Top 10 Best Red Carpet Debuts of Celebrity Couples
#10: Rihanna & A$AP Rocky “2021 Met Gala” (2021)
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She’s the queen of the Met Gala, so it only made sense that she would debut her relationship at fashion’s biggest night out. Rihanna and A$AP Rocky appeared together at the 2021 gala, where they wore similarly oversized statement ensembles. The singer and beauty mogul wore a large puffer coat-inspired gown by Balenciaga Couture, while the rapper opted for a patchwork quilt by ERL. Rihanna said the coordination was not planned, although their fashionably late arrival made for a memorable debut. The two had actually walked the British Fashion Awards carpet as friends in 2019, months before dating rumors began to swirl.
#9: Chrissy Teigen & John Legend “50th Annual Grammy Awards” (2008)
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This legendary pair (yes, pun intended) made their first red carpet appearance at the Grammy Awards in 2008. Legend and Teigen had met on the set of the music video for his song, “Stereo,” in 2006, and would make their carpet debut as an official couple over a year later. Teigen looked elegant in a draped, silvery-white gown, but it was Legend who performed and presented during the show. This event was a two-in-one because the couple actually walked a second carpet that same night when they stepped out again for the Sony after party in different but equally classy outfits.
#8: Keanu Reeves & Alexandra Grant “LACMA Art+Film Gala” (2019)
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These two had already known each other for almost a decade, collaborated on two books, and founded a publishing company by the time they made their relationship red carpet official. The actor and artist may have begun dating sometime in 2018, but kept it out of the public eye until about a year later. Reporters picked up on the romance at the 2019 LACMA Art+Film Gala. On the carpet, Reeves and Grant held hands and exchanged several loving glances, prompting fans to melt at the cuteness. Grant wore a navy gown and Reeves opted for a black suit which made for a breathtaking fashion and culture moment.
#7: Sarah Paulson & Holland Taylor “2017 TIME 100 Gala” (2017)
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After dating for almost two years, it was time for this couple to walk their first red carpet as an item — and what better event to make your debut than the Time 100 Gala? While the actors had actually attended the Critics’ Choice Awards together in 2016, their first red carpet wasn’t until the next year. Both chose black dresses for the occasion. Taylor’s tea-length dress had chiffon, leopard print sleeves, while Paulson complemented her gown with a sheer polka dot cape. The stars were pictured chatting and smiling together throughout the event in photographs as good-natured as their chic ensembles.
#6: Tom Hiddleston & Zawe Ashton “74th Tony Awards” (2021)
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This private couple brought their relationship to the red carpet for the first time at the 2021 Tony Awards. They met while co-starring in the play “Betrayal,” an endeavor Hiddleston was actually nominated for that night. The talented pair had been rumored to be dating for around two years by then, and walked the carpet with castmate Charlie Cox. Hiddleston’s navy suit complemented Ashton’s red gown as they posed for pictures outside and inside the venue. Several months later, they went for red carpet number two when they attended the BAFTAs together, holding hands.
#5: Joshua Jackson & Jodie Turner-Smith “Queen & Slim” Premiere (2019)
The choice of accessories makes this red carpet debut stand out. Before the 2019 AFI Fest, rumors swirled about whether Joshua Jackson and Jodie Turner-Smith had tied the knot. They had been linked since 2018, after meeting at Usher’s birthday party. When they turned up at the fest for the premiere of Turner-Smith’s movie “Queen & Slim,” also their red carpet debut, both actors wore rings on their left hands. Turner-Smith paired the statement-making jewelry with a bold black necklace and dreamy periwinkle gown, while Jackson wore a teal suit. A month later, the rumors were confirmed when a source reported that the two had gotten married.
#4: John Krasinski & Emily Blunt “The Red Shoes” Premiere (2009)
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It was a more casual carpet for the public premiere of one of the Internet’s favorite couples. John Krasinski and Emily Blunt made their relationship red carpet official in 2009 when they attended a screening of the restored 1948 film “The Red Shoes” in New York City. By that time, Krasinski had just recently proposed after dating Blunt for less than a year. The two were adorably bundled up for the November event and, although they’d have fancier red carpets in the future, their first appearance is a charming memento for fans. Months later, Krasinski and Blunt got married in Lake Como.
#3: Jennifer Lopez & Ben Affleck “Maid in Manhattan” Premiere (2002)
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We’re talking about the first time around. Version one of Bennifer walked the carpet together initially at the premiere of “Maid in Manhattan” in 2002. They had started dating in the summer of 2002 after meeting while making “Gigli” in 2001. They were engaged by November 2002, and attended the premiere around a month later. J-Lo wore a blush gown with a ruffled skirt, a diamond necklace, and a white fur coat. Affleck paired his suit with a satin tie. The buzzy couple held hands and waved to cameras as they made their way down the carpet.
#2: Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds “2014 Met Gala” (2014)
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They’ve had their share of memorable Met moments, and their debut is no exception. Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds were already married by the time they posed for photos together at the 2014 Met Gala. Their romance began in 2011, a year after getting to know each other on the set of “Green Lantern.” They wed in a private ceremony in 2012, but it would still be another few years before they walked a red carpet arm in arm. Lively’s look for the “Charles James: Beyond Fashion” theme was a rose gold Gucci gown and she was stunning as ever. Incidentally, in December of that same year, the couple welcomed their first child. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Kanye West & Kim Kardashian, “65th annual Cannes Film Festival” (2012) The Fashion-Forward Couple Made It Official at the “Cruel Summer” Premiere Russell Wilson & Ciara, “15th BET Awards” (2015) Coordinating Ensembles FTW! Sarah Michelle Gellar & Freddie Prinze Jr., “2000 Teen Choice Awards” (2000) Casual 2000s Fashion Marked This Couple’s Debut Millie Bobby Brown & Jake Bongiovi, “75th British Academy Film Awards” (2022) The Young Couple Looked Sleek as Ever for Their Carpet Debut at the BAFTAs Ariana Grande & Pete Davidson, “2018 MTV Video Music Awards” (2018) An Engagement & Plenty of PDA on the Pink Carpet
#1: Beyoncé & Jay-Z “21st MTV Video Music Awards” (2004)
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No doubt they were already crazy in love. Beyoncé and Jay-Z walked their first red carpet as a couple at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards in Miami. Both served memorable looks. Jay-Z wore an oversized suit, a fedora, a striped tie, and colored lenses. Beyoncé had a two-piece, rhinestone short set and large blonde curls. They had been reportedly dating for a few years by the time they stepped out together for the awards. Fans pointed to two collaborations - “‘03 Bonnie & Clyde” and “Crazy in Love” - to stoke romance rumors. Four years later, Bey and Jay were married in a secret ceremony.
