Awards season starts on the wrist
The 2026 awards season officially began at the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards, held at the Barker Hangar at the Santa Monica Airport in California. While the spotlight was on standout performances across film and television, watch people were watching something else too: what landed on the red carpet.
This year, OMEGA delivered a lineup that felt very “right now” for retail. Think heritage icons that never fall out of favour, paired with modern dial colour, refined dress-watch proportions, and precious-metal statements that read instantly on camera and in close-up photos.
Below is a quick, shop-friendly breakdown of who wore what, plus the trend takeaways Canadian retailers can turn into product stories, social content, and client conversations.
Who wore OMEGA: the red-carpet lineup (with references)
Wagner Moura: De Ville Trésor with diamond detail
Nominated for Best Actor for his role in The Secret Agent, Wagner Moura wore a 40 mm De Ville Trésor in stainless steel featuring a diamond-paved bezel, paired with a black leather strap.
Reference: 435.18.40.21.02.001
Why it matters in-store: This is a reminder that “dress” is back, especially when it comes with just enough sparkle to feel elevated but still wearable.
Brian Tyree Henry: Speedmaster Moonwatch in Sedna Gold
Nominated for Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television for his role in Dope Thief, Brian Tyree Henry wore a 42 mm Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional in 18K Sedna Gold.
Reference: 310.60.42.50.01.001
Why it matters in-store: The Moonwatch remains the gateway icon, but precious-metal executions shift the conversation from “first great watch” to “reward watch.”
Charlie Hunnam: Seamaster Aqua Terra with a turquoise gradient dial
Nominated for Best Actor in a Movie/Miniseries for his role in Monster: The Ed Gein Story, Charlie Hunnam wore a 41 mm Seamaster Aqua Terra featuring a turquoise gradient dial.
Reference: 220.10.41.21.03.006
Why it matters in-store: Colour sells on screens and in scroll. Turquoise isn’t just a trend; it’s a content advantage.
Sterling K. Brown: Aqua Terra two-tone with burgundy dial
Nominated for Best Actor in a Drama Series for his role in Paradise, Sterling K. Brown wore a 38 mm Seamaster Aqua Terra in stainless steel and 18K Moonshine Gold, finished with a sun-brushed tinted lacquer burgundy dial.
Reference: 220.20.38.20.10.002
Why it matters in-store: Two-tone continues to be an easy “yes” for clients who want something warmer than steel but more versatile than full gold. Burgundy brings the wow.
Michael Chesnus: De Ville Prestige in yellow gold with green dial
Nominated for Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television for his role in Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, Michael Chesnus wore a 42 mm De Ville Prestige in yellow gold, featuring a sun-brushed green dial and railway minute track.
Reference: 434.23.42.22.10.001
Why it matters in-store: Green has matured from hype to staple. A classic layout (railway track) makes the colour feel timeless, not trendy.
Gabriel Luna: Two-tone Speedmaster Moonwatch statement
In attendance as a cast member of Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy, Gabriel Luna wore a 42 mm Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional in stainless steel and 18K Sedna Gold.
Reference: 310.20.42.50.99.001
Why it matters in-store: Two-tone on an icon is a strong upgrade path for clients who already own a steel sports watch and want their next piece to feel more special.
Trend takeaways Canadian retailers can use immediately
1) Dial colour is now a conversion tool
Turquoise, burgundy, and green were the red-carpet standouts. In practical terms: colour dials photograph better, stop thumbs on social, and give your sales team a quick story hook beyond specs.
Retail move: Build a “Dial Colour Edit” on your website and in-store. Make it shoppable, and keep it tight: turquoise, green, burgundy, and classic black/white.
2) Two-tone remains the sweet spot for “elevated daily wear”
The Aqua Terra and Speedmaster appearances show that mixed metals still communicate luxury without feeling like a formal-only purchase.
Retail move: Train your team to position two-tone as the “lifetime versatile” option, especially for clients who want warmth but hesitate on full gold.
3) Dress watches are back, but with detail
The De Ville Trésor with a diamond-paved bezel signals a return to polished, elegant watches that don’t feel old-fashioned.
Retail move: Merchandise dress watches beside fine jewellery. The client mindset is similar: finishing, shine, and occasion.
4) Icons still win the night
The Speedmaster Moonwatch continues to dominate the cultural conversation. On the red carpet, it reads as confident, collector-aware, and timeless.
Retail move: Create a “Moonwatch Moments” content series: one post per week, one story per feature, one client testimonial per month.
FAQ
Which OMEGA watch did Brian Tyree Henry wear at the Critics Choice Awards?
A 42 mm Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional in 18K Sedna Gold (Ref. 310.60.42.50.01.001).
Which OMEGA had the turquoise dial?
Charlie Hunnam’s 41 mm Seamaster Aqua Terra with a turquoise gradient dial (Ref. 220.10.41.21.03.006).
Which OMEGA watches featured green and burgundy dials?
Michael Chesnus wore a De Ville Prestige with a green dial (Ref. 434.23.42.22.10.001), and Sterling K. Brown wore an Aqua Terra with a burgundy dial (Ref. 220.20.38.20.10.002).
Which OMEGA model appeared most on the red carpet?
The Speedmaster Moonwatch Professional appeared in both full precious metal and two-tone configurations.
