The 95th Academy Awards opened with the familiar buzz that marks a year in cinema, drawing attention from viewers across North America. The event’s red carpet showcased a spectrum of elegance, with hues ranging from champagne shades to bold blacks, and a graceful display of couture by some of the industry’s most respected names.
Among the international stars who walked the red carpet were Ana de Armas, Nicole Kidman, Angela Bassett, Salma Hayek, and Jessica Chastain. They traveled the carpet in outfits that would later be remembered as defining moments in both film and fashion history.
The night leaned into black and white designs even as there were flashes of color. Cara Delevingne wore a high fashion Elie Saab piece featuring a daring opening in the skirt that invited glances and a playful wink toward a famous colleague, marking one of the event’s most talked-about moments.
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Cate Blanchett appeared in a Louis Vuitton ensemble that radiated sophisticated cool—an electric blue, oversized blouse paired with a sleek black skirt that trails with an elegant, flirtatious train.
Salma Hayek attended the gala with her daughter Paloma Pinault, shining in an orange sequined Gucci suit. Jessica Chastain favored a luminous silver look with a black tail, a combination that captivated fans.
The design captivated the eye, while Angela Bassett wore a stunning Moschino gown, a nod to the golden era of Hollywood, complemented by Nicole Kidman in Armani adorned with two large floral accents.
Lady Gaga contributed a striking presence in dark ensembles from Versace, one of her favored houses, blending sheer elements with a refined, dramatic tone that drew attention.
Rihanna, nominated for Best Original Song for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, joined the night’s fashion dialogue with a memorable appearance.
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Andie MacDowell and her daughter Rainey chose black as the top layer of an oversized silhouette, while Ashley Graham showcased the designer’s vision in a sheer skirt and light cape ensemble from Alberta Ferretti.
Elizabeth Olsen selected a vintage Chanel piece featuring a tubular pattern and a white-trimmed strapless neckline, paired with a look from Givenchy that offered a modern twist on classic form.
Victory on the white carpet
When arriving at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Ana de Armas carried a wave of anticipation as she stood for consideration in the Best Actress category for Blonde, wearing a mermaid white Louis Vuitton gown with a sculpted tail. Florence Pugh followed with a Valentino theatrical gown that featured a dramatic opening and bold tailoring.
Jamie Lee Curtis claimed the Best Supporting Actress Award for Everything Everywhere All at Once, donning a radiant white Dolce & Gabbana gown accented with rhinestones that captured the night’s light.
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Michelle Williams wore Chanel and Michelle Yeoh favored Dior, both choosing pristine white looks. Halle Berry completed Tamara Ralph’s design with bronze-toned floral accents that added warmth and texture to the palette.
Emily Blunt joined the white trend in a Valentino dress, while Rooney Mara wore an Alexander McQueen creation that stood out for its originality and bold silhouette.
Men in classic tuxedos
The ceremony adhered to the traditional black-tie code, with many men opting for timeless tuxedos. Austin Butler leaned into a period-style Saint Laurent look that felt both classic and elegantly restrained, a nod to his celebrated performance in Elvis.
Contemporary flair on a traditional night
Antonio Banderas and Ricardo Darín upheld ceremony etiquette in classic tuxedos with white shirts and black bow ties. Lukas Dhont stood out with a Prada look featuring a double-breasted jacket, brocade shirt, and coordinated gloves, the red turtleneck peeking beneath the shirt and adding a bold contrast.
Paul Mescal’s red rose accent on a white jacket collar and Brendan Fraser’s diamond brooch added a touch of color and sparkle. Some gentlemen chose more experimental options, while Harvey Guillén wore a voluminous black damask suit and Harry Shum Jr. wore a white and blue smocked tuxedo with a sash matching the bow tie.