Rosamund Pike Wears 'Protective Veil' to Golden Globes After Skiing Accident Left Her Face 'Entirely Smashed Up'

Rosamund Pike turned an unfortunate accident into a fashion win.

The Gone Girl star, 44, became an immediate style standout at the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday in a lacy, all-black ensemble complete with an intricate fascinator worn over a sleek bun.

While speaking with Variety’s Marc Malkin on the red carpet, the star revealed that she wore the decorative headpiece for reasons beyond fashion.

Of the lacy accessory, which shielded much of her face, Pike said, “It’s a protective veil for the occasion.”

“I had a [skiing] accident over Christmas,” the star said, adding, “Not what you want knowing you’re coming to the Golden Globes on the 7th of January.”

Pike said the accident left her face “entirely smashed up” on Dec. 26, so she thought to herself, “I need to do something.”

After Malkin pointed out that her face appeared to be free of injuries from the accident, which occurred about two weeks prior to the award show, Pike said that she was “healed” — but decided to keep the veil.

“I kind of fell in love with the look,” she added.

The actress paired the bold fascinator with a stunning — and equally lacy — strapless black gown complete with floral details and a mesh neckline and stayed true to the color down to her pumps and pedicure.

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At the ceremony, Pike is up for best performance by a female actor in a supporting role in any motion picture for her role in Saltburn.

After Malkin pointed out that her red-carpet look evoked her Saltburn character, Lady Elspeth Catton, Pike agreed, adding, “Well, you know, you have to channel it don’t you?”

“Either a sort of weird funeral vibe or maybe she wore black for her wedding,” she added.

See PEOPLE's full coverage of the 81st annual Golden Globes as they're broadcasting live from The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on CBS and Paramount+.