The Academy Awards did not return to the familiar red carpet for this edition, marking a notable departure from tradition. Reports from AP News confirmed that the event would feature a champagne-colored carpet, signaling a fresh visual moment for Hollywood’s night of honors. For more than six decades, the constant had been the red carpet, but this year’s décor choice reflected a broader trend toward celebratory, cinematic glamour with a twist. Comedian Jimmy Kimmel, who served as host, offered a wry takeaway on the shift, joking that the new look was a sign of confidence that the evening would unfold peacefully and without incident.
The decision to debut the champagne carpet was driven by creative consultants who previously shaped the elaborate sets for high-profile galas such as the Met Gala’s Costume Institute events. Their influence helped set a tone that combined luxury, spectacle, and a more contemporary aesthetic for the Oscars’ 95th edition. The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles provided the stage for the ceremony, held on March 12, 2023, a date etched in memory for fans and industry insiders alike. The night spotlighted Rihanna, who was pregnant with her second child by A$AP Rocky, as she took the stage to perform Lift Me Up, the song from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever that earned a nomination in the Best Original Song category. This performance underscored the night’s blend of musical prestige and cultural relevance, aligning a powerful vocal presence with a cinematic moment that resonated across audiences. (AP News)