Winter is here: five things we loved about the Game of Thrones premiere

On April 14, winter finally arrives with the premiere of the final season of Game of Thrones. For eight years, we've seen the Starks, the Lannisters and the Targaryens battle it out across land and sea for the iron throne.

But before the world finds out who will be left standing (we're hoping it's the dragons!), the stars of the HBO series gathered together for one last hurrah in New York City for the season 8 premiere. 

The red carpet was teeming with star power, from famous plus ones (hey, Joe Jonas!) to emotional moments between cast members. Dazzling gowns came alive with the click of a finger.

Scroll through to relive the glory and the highlights of the GoT red carpet premiere! 

1. Emilia Clarke's dress

Emilia Clarke channeled Khaleesi in a stunning sheer grey gown by Maison Valentino. Those with laser eyes quickly noticed that the actress had a secret message written across her chest, which read: "Leave your door open for me. I might sleepwalk into your arms." 

2. Gwendoline Christie's dreamy dress

In the show, Gwendoline Christie plays Brienne of Tarth, a rugged soldier who always dons the same ironclad getup. IRL, Gwendoline Chrisite is a fashion icon who pushes the envelope. For the final GoT premiere red carpet, she wore a stunning Iras van Herpen-designed gown that came to life with every twirl.

3. Maisie Williams' purple hair

21-year-old Maisie Williams loooked all grown up in a black floor-length gown by Miu Miu. But the best part of her look? Her lilac-colored hair that she wore in an updo.

4. Pedro Pascal's ~love~

Of course there was much to celebrate during the final red carpet premiere, and GoT actor Pedro Pascal wasn't holding back. He was photographed giving his co-star Sophie Turner a passionate hug.

And showered his other co-star Indira Varma with kisses.

He even gave Hafþor Julius Bjornsson, the man who *spoiler alert* murdered him on the show, a bear hug. 

5. Red hot couples 

The final GoT red carpet premiere brought out some A-list couples, including Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas.

Peter Dinklage also brought his wife Erica Schmidt, who wore a gorgeous red gown.

Another celebrity couple that walked the carpet was Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet. He wore a suede salmon-colored jacket, while she wore a boho chic colorful gown.