The Oscars red carpet is always a dazzling affair, a runway where cinematic achievements meet high fashion. For the 2026 Academy Awards ceremony, held on March 15th within the opulent Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and helmed by Conan O’Brien, the nominees brought their A-game, ensuring their sartorial choices were as memorable as their performances. From sentimental tributes to bold statements, these stars understood that looking the part is as crucial as playing it.
A Bloom of Sentiment: Elle Fanning’s Childhood Nostalgia
Elle Fanning, nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the Norwegian tragicomedy Sentimental Value, imbued her Oscar look with a deeply personal touch. Her custom Givenchy gown, a delicate wisteria design, was a direct homage to the trellis that graced her childhood home, blooming vibrantly each spring. This wasn’t merely a dress; it was a wearable memory. Fanning shared with Zuri Hall on the Live From E!: Oscars red carpet that her “dear friend,” designer Sarah Burton, and her team had painstakingly sewn “each little wisteria petal with so much love.” The sentiment extended to her exquisite Cartier jewels, also chosen to complement the floral motif. The actress admitted to feeling a flutter of nerves, particularly over her dazzling 1903-era bling, exclaiming, “My heart is pounding. I’m nervous about a lot of things right now.”
K-Pop Royalty on the Carpet: Arden Cho and Ji-young Yoo Shine
The cast of KPop Demon Hunters made a powerful statement, proving that coordinated style can be just as impactful as individual brilliance. Arden Cho, who embodies the fiery lead singer Rumi in the hit Netflix series, radiated confidence in a Miss Sohee creation. “I feel like a queen,” she gushed to E!, channeling her character’s “main character energy.” The hand-embroidered ensemble from the Korean brand offered a modern interpretation of the traditional hanbok, a detail that resonated deeply with Cho.
Her co-star, Ji-young Yoo, who plays the effervescent rapper Zoey, stood by her side, equally stunning. While she and her stylist had initially considered a Korean designer, the Carolina Herrera gown they ultimately selected felt serendipitous. Yoo noted that the dress bore a striking resemblance to a hanbok, a “happy accident” that harmonised beautifully with the film’s cultural themes. Though she acknowledged the importance of comfort, she declared, “Slaying is first and foremost.” The film’s vocalists, including EJAE, who lends her voice to Rumi’s songs, also embraced a coordinated gilded aesthetic, with EJAE admitting her surprise at how perfectly they matched in their Dior ensembles.
Solo Style Statements: Damson Idris and Chase Infiniti
Not everyone opted for a stylist, with some stars taking the reins of their red carpet presentation. Damson Idris, a standout from F1, confidently navigated the press line without a stylist, showcasing a sleek, satin blue Prada suit. He even sported a custom engraved Didris brooch, a personal touch that highlighted his independent spirit. “I don’t have a stylist,” the actor admitted to E!, with a wry smile, “I’m trying to see how long I can save money.”
Chase Infiniti, a consistent presence on the awards season circuit for One Battle After Another, also exuded self-assurance. Dressed in a custom lilac Louis Vuitton creation, she expressed her delight. “I feel actually so amazing,” the star told E!, “And I love the color. I love how it looks and I’m just very, very happy with it.”
Bold Choices and Fashion Forwardness: Hudson Williams and Odessa A’zion
Hudson Williams, star of Heated Rivalry, embraced a bold approach with his custom Balenciaga ensemble, complemented by Bvlgari jewels. He shared his enjoyment of the process, stating, “I’m having fun.”
Meanwhile, Odessa A’zion, who has been making waves for her fashion-forward choices throughout awards season, offered a candid perspective on her style evolution. Despite her impressive red carpet appearances, she insisted, “I’m still learning.” Her Valentino outfit, piled high with Pandora necklaces, demonstrated a keen eye for detail and a willingness to experiment. As the actress put it, “We just shoved a bunch of necklaces together,” a seemingly casual approach that resulted in a striking and impactful look.
Acknowledging the Achievements: Nominations and Legacy
Beyond the fashion, the 2026 Oscars celebrated a wealth of cinematic talent. Marty Supreme, starring A’zion, garnered significant attention, with the Timothée Chalamet-led sports dramedy securing nine nominations, including a nod for Best Actor.
The film Sinners stood out with an impressive 16 nominations, highlighting the contributions of Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo, and Wunmi Mosaku. Mosaku, reflecting on her nomination, shared with E!, “It feels incredibly humbling to be a part of this legacy of this film. I would do this job all day, every day forever and ever.” She, along with Elle Fanning and Teyana Taylor, are among the strong contenders in the Actress in a Supporting Role category.
The competition for Best Actress features Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, and Emma Stone, facing off against Renate Reinsve from Sentimental Value and Jessie Buckley from Hamnet. In the supporting actor category, Delroy Lindo is nominated alongside Benicio Del Toro, Jacob Elordi, Sean Penn, and Stellan Skarsgård. The Best Actor award will be a thrilling contest between Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, Wagner Moura, Timothée Chalamet, and Michael B. Jordan.
As the stars showcased their meticulously planned ensembles, it was clear that the red carpet was as much a competition as the awards themselves. These moments, captured on camera, are a testament to the artistry and dedication of both the performers and the designers who help them shine on one of Hollywood’s most anticipated nights.
Watch the Oscars 2026 Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC and streaming on Hulu.
