Denée Benton Did Gilded Age Corsetry Her Way at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards
On The Gilded Age, actor Denée Benton most often wears 19th century corsets and bustles for her role as the Peggy Scott. But last night, at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, Benton swapped in her period attire in favor of a red carpet look that was much more fitting for a modern-day TV star. After all, it was a big evening for the rising actor: Benton was nominated in the best supporting actress in a drama series category, and she needed a striking ensemble for the occasion.
“It was truly an honor and a genuine surprise. It was not on my bingo card,” Benton tells Vogue of receiving the nod. “Being considered with these other genuinely great actors feels like a really special moment of arrival that I’ve been working towards for a long time. We as a cast also had no clue that The Gilded Age would pop off the way it did this year, so I am thankful to share in the shine!”
To get red carpet-ready, Benton worked with hair stylist Cody Ainey, makeup artist Jessica Smalls, and stylist Amanda Lim, who called upon designer Bach Mai to create a custom outfit for Benton. Together, they wanted to bring to life a look that nodded to The Gilded Age while simultaneously appeared fresh and current.
They landed on a satiny red corset top with cut-outs, paired with a long, sleek oxblood skirt. “This was my first custom collaboration, and I loved how generously Bach included me in the process,” says Benton. “I love the play on a modern silhouette with a hint toward the gilded corsets. I’m also obsessed with the oxblood and purple color combo.” The sophisticated ensemble reflects what she often gravitates towards with fashion. “I love chic and playful shapes—a doll with edge,” says Benton.
The star may have pulled off a winning fashion moment on the red carpet, but that was not the only highlight Benton enjoyed throughout the star-studded night. Her personal highlight? “Quinta Brunson knowing who I am—I’m an Abbot loyalist,” says Benton. (We love stars fangirling over other stars.) She was also a fan of the snacks on hand, not to mention the late-night festivities she enjoyed with her loved ones. “My most surprising moment of the night was the pigs in a blanket from Wetzel’s Pretzels. A high-brow, low-brow if you will,” she says. “I also hosted a beautiful dinner with my close friends. It was so nice to jump up and down and squeal with them after keeping it together all night.”
Below, see how Benton got ready for the 2026 Critics Choice Awards.
Photo: Courtesy of Denée Benton1/14I got to make my first custom look with the incredible Bach Mai. He was so generous and collaborative with everything, down to the color palate, shape, and the level of shine on the satin. I really felt like it was a co-creation, and we really nailed it!
Photo: Courtesy of Denée Benton2/14I now can never go to an event without a Signature Triple Crown Facial from Joanna Vargas. The infrared light beds bring me back to life. I didn t know I was a believer, but then I m in there, less inflamed with more shine.
More on the 2026 Critics Choice Awards
