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Unforgettable Oscars Looks 2026: Bumblebee Brooches, Jewel-Tone Gowns and More
by https://www.nytimes.com/by/the-styles-desk · NY TimesA lack of clear front-runners in some of this year’s biggest Oscar races heightened the drama heading into the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday. Before any winners were named, however, came the answer to another question: What would people wear?
As stars began arriving on the red carpet outside the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, Calif., certain trends observed earlier this awards season reappeared: political pins, for instance, and brooches worn by men. (These days, guys are seemingly more likely to wear a chunky bauble with their tuxedo than they are to wear a tie.)
As brilliant as any jewelry were the dresses in jewel tones like sapphire blue, ruby red and emerald green. Bright colors were among the night’s notable trends, which also included feathered attire and gowns with sweeping trains. Of all the fashion on the Oscars red carpet, these 17 looks stood out more than most.
Renate Reinsve: Most Lipstick!
The red color and diagonal cut of the “Sentimental Value” actress’s Louis Vuitton tube dress gave it the look of a beveled lipstick.
Teyana Taylor: Most Skunky Sensation!
A skunk’s distinct coat could be seen in the swirls of black-and-white feathers on the “One Battle After Another” actress’s Chanel gown.
Buddy Guy: Most Overalls!
While others wore black and white, nobody else sported the palette quite like the musician, a cast member of “Sinners,” who paired leathery overalls with a polka-dot shirt and Oxford loafers.
Jessie Buckley: Most Two-Tone!
The “Hamnet” actress’s Chanel gown incorporated the colors of what are arguably the two best Starburst candies: red (cherry) and pink (strawberry).
Ejae: Most Wispy!
Breeze-catching elements of the “KPop Demon Hunters” singer’s Dior ensemble included black feathery clusters and golden fringe.
Delroy Lindo: Most Modern Dandy!
Dark aviator sunglasses and a silky blue ascot were cool finishing touches to the “Sinners” actor’s shawl-collar suiting.
Chloé Zhao: Most Dark Magic!
There was a witchy vibe to the “Hamnet” director’s look, which involved a black veil and a Gabriela Hearst gown with bell sleeves and a tiered skirt.
Rose Byrne: Most Dark Florals!
Bright beaded flowers enlivened the inky Dior gown worn by the actress, a star of “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.”
Pedro Pascal: Most Sea Anemone!
The actor wore Chanel and forwent a suit jacket, perhaps to better showcase the sea-creature-like pin sprouting from his shirt.
Amy Madigan: Most Piñata!
A luxurious party favor came to mind upon glimpsing the “Weapons” actress’s Dior jacket with tissue-paper-like scales.
Wunmi Mosaku: Most Million Bucks!
The “Sinners” actress’s Louis Vuitton gown fit like a glove and had the color of money.
Leonardo DiCaprio: Most Honey Bee!
Making the “One Battle After Another” actor’s Dior tuxedo more indelible was a bumblebee brooch from Boucheron affixed to its lapel.
Mia Goth: Most Layered in Lace!
The “Frankenstein” actress evoked a laid-back bride in a loosely draped, full-skirted Dior gown made of grandma’s favorite fabric.
Chase Infiniti: Most Purple Petals!
The lilac shade of the “One Battle After Another” actress’s Louis Vuitton gown was exciting enough to overlook the fact that she was somewhat swallowed by its ruffled skirt.
Jacob Elordi: Most Black-Tie Mullet!
Elegantly tousled described both the “Frankenstein” actor’s hair and his three-piece Bottega Veneta suit.
Gwyneth Paltrow: Most Improbable Slit!
From the front, the “Marty Supreme” actress’s strapless Armani gown seemed average. From the side, it was anything but.
Wagner Moura: Most Salt and Pepper!
The actor, a star of “The Secret Agent,” wore a smooth-edged Zegna penguin suit that paired well with his silvery brooch and silver-streaked hair.
Yola Mzizi and Anthony Rotunno contributed reporting.