were perfect.”
Why She Loves the Golden Globes:
“It’s chaotic, and I love that about it.”
How She Unwinds:
“I love being with friends and spending time in the woods. It’s my happy place.”
Her Getting-Ready Soundtrack:
“We listened to Fiona Apple for three hours straight. She carried me through the whole process.”
Her After-Party Plans:
“Finally eating!”
A Night to Remember
Cristin Milioti’s Golden Globes experience was a testament to her style, talent, and the team behind her. With her stellar performance in The Penguin and her show-stopping red carpet look, Milioti proved she’s not only a force to be reckoned with on screen but also a fashion icon in the making.
The 82nd Golden Globes successfully set the tone for a stylish and thrilling awards season ahead, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what Hollywood’s brightest stars will bring to the stage and red carpet next.
