2026 Oscars: Best Red Carpet Looks & Photos | Vogue, NYT & More

Los Angeles, CA – The 98th Academy Awards concluded last night at the Dolby Theatre, marking the end of this year’s awards season with a mix of historic wins, a touch of awkwardness courtesy of host Conan O’Brien (returning for his second year), and, of course, a dazzling display of fashion. The ceremony celebrated films like Sinners, Hamnet, One Battle After Another, Marty Supreme, and Sentimental Value, with stars arriving in custom designs and revisiting familiar fashion houses.

The red carpet was a focal point, as expected, with several notable moments. Paul Mescal and Gracie Abrams were observed sharing a cozy moment, even as Kylie Jenner opted to support Timothée Chalamet from within the theater rather than walk the carpet herself. Chalamet, notably, continued his partnership with Givenchy by Sarah Burton, a repeat appearance for the actor, alongside Elle Fanning, who also chose the designer for the second consecutive year.

Jessie Buckley’s win for Best Actress in Hamnet was a significant moment, though reportedly tempered by her less-than-enthusiastic feelings about her cats’ bathroom habits – a detail shared that seemingly threatened to overshadow her achievement. Buckley’s gown, inspired by Grace Kelly’s 1956 Oscars look, was a Chanel creation.

Beyond individual wins, the evening highlighted a return to classic Hollywood glamour, a trend observed across many attendees. Yet, the red carpet wasn’t solely defined by tradition. As noted by British Vogue’s film and culture editor Radhika Seth, the race for major awards was unusually unpredictable this year, adding an element of suspense to the proceedings. The fashion followed suit, with some stars pushing boundaries and challenging conventional red carpet expectations.

Teyana Taylor, nominated for Best Supporting Actress, stood out for her willingness to experiment. Described as operating with a similar “mercury” as Björk’s infamous swan dress moment, Taylor chose a custom Chanel look, continuing her reputation for bold and unconventional style. While many celebrities presented polished and flawless appearances, Taylor’s choice was singled out for pushing the boundaries of red carpet culture.

Other notable looks included Kate Hudson in Giorgio Armani and Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton. The event also saw a continuation of the trend of men embracing accessories, with brooches making a visible appearance. The Oscars, as always, served as a platform for actors to be seen as artists, a sentiment reflected in the prevalence of tuxedos, and ballgowns.

The evening wasn’t just about the stars themselves. The Hollywood Reporter noted the presence of industry executives and their dates on the red carpet, offering a glimpse into the business side of the entertainment world. This year’s event seemed to acknowledge a potential shift in cultural values, as Timothée Chalamet recently suggested that “high culture” might be waning in influence, a sentiment that perhaps informed some of the bolder fashion choices.

Vogue’s team has already weighed in on the best-dressed of the night, with a gallery showcasing the standout looks. The publication encourages readers to vote for their favorites, sparking further conversation and debate about the evening’s fashion highlights. The 2026 Oscars, by all accounts, delivered a memorable night for both the winners and the fashion enthusiasts.

The ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, also featured “awkward jokes,” according to Vogue, suggesting a balance between celebration and self-aware humor. The event’s success will likely be measured not only by the awards handed out but also by its cultural impact and the lasting impressions left by the stars’ red carpet appearances.

As the 98th Academy Awards draw to a close, the industry now turns its attention to future projects and the next awards season. The fashion, however, will continue to be discussed and analyzed for weeks to come, solidifying the Oscars’ place as a major cultural event.