The Emmy’s red carpet last night brought no shortage of bold fashion moments this year, with everything from fiery red gowns to sculptural statement pieces. While plenty of stars earned praise for their stunning ensembles, a few missed the mark—not just with their outfits, but with their beauty choices as well. Unfortunately, Elizabeth Banks landed on that list.
The Hunger Games alum arrived in a black Rabanne dress featuring a halter neckline with a circular cutout, an asymmetrical pleated skirt, and metallic fringe detailing at the center that demanded attention. The gown even included pockets and a chic back cutout, which she paired with heels, a silver clutch, and drop earrings. But when it came to her hair, fans weren’t impressed.
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Fans React To Elizabeth Banks’ ‘Bad Hair’ at the Emmys
The 51-year-old attempted a voluminous ponytail style with slicked-back strands and an added blonde extension headpiece. Critics, however, thought the faux ponytail looked unnatural and described it as a poor hairstyling choice.
Many took to E! News’ Instagram account to share their thoughts on her locks.
“Not her best look… Too much hair weighed down her brain as a presenter…,” said one user. Another wrote, “Too much fake hair.” Someone else said, “Bad dress & bad hair. What happened to her…she doesn’t look like she used to.” A fourth fan commented on E! News’ YouTube account, “Holy wigs.”
Despite the “bad hair” day, Banks went on stage during the main ceremony to present the award for Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. She highlighted a major milestone—five of the six nominees were women. But the moment quickly shifted when the award ultimately went to the sole male contender in the category.
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Elizabeth Banks Presents at the Emmy Awards
Philip Barantini, who was widely praised as a deserving winner, earned the honor for his work on Netflix’s hit limited series Adolescence.
The other nominees included Shannon Murphy (Dying for Sex), Helen Shaver (The Penguin), Jennifer Getzinger (The Penguin), Nicole Kassell (Sirens), and Lesli Linka Glatter (Zero Day). The outcome sparked plenty of buzz online, with fans taking to X (formerly Twitter) to share their mixed reactions.
“Elizabeth Banks making the whole intro to that Emmys category about how women are never nominated for it just for the sole male nominee to end up winning 2 seconds later,” said one fan. Another user boldly claimed, “She knew what she was doing; she knew he would win.” A third said, “Elizabeth Banks made a whole thing about there being 5 women and 1 man in the category only for the man to still win.”
Regardless, Adolescence turned out to be the biggest winner of the night. The breakout Netflix series scored nominations in six categories—and impressively swept them all.
The show’s young lead, 15-year-old Owen Cooper, also made history by becoming the youngest male actor ever to win in any Emmy acting category.
