The 97th Academy Awards ceremony was certainly filled with memorable moments: Mikey Madison won Best Actress for her role in “Anora,” Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande opened the ceremony with a captivating performance of “Defying Gravity” and Adrien Brody delivered — what felt like — the longest acceptance speech in Oscars history. While I look forward to standout moments like these at the ceremony each year, I am always more excited about the event’s fashion.
The looks I enjoyed the most this year tended to be either classically timeless or uniquely refreshing deviations from typical black suit and modest dress attire. In no particular order, here are four of my favorite looks from this year’s Oscars.
Jeff Goldblum is pictured on the red carpet of the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Goldblum wore Prada on the red carpet.
1. Jeff Goldblum in Prada
Jeff Goldblum has proven himself to be someone who refuses to blend into the background of any scene. He has been shining on the red carpet this awards season, and his looks at recent events built up high expectations for his Oscars look; he certainly did not disappoint. Goldblum has served as a stunning example in the case for why men should take creative fashion risks beyond the basic black suit. Recently, Goldblum has sported bright colors, contrasting patterns and statement shoes, all of which reflect the grandiosity of his character, the Wizard, in “Wicked.”
Goldbum’s Prada outfit contained pieces that, when separated, may seem like they would clash together; however, it is this very uniqueness that made the outfit chaotically cohesive. Goldblum wore a cream colored, slightly oversized suit jacket over a campy floral shirt. Accessories included a black bowtie, black glasses, a lavender scarf, a delicate Vacheron Constantin timepiece and a purple orchid on the lapel. The classic simplicity of the black pants and loafers left space for the eccentricity of the rest of the outfit to shine. This look is a refreshing instance of what can happen when men take fashion risks on the red carpet. Goldblum’s easy confidence only added to its bold visual impact.
Da'Vine Joy Randolph presents the Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role during the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Randolph wore Tamara Ralph on the red carpet.
2. Da’Vine Joy Randolph in Tamara Ralph
Da’Vine Joy Randolph made waves throughout the entertainment industry last year when she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role as Mary Lamb in “The Holdovers,” making her the 12th woman in the history of the award category to win an Oscar, a Critics’ Choice Award, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA and a SAG award all in one year.
“For so long I’ve always wanted to be different, and now I realize I just need to be myself,” Randolph said in her 2024 Oscars acceptance speech.
Her 2024 win secured her a spot as a presenter in the 2025 ceremony, which stirred excitement as to what she would wear next year.
Randolph attended this year’s Oscars in a gorgeous black gown by Tamara Ralph. In a striking color and design contrast to her Louis Vuitton dress from last year’s ceremony, this dress featured a sleek, elegant silhouette. The gown consisted of a structured corset adorned in beadwork and a floor-length silk skirt, accessorized by silver jewelry and a long sash which draped over her neck and reached the floor. To me, this look was the embodiment of classic Hollywood glam with a twist of personality, and Randolph wore the design well.
Demi Moore is pictured on the red carpet of the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Moore wore custom Armani Privé.
3. Demi Moore in custom Armani Privé
At the conclusion of a successful award season for Demi Moore, the actress wore a custom silver gown by Armani Privé for her final look. Although she did not secure the award for Best Actress for her role as Elisabeth Sparkle in “The Substance,” she did win a spot in my top four favorite looks of the night.
With anything Moore wears, my question is always whether the outfit is actually good or if she is just so beautiful that she can make anything look glamorous. But Moore’s red carpet look was an already gorgeous dress which was only amplified by her beauty. The gown had a classic, feminine silhouette reminiscent of Old Hollywood glamor. The draping of fabric at her waist gave an exaggerated hip effect which created an almost statuesque shape with sparkles and drama. I loved the extravagant simplicity of this look.
Colman Domingo is pictured on the red carpet at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Domingo, Best Actor nominee for his work in "Sing Sing," wore Valentino.
4. Colman Domingo in Valentino
Colman Domingo is no stranger to delivering standout looks on the red carpet, and this year’s Oscars were no exception. He has come to be known for his impeccable red carpet style, and his looks serve as perfect examples of meticulous, thoughtful creativity in fashion.
When attending this year’s Oscars as a nominee for Best Actor for his work in “Sing Sing,” Domingo continued his consistent affiliation with Valentino on the red carpet. The red double-breasted suit he wore to the ceremony was both striking and chic; the contrast between the red suit and its black lapels was dramatic and bold, and the distinctive wrap-around sash around the waist distinguished this look even further as a refreshing difference from the typical silhouette of a traditional black suit. Red-tinted sunglasses gave the look a feeling of effortless charm and ease.
I would have loved to write more about the fashion from this year’s Oscars red carpet, but honestly, there were not many looks that stood out to me in an exciting way. My favorite red carpet looks tended to be well-executed fashion risks and classic looks with a hint of the actor’s unique flair; to me, the fashion at this year’s ceremony felt bland for the most part. In my opinion, the above picks blended the formality the event required as well as the creativity of the actors and films being celebrated.
