The one where Kaley Cuoco paid homage.
When the Big Bang Theory actress stepped onto the black carpet at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards on Jan. 4, she did so in a look inspired by one Jennifer Aniston wore to the Golden Globes in 2002.
The original ensemble saw the Friends star wear trousers and a matching black blazer with nothing under it, allowing the plunging neckline and cropped design to show off some skin. At the time, Jennifer styled the look at the time with pointed toe black heels, a large black clutch and with her dirty blonde locks done in a messy yet updo.
Kaley, over 20 years later, donned a similar outfit—but with a 2026 twist. Instead of a cropped blazer, the 40-year-old and stylist Brad Goreski opted for an oversized blazer from SIMKHAI, though she still wore nothing underneath, allowing her black bra to peek through.
At the Jan. 4 ceremony—hosted by Chelsea Handler—Kaley paired the top with matching wide legged trousers, a small black clutch—smaller than Jennifer’s from years earlier—pointed toe heels, a chunky silver choker and updo. (See more stars at the Critics Choice Awards 2026 here.)
And if there were any lingering confusion over whether the Based on a True Story star did indeed intend to honor Jennifer with her outfit, Kaley took to Instagram following the Critics Choice Awards to post side by side images of the two looks.
She captioned the series of Stories, “When @jenniferaniston is your mood board.”
Kaley shared even more details in a grid post, breaking down how she and her stylists brought the look to life.
“I wanted to recreate and reimagine a favorite look I’ve always loved,” she captioned the post. “From the hair and makeup, to the suit and the jewels we put our spin on it, but represented a look I always loved, worn by a woman who will always be iconic!”
And of course, Kaley had to shoutout her date for the evening: husband Tom Pelphrey, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama A Series for Task. For the occasion, Tom matched his wife in a dapper, all-black suit.
She wrote, “@criticschoice with my favorite nominee @tommypelphrey.”
For more of the many black carpet looks from the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, read on.
Teyana Taylor
in Saint Laurent and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Jessica Biel
in Lanvin.
Ariana Grande
in custom Alberta Ferretti, Christian Louboutin and Swarovski jewelry.
Paul Mescal
in custom Gucci and Cartier.
Jacob Elordi
in Bottega Veneta, Oliver Peoples and Cartier.
Michael B. Jordan
in custom Louis Vuitton and Christian Louboutin.
Leighton Meester & Adam Brody
in Carolina Herrera and Chopard jewelry (Meester); Valentino and Jager Le Coultre wath (Brody).
Alexander Skarsgard
in Valentino.
Adam Scott & Naomi Scott
in Dolce & Gabbana.
Marcello Hernandez
in Dolce & Gabbana.
Mckenna Grace
in vintage Vera Wang and Chopard diamonds.
Krys Marshall
in Sehnsucht Atelier.
Rhea Seehorn
in custom Louis Vuitton and Brilliant Earth jewelry.
Nicole Brydon Bloom
in Akris.
Sara Wells & Noah Wyle
in Brioni (Wyle).
Adam Sandler & Jackie Sandler
Leo Woodall
in Paul Smith.
Ryan Coogler & Zinzi Coogler
in custom Louis Vuitton.
Katherine LaNasa & Grant Show
in custom Louis Vuitton and Messika jewelry (LaNasa).
Seth Rogen
in Zegna.
Sarah Shahi
in Georges Hobeika.
Ginnifer Goodwin & Josh Dallas
in Giorgio Armani and a Tyler Ellis bag(Goodwin).
Ike Barinholtz
in Dior.
Jimmy Kimmel & Molly McNearney
in Alex Perry, Tyler Ellis purse and Manolo Blahnik shoes (McNearney).
Sterling K. Brown
in Brunello Cucinelli, Jacques Marie Mage glasses, Omega watch, Rachel Katz Jewelry cufflinks, Effy Jewelry rings and Melinda Maria earrings.
Sarah Snook
in Akris and Chopard.
Tramell Tillman
in Anamika Khanna and Lagos Diamonds jewelry.
Natasha Lyonne
in Celine and Le Vian and L'Dezen jewelry.
Chase Infiniti
in custom Louis Vuitton and Messika jewelry.
Owen Cooper
in Bottega Veneta.