> At a Glance
> – Jessica Biel, 43, turned heads in a black-and-gold Lanvin gown with a plunging open back at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards.
> – She is nominated for Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television for Prime Video’s The Better Sister.
> – Biel told E! that husband Justin Timberlake is “so amazing live” and she’ll “dance my butt off” at his shows.
> – Why it matters: The actress balances a celebrated acting return with holiday traditions and producing duties, showing Hollywood moms how to juggle it all.
Jessica Biel brought red-carpet drama to Santa Monica on January 4, 2026, trading mom duties for movie-star glamour to celebrate her first major awards nomination in years.
Red-Carpet Look
The 7th Heaven alum stepped out in a halter-neck Lanvin gown featuring:
- Gold-trimmed black silk
- Sheer side panels
- Cascading ruffles down the skirt
- A completely open back that dipped almost to her waist
She kept accessories minimal-gold jewelry and a sleek bun-letting the dress steal the spotlight.
Family & Work Balance
A source close to Biel told News Of Los Angeles that the holidays are sacred for the actress and her sons, Silas, 10, and Phineas, 5.
> “She loves Christmas and always makes it thoughtful and special, not necessarily over the top.”
Between filming, Biel has shifted focus to Iron Ocean Productions, the company she co-founded with Michelle Purple in 2007.
The insider noted:
- Producing has become “a natural direction” for her
- She maintains “great discipline and vision in the producer seat”
- The role lets her stay creative while staying present for her boys
Proud Fan of Timberlake
On the red carpet, Biel gushed about her husband’s live shows to E! host Justin Sylvester:
> “I feel like I’m up there with his number-one fans. There’s just no one like him-who can perform like him, who sings like him. He just brings so much joy.”
She added that she doesn’t care if she looks “like a crazy person,” vowing to “dance my butt off for two and a half hours” at every concert.
Key Takeaways
- Biel’s awards nod marks her return to TV after a brief hiatus.
- Her family-first approach includes low-key but meaningful holiday traditions.
- Running Iron Ocean Productions lets her flex creative muscles without constant on-set hours.
With a headline-making gown and a nomination to her name, Biel proved Sunday night that style and substance can coexist-even for a busy mom of two.
