America Ferrera put on a dazzling display in a sequin gown as she made an appearance at the 29th Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica on Sunday.
The Ugly Betty alum, 39 – who recently exuded class at the BAFTA Tea Party event – joined other celebrities at the event which was hosted by Chelsea Handler, including Dua Lipa and Jennifer Aniston.
The star turned heads wearing a form-fitting, dark brown sequin dress that clung to her figure and contained a hem that fell down to brush the ground.
The sparkling ensemble was held up with straps that wrapped around her shoulders and also had a scooped neckline at the front.
Her dark locks were parted in the middle, and flowed down into light curls to nearly brush the tips of her shoulders.
![America Ferrera Shines in Sequin Dress at 2024 Critics Choice Awards, Wins Prestigious SeeHer Award 1 America Ferrera, 39, put on a dazzling display in a sequin gown as she made an appearance at the 29th Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica on Sunday](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/15/00/80009743-0-image-a-44_1705278825715.jpg)
America Ferrera, 39, put on a dazzling display in a sequin gown as she made an appearance at the 29th Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica on Sunday
![America Ferrera Shines in Sequin Dress at 2024 Critics Choice Awards, Wins Prestigious SeeHer Award 3 The star turned heads wearing a form-fitting, dark brown sequin dress that clung to her figure and contained a hem that fell down to brush the ground](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/15/01/80009753-12963267-The_star_turned_heads_wearing_a_form_fitting_dark_brown_sequin_d-a-44_1705283553465.jpg)
The star turned heads wearing a form-fitting, dark brown sequin dress that clung to her figure and contained a hem that fell down to brush the ground
The long hem of the gown partially concealed the open-toed heels she had paired with the outfit.
She accessorized her look with a pair of large, gold dangly earrings as well as chunky bracelets on each of her wrists.
America’s makeup was glammed up for the festivities and comprised of a layer of mascara to her lashes as well as a shimmering, bronze shadow around her eyes.
A warm blush and highlighter was added to better accentuate her cheekbones, while a nude-colored matte tint was worn on her lips for a finishing touch.
The beauty was seen flashing a cheerful as she posed on the red carpet at The Barker Hangar and was also accompanied by husband Ryan Piers Williams – whom she tied the knot with in 2011.
The director was dressed for the occasion in a classic, black suit as well as a matching vest and white shirt.
To complete the overall ensemble, Williams also added a black bowtie and slipped into a pair of sleek, dress shoes which were secured with laces.
The two lovebirds additionally paused for a few snaps together shortly before the anticipated ceremony commenced in Santa Monica.
![America Ferrera Shines in Sequin Dress at 2024 Critics Choice Awards, Wins Prestigious SeeHer Award 5 Her dark locks were parted in the middle, and flowed down into a light curl to nearly brush the tips of her shoulders](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/15/01/80009755-12963267-Her_dark_locks_were_parted_in_the_middle_and_flowed_down_into_a_-a-45_1705283553499.jpg)
Her dark locks were parted in the middle, and flowed down into a light curl to nearly brush the tips of her shoulders
![America Ferrera Shines in Sequin Dress at 2024 Critics Choice Awards, Wins Prestigious SeeHer Award 7 She accessorized her look with a pair of large, gold dangly earrings as well as chunky bracelets on each of her wrists](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/15/01/80009775-12963267-She_accessorized_her_look_with_a_pair_of_large_gold_dangly_earri-a-42_1705283553017.jpg)
She accessorized her look with a pair of large, gold dangly earrings as well as chunky bracelets on each of her wrists
![America Ferrera Shines in Sequin Dress at 2024 Critics Choice Awards, Wins Prestigious SeeHer Award 9 The beauty was seen flashing a cheerful as she posed on the red carpet at The Barker Hangar and was also accompanied by husband Ryan Piers Williams - whom she tied the knot with in 2011](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/15/01/80009751-12963267-The_beauty_was_seen_flashing_a_cheerful_as_she_posed_on_the_red_-a-43_1705283553023.jpg)
The beauty was seen flashing a cheerful as she posed on the red carpet at The Barker Hangar and was also accompanied by husband Ryan Piers Williams – whom she tied the knot with in 2011
While inside the venue, America was spotted having a blast and took a quick selfie with another attendee at the festivities.
Ferrera notably was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Barbie – but the award eventually went to Da’Vine Joy Randolph for her performance in The Holdovers.
However, at the ceremony, America was also the recipient of the #SeeHerAward – which was presented by her co-star, Margot Robbie.
‘Once again, the Critics Choice Awards proudly join forces with See Her, a global movement dedicated to the portrayal of women and girls and media in entertainment,’ Robbie expressed on the stage.
‘We recognize the extraordinary America Ferrara with the 8th Annual #SeeHerAward,’ she continued, and then gushed, ‘America is my co-star and my friend. I feel extremely qualified to tell you she’s authentic in everything she does.’
‘On-screen, she plays characters that defy stereotypes and pushing boundaries and inspiring the next generation to see themselves as they are. Off-screen, she’s remarkably grounded and surprisingly silly and always, always, on the right side of the course.’
Margot then gave a shout out to the roles that Ferrera has taken on during the course of her career thus far, such as Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants.
The star then referenced to Ferrera’s moving monologue in Barbie and stated, ‘When Greta Gerwig needed someone to talk about the true experience of what it is to be a woman, there was one voice in her head.’
‘America gave our film a rallying cry filled with vulnerability and inspiration. She was speaking for every woman and everywhere in a way that only America could.’
![America Ferrera Shines in Sequin Dress at 2024 Critics Choice Awards, Wins Prestigious SeeHer Award 11 However, at the ceremony, America was the recipient of the #SeeHerAward - which was presented by her co-star, Margot Robbie](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/15/01/80011189-12963267-However_at_the_ceremony_America_was_the_recipient_of_the_SeeHerA-a-46_1705283553595.jpg)
However, at the ceremony, America was the recipient of the #SeeHerAward – which was presented by her co-star, Margot Robbie
![America Ferrera Shines in Sequin Dress at 2024 Critics Choice Awards, Wins Prestigious SeeHer Award 13 'We recognize the extraordinary America Ferrara with the 8th Annual #SeeHerAward,' she continued, and then gushed, 'America is my co-star and my friend. I feel extremely qualified to tell you she's authentic in everything she does'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/15/01/80011191-12963267-_We_recognize_the_extraordinary_America_Ferrara_with_the_8th_Ann-a-47_1705283553606.jpg)
‘We recognize the extraordinary America Ferrara with the 8th Annual #SeeHerAward,’ she continued, and then gushed, ‘America is my co-star and my friend. I feel extremely qualified to tell you she’s authentic in everything she does’
![America Ferrera Shines in Sequin Dress at 2024 Critics Choice Awards, Wins Prestigious SeeHer Award 15 While holding the award in her hand, Ferrera expressed, 'Receiving an award for my contributions to more authentic portrayals of women and girls is so incredibly meaningful to me...'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/15/01/80011183-12963267-While_holding_the_award_in_her_hand_Ferrera_expressed_Receiving_-a-51_1705283553760.jpg)
While holding the award in her hand, Ferrera expressed, ‘Receiving an award for my contributions to more authentic portrayals of women and girls is so incredibly meaningful to me…’
In conclusion, Robbie sweetly added, ‘She is an artist and an activist, she tells us the truth and asks us to reach for something more in the world and in ourselves. She deserves to be celebrated.’
The Ugly Betty star then took to the stage and was welcomed with a warm applause and cheers from the star-studded audience.
While holding the award in her hand, Ferrera expressed, ‘Receiving an award for my contributions to more authentic portrayals of women and girls is so incredibly meaningful to me…’
‘Because I grew up as a first generation Honduran-American girl in love with TV, film and theater, who desperately wanted to be a part of a storytelling legacy that I could not see myself reflected in.’
‘Of course, I could feel myself in characters who were strong and complex, but these characters rarely, if ever, looked like me,’ the star continued.
She added that when she began working in the industry around 20 years earlier, ‘it seemed impossible that anyone could make a career portraying fully dimensional Latina characters.’
‘But because of writers, directors, producers and executives daring enough to rewrite outdated stories and challenge deeply entrenched biases…we had the chance to bring through some deeply layered Latina characters.’
‘This is the best and highest usage of story telling. To affirm one another’s full humanity. To uphold the truth that we are all worthy of being seen.’
![America Ferrera Shines in Sequin Dress at 2024 Critics Choice Awards, Wins Prestigious SeeHer Award 17 'But because of writers, directors, producers and executives daring enough to rewrite outdated stories and challenge deeply entrenched biases...we had the chance to bring through some deeply layered Latina characters,' she stated](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/15/01/80011185-12963267-_But_because_of_writers_directors_producers_and_executives_darin-a-48_1705283553661.jpg)
‘But because of writers, directors, producers and executives daring enough to rewrite outdated stories and challenge deeply entrenched biases…we had the chance to bring through some deeply layered Latina characters,’ she stated
![America Ferrera Shines in Sequin Dress at 2024 Critics Choice Awards, Wins Prestigious SeeHer Award 19 She told Margot, 'You saw value in Barbie, a wholly female idea that most would've dismissed as too girly, too frivolous, or too problematic'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/15/01/80011609-12963267-She_told_Margot_You_saw_value_in_Barbie_a_wholly_female_idea_tha-a-49_1705283553753.jpg)
She told Margot, ‘You saw value in Barbie, a wholly female idea that most would’ve dismissed as too girly, too frivolous, or too problematic’
![America Ferrera Shines in Sequin Dress at 2024 Critics Choice Awards, Wins Prestigious SeeHer Award 21 Barbie - which was directed by Greta Gerwig - garnered a record-breaking 18 nods at the Critics Choice Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/15/01/80011177-12963267-Barbie_which_was_directed_by_Greta_Gerwig_garnered_a_record_brea-a-53_1705283553888.jpg)
Barbie – which was directed by Greta Gerwig – garnered a record-breaking 18 nods at the Critics Choice Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture
America continued, ‘Black, brown, indigenous, Asian, trans, disabled, any body-type, and any gender, we are all worthy of having our lives richly and authentically reflected.’
Towards the end of her heartfelt speech, the actress gave numerous shout outs, including Robbie, Greta Gerwig as well as Ryan Gosling.
She told Margot, ‘You saw value in Barbie, a wholly female idea that most would’ve dismissed as too girly, too frivolous, or too problematic.’
‘But you had the courage and vision to take it on! Thank you for the gift of Barbie!’
![America Ferrera Shines in Sequin Dress at 2024 Critics Choice Awards, Wins Prestigious SeeHer Award 23 While inside the venue, the beauty was spotted having a blast and took a quick selfie with another attendee at the festivities](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/15/01/80009739-12963267-While_inside_the_venue_the_beauty_was_spotted_having_a_blast_and-a-50_1705283553756.jpg)
While inside the venue, the beauty was spotted having a blast and took a quick selfie with another attendee at the festivities
![America Ferrera Shines in Sequin Dress at 2024 Critics Choice Awards, Wins Prestigious SeeHer Award 25 During an interview with the New York Times earlier this month, America opened up about the success of Barbie and expressed, 'I went into reading the script with really no attachment to Barbie at all'; seen on Saturday in Beverly Hills](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/15/01/80011733-12963267-During_an_interview_with_the_New_York_Times_earlier_this_month_A-a-52_1705283553761.jpg)
During an interview with the New York Times earlier this month, America opened up about the success of Barbie and expressed, ‘I went into reading the script with really no attachment to Barbie at all’; seen on Saturday in Beverly Hills
Barbie – which was directed by Greta Gerwig – garnered a record-breaking 18 nods at the Critics Choice Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture.
During an interview with the New York Times earlier this month, America opened up about the success of Barbie and expressed, ‘I went into reading the script with really no attachment to Barbie at all.’
‘I didn’t grow up playing with Barbies. I was more curious about what Greta would do with it. It wasn’t just funny and subversive and delightfully weird. It was also about womanhood.’
‘When I was done reading the script, I was just giddy that this was the Barbie movie that no one asked for, but we were going to get. I felt it was going to be huge from the beginning,’ Ferrera told the outlet.