Eschewing the light, airy shades of last week's People's Choice Awards red carpet, Hollywood's hottest flaunted classic dark hues for Friday's (January 15) Critics' Choice Movie Awards.

"Up in the Air" star and Best Supporting Actress nominee Anna Kendrick led the ebony charge with a strappy black mermaid gown and high-slung ponytail reminiscent of "I Dream of Jeannie." "When In Rome" star and presenter Kristen Bell looked fun and flirty in her own midnight-color halter frock, while "Precious" nominees Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique also opted for black, as did "The Blind Side" star Sandra Bullock.

Nick Jonas, looking dapper in a bow tie, tuxedo and Chuck Taylor sneakers, opened the ceremony's pre-show, performing his single "Who I Am" with his band the Administration, while "Me and Orson Welles" star Zac Efron cut an even sleeker form in a skinny black suit paired with a skinny black tie.

A handful of starlets lightened up in fairer frocks, including "Avatar" actress Zoe Saldana, who looked radiant in a frothy white ballerina dress cinched with a black belt and accessorized with turquoise earrings. "Inglourious Basterds" star Diane Kruger also chose a pale shade, flaunting her figure in a form-fitting metallic ivory gown, while "Nine" star Marion Cotillard coupled a shiny pink bustier with a gold-festooned skirt.

For some, red-carpet glam inspired scarlet-hued ensembles. "The Hangover" star Heather Graham rocked a red, one-shoulder gown, while Best Supporting Actress nominee and "A Single Man" star Julianne Moore chose a cocktail-length dress in a similar shade.

Winning the evening's unofficial Most Colorful award was "The Lovely Bones" star and Best Young Actress winner Saiorse Ronan, whose orange-and-fuchsia sequined gown stood out among the sea of black.