Award shows are always a reliable source of beauty inspiration, from makeup moments to hair color shifts that set the tone for a new season. Last night’s 2026 Actor Awards red carpet had us plotting our spring refreshes, thanks to a lineup of standout shades crafted by beloved celebrity colorist Tracey Cunningham. From Ali Larter’s “first wife blond” to Michelle Monaghan’s soft biscotti bronde, these are the Cunningham-created hues we’re choosing between this spring.
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Ali Larter’s First Wife Blond
Cunningham crafted Larter’s perfect first wife blond shade—a modern blend of housewife polish and ‘90s/2000s bombshell glamour inspired by the bold energy she brings to the screen in Landman. To get the look, Cunningham softened and illuminated the face frame with a balayage hairline usingSchwarzkopf Professional BlondMe Premium Lightener 9+, then lifted precise highlights with the same formula.
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Emma Stone’s Soft Auburn
Emma Stone’s red hair moments are practically iconic, and the “soft auburn” shade she wore to the Actor Awards was no exception. Cunningham created the look using a custom blend from Schwarzkopf Professional’s Igora Vibrance line, applying color strategically at the roots and finishing with a gloss through the mid-lengths.
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Michelle Monaghan’s Soft Biscotti Bronde
This multidimensional shade, created by Cunningham, features delicate, sun-kissed highlights seamlessly woven through a deeper base. A slightly brighter neutral blend along the hairline subtly lifts and illuminates the face. To achieve the look, Cunningham strategically placed custom combinations of Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Royal.
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Michelle Williams’ Vanilla Ganache Blond
Michelle Williams’ “vanilla ganache blond” was originally crafted by Cunningham and refreshed by colorist Jeremy Cohen ahead of the awards show. The luminous, softly blended shade feels both modern and timeless. To achieve the look, Schwarzkopf Professional BlondMe Premium Lightener 9+ was applied through the ends for radiant brightness and a silky finish, while preserving natural depth for dimension. Williams also received a root gloss with Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Vibrance to add warmth and richness, and the brighter front pieces were subtly smudged with Schwarzkopf Professional Igora Royal to soften the hairline.
