Elizabeth Banks's Best Red Carpet Looks Through the Years

The actress and 'Cocaine Bear' director makes bold statements on the red carpet with bright colors, playful patterns, and couture jumpsuits

Photo:

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Elizabeth Banks is known for stealing the scene in beloved comedies like The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Role Models, Walk of Shame, and Pitch Perfect. However, the Emmy-nominated actress, producer, and director has stolen the show on the red carpet as well. Although she once told USA Today she was "not a major fashionista" (via Glamour UK), her style at prominent Hollywood events — including the Oscars after-parties and movie premieres — has proven otherwise. 

Whether rocking custom looks from designers Vivienne Westwood and Alaïa or calling in the big guns like Elie Saab and Monique Lhuillier for sophisticated gowns, Banks's red carpet style has rivaled that of her eccentric character, Effie Trinket, from The Hunger Games. In addition, the mom of two has supported up-and-coming designers from around the globe and has never missed a moment to show off her signature color: red.

"I love working with a stylist, but I also love having personal relationships with designers," Banks reportedly said. "A stylist is great for pulling together an entire outfit, accessories included, and for shaking me out of my comfort zone."

Ahead, we've compiled Banks's best red carpet moments throughout her storied career. Keep scrolling for our favorites.

01 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in a Vivienne Westwood gown at the Oscars in 2023

Elizabeth Banks in Vivienne Westwood at the Oscars 2023

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Banks was strategic in wearing a black and white Vivienne Westwood gown at the Oscars to announce the Best Visual Effects category, recalling when she'd worn a column dress while presenting and almost tripped and fell. The asymmetrical shape includes a train that starts at the shoulder — a smart move for anyone looking to avoid a tripping incident.

02 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in an Alaïa dress at a 'Cocaine Bear' premiere in 2023

Elizabth Banks in Alaïa 2023 Cocaine Bear Premiere

Araya Doheny/FilmMagic

For the premiere of her third directorial effort, Banks glittered in a gold Alaïa high-low dress, stockings, and pointed Versace Aevitas platform pumps.

03 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in an Elie Saab dress at Governors Awards in 2022

Elizabeth banks in Elie Saab

Emma McIntyre/WireImage

The actress kept her look minimal at the Governor's Awards, wearing a black Elie Saab fit and flare gown with keyhole cutouts and minimal jewels.

04 of 25

Elizabeth in a Micheal Kors ensemble at the LACMA Art + Film Gala in 2022

Elizabeth Banks in Michael Kors

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Banks showed the value of separates on the red carpet, wearing a Michael Kors backless body suit, sequined skirt, and super straight locks for LACMA's Art + Film gala.

05 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in a Monique Lhuillier dress at the 'Call Jane' premiere in 2022

Elizabeth Banks in Monique Lhuillier

David Livingston/Getty Images

A Jessica Rabbit-inspired look from Monique Lhuillier was on order for the Call Jane premiere, featuring a sculpted sweetheart neckline, bare shoulders, and gold button detailing down one side.

06 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in a Badgley Mischka gown at the Oscars after-party in 2020

Elizabeth Banks in Badgley Mischka

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

It was a fashion redux in 2020 when Banks attended the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party in the same strappy red Badgley Mischka gown she'd worn to the after-party in 2004, writing on Instagram that she re-wore the garment to "bring global awareness to sustainability and consumerism as it relates to climate change."

07 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in a Versace dress at the 'Charlie's Angels' U.K. premiere in 2019

Elizabeth Banks in Versace

Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

Every Versace dress is cut to stun, and Banks' midriff-baring midi dress from the house for the U.K. premiere of Charlie's Angels was no different. Despite the cold temps that day, Banks rocked the sheer dress and gold Medusa button like a champ.

08 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in a David Koma dress at the 'Charlie's Angels' Los Angeles premiere in 2019

Elizabeth Banks In David Koma

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

Banks gave off serious Charlie's Angel vibes at the film's L.A. premiere in a David Koma dress with a deep-V, torso cutouts, slicked-back hair, and barely there strappy black sandals.

09 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in a Cushnie ensemble at the 'Charlie's Angels' New York City photocall in 2019

Elizabeth Banks in Cushnie

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Once again embracing black separates, Banks wore an asymmetrical bodysuit and glimmering wide-leg pants, all from beloved American fashion house Cushnie.

10 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in a Marc Jacobs sweater and skirt at SXSW in 2019

Elizabeth Banks in Marc Jacobs

Sean Mathis/Getty Images for SXSW

As executive producer of the Hulu series Shrill, Banks attended the comedy's premiere at SXSW in a Naadam cashmere sweater, Marc Jacobs high-low skirt, and sky-high Jimmy Choo So Kate python pumps.

11 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in a two-piece Monique Lhuillier gown at the 'Vanity Fair' Oscar Party in 2019

Elizabeth Banks in Monique Lhuillier

David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

It was another red dress for the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party, this time from one of Banks's favorite designers, Monique Lhuillier. The midriff-baring ensemble featured oversized puff sleeves on top, while the skirt flared into a lovely train.

12 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in a Michael Kors dress at the Met Gala in 2017

Elizabeth Banks in Michael Kors

John Shearer/Getty Images

The Met Gala was no match for Banks's dizzying sequined Michael Kors column dress, which she offset with a bright blue eye look.

13 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in an Elie Saab Couture gown at the 'Vanity Fair' Oscar Party in 2017

Elizabeth Banks in Elie Saab

Anthony Harvey/Getty Images

Banks showcased relaxed elegance in a sheer, belted Elie Saab Couture gown for the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party.

14 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in a Ralph and Russo Couture jumpsuit at the Oscars after-party in 2016

Elizabeth Banks in Ralph and Russo

John Shearer/Getty Images

Positively regal in an all-white look from Ralph and Russo Couture, Banks hit the Oscars after-party the following year in a caped palazzo jumpsuit with embroidered bodice and Tiffany & Co. jewels.

15 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in a Dolce & Gabbana dress at 'The Hunger Games' L.A. premiere in 2015

Elizabeth Banks in Dolce & Gabbana

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

At The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part II premiere in L.A., Banks gambled on a long-sleeved sequined and striped Dolce & Gabbana dress and won.

16 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in a Razan Alazzouni ensemble at the 'Hunger Games' U.K. premiere in 2015

Elizabeth banks in Razan Alazzouni

Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images

A stunning Razan Alazzouni dress coat paired with navy blue trousers and matching Casadei pumps was the look of the night at the U.K. premiere of Banks' final Hunger Games film in the franchise.

17 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in a Dolce & Gabbana dress at the 'Everest' Venice premiere in 2015

Elizabeth Banks in Dolce & Gabbana

 Ian Gavan/Getty Images

On opening night at the Venice International Film Festival, Banks wore a stunning white sleeveless Dolce & Gabbana gown with embellishments, a cutout back, and black bow detailing.

18 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in an Andrew Gn gown at the 'Black Mass' premiere in 2015

Elizabeth Banks in Andrew Gn

Venturelli/WireImage

Banks looked straight off the couture runway in an elegantly printed Andrew Gn gown, Brian Atwood shoes, and a chic low bun at the Black Mass premiere.

19 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in an Emilia Wickstead gown at the Venice Film Festival in 2015

Elizabeth Banks in Emilia Wickstead

Elisabetta A. Villa/WireImage

For the closing night of the Venice Film Festival, Banks matched the red carpet in a flowing Emila Wickstead gown that seamlessly incorporated both a high neck and a deep-V.

20 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in a Monique Lhuillier dress at the 'Walk of Shame' premiere in 2014

Elizabeth Banks in Monique Lhuillier
Skip Bolen/Getty Images

Banks attended a Walk of Shame screening in a black-and-fuchsia high-neck net Monique Lhuillier midi dress, complete with Jack Vartanian jewelry, a patent black belt, a black box clutch, and black pumps.

21 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in an Osman jumpsuit at 'The Lego Movie' premiere in 2014

Elizabeth Banks in Osman
Frederick Taylor/Broadimage

The Modern Family guest star kept it playful in an Osman jumpsuit with an embellished bodice and a fuchsia waistband, accessorizing with a Jack Vartanian ear cuff, Borgioni studs, and AS29 ring.

22 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in a Versace gown at the 'Catching Fire' premiere in 2013

Elizabeth Banks in Versace
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Banks turned up the heat at The Hunger Games: Catching Fire premiere in a strapless orange Versace gown with linear gold detailing at the bodice.

23 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in a Jenny Packham ensemble at the 'Catching Fire' premiere in 2013

Elizabeth Banks in Jenny Packham
Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com

At The Hunger Games: Catching Fire premiere, Banks glammed it up in Jenny Packham separates: a black wool bustier top and pants embellished with silver crystal beading. Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, an Edie Parker clutch, and black Louboutins completed her look.

24 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in an Elie Saab gown at the 'Catching Fire' Berlin premiere in 2013

Elizabeth Banks in Elie Saab
A-way!/Splash News

Banks arrived to The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Berlin premiere in a fully embellished Elie Saab gown with a sweetheart neckline and thin metallic belt. A silver Kara Ross clutch and drop earrings polished off the look.

25 of 25

Elizabeth Banks in a Bill Blass gown at 'Hunger Games' London premiere in 2012

Elizabeth Banks yellow Hunger Games premiere dress
Phil Loftus/Capital Pictures/AdMedia

Proving she's never been afraid of color, Banks attended the London premiere of The Hunger Games in a backless yellow Bill Blass gown, Diamond in the Rough ring, and Irene Neuwirth moonstone earrings.

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