Over a week has passed, and we’re still in awe of the 97th Academy Awards—a night where Black excellence didn’t just grace the red carpet, it commanded it. From show-stopping performances to jaw-dropping fashion statements, our stars reminded the world why they are the epitome of style, grace, and unapologetic brilliance.
👗️ Oscars Red Carpet: Bold Beauty and Fashion Statements
The 2025 Oscars red carpet was a master class in elegance, style, and authentic expression. Our stars arrived and showed out, turning the carpet into a runway of bold choices and powerful statements.
Cynthia Erivo radiated confidence with her signature bald look, proving that true beauty lies in authenticity. She stunned in a custom emerald green Valentino gown featuring intricate beading and a dramatic train, paired with diamond drop earrings that framed her elegant look.
💄 Halle Berry: The Flipped Bob Revival
Halle Berry served timeless beauty with a sleek flipped bob and a strapless, mirrored Christian Siriano gown. The silver metallic design hugged her silhouette, complemented by minimalist jewelry and a soft, glowing makeup look.
🌟 Lizzo’s Glow-Up & Show-Stopping Glam
Lizzo did not attend the 97th Academy Awards ceremony but made a notable appearance at Vanity Fair’s annual Oscars afterparty on March 2, 2025. She wore a strapless black lace bodycon dress featuring a dramatic sweetheart neckline that extended to points at her collarbone. The dress showcased her svelte figure, highlighting her recent weight loss.
🎨 Whoopi Goldberg: A Shoulder Tattoo Moment
Whoopi Goldberg wowed in a stunning custom Christian Siriano gown. The dress featured a shimmering, liquid-metallic fabric that draped elegantly in an off-the-shoulder silhouette, exuding a futuristic vibe.
🎬 Ava DuVernay: Directing the Spotlight
Ava DuVernay opted for classic elegance in a custom Louis Vuitton gown. The dress featured a sleek silhouette with intricate detailing, showcasing DuVernay’s elegant style. She complemented her ensemble with jewelry from David Yurman, adding a touch of sophistication to her overall look. Her sleek, pulled-back hair and natural makeup highlighted her timeless beauty.
🎾 Coco Gauff: Serving On & Off the Court
Coco Gauff stunned in a gold lamé dress by Versace, featuring a thigh-high slit and intricate metallic detailing. She completed the look with bold gold accessories and sleek, side-swept curls.
🔥 Yvonne Orji: Bold & Beautiful
Yvonne Orji graced the red carpet in a stunning Pamella Roland gown. The strapless dress featured a mirrored design that shimmered under the event’s lights, creating a captivating effect. The gown’s sleek silhouette and reflective elements highlighted Orji’s elegance and fashion-forward sensibility, making her one of the standout appearances of the evening.
🥂 Loni Love: Chic & Sophisticated
Loni Love exuded confidence in a stunning dark blue off-the-shoulder gown paired with matching gloves. The dress which was designed by Terani Couture showcases her impeccable fashion culture.
🔥 Doja Cat: Avant-Garde Meets Old Hollywood
Doja Cat owned the 2025 Oscars red carpet in a jaw-dropping custom Balmain by Olivier Rousteing. The sultry mermaid gown, dripping in hand-sewn leopard-print sequins, paid homage to a vintage Balmain masterpiece, while Messika’s mixed-metal jewelry added the perfect rebellious edge.
💖 Raye: Dripping in Vintage Elegance
Raye channeled vintage glamour in a blush pink satin gown by Elie Saab. The dress was accented with delicate lace details and a flowing train, complemented by pearl accessories and a soft, romantic makeup look.
👗 Coco Jones: Reinventing the LBD
Coco Jones redefined the little black dress in a figure-hugging sequined gown by LaQuan Smith, with a high slit and dramatic one-shoulder detail. Her sleek hair and bold accessories added modern flair to the classic silhouette.
🎶 H.E.R.: A Symphony in Style
H.E.R. graced the 2025 Oscars red carpet in a shimmering gold strapless gown that exuded regal elegance, featuring a structured bodice and a dramatic flowing train. The metallic fabric, cinched at the waist with a statement belt, caught the light beautifully, making her look like a modern-day goddess.
🌸 Storm Reid: Young, Fresh & Fabulous
Storm Reid wore a playful pastel blue gown by Rodarte, adorned with floral appliqués and soft tulle layers. Her fresh makeup and playful curls made the look youthful and vibrant.
🌟 Zoe Saldana Makes History
Zoe Saldaña dazzled at the 2025 Oscars in a breathtaking custom Saint Laurent gown—a fusion of old-world glamour and modern artistry. The strapless ruby-red masterpiece boasted a sculptural bubble hem, its cascading folds exuding drama, while a sheer, crystal-adorned bodice shimmered like stardust under the lights.
🥂 Vanity Fair Oscars Party: Glamour Meets After-Party Vibes
The Vanity Fair Oscars Party is where stars let loose, and fashion takes a more daring turn. Our icons didn’t disappoint, serving looks that were both fun and unforgettable.
- 🌟 Lizzo made a statement by transitioning from a dramatic black gown to a silver-fringed mini dress by Area, perfect for the party scene.
- 👗 Doja Cat switched it up with a fitted red satin dress by Mugler, keeping the vibe sultry and bold.
- 🌟 Nicole Ari Parker & Boris Kodjoe stunned in coordinated velvet ensembles by Dolce & Gabbana.
- 🖤❤️ LaKeith Stanfield & Kasmere Trice rocked edgy, custom black suits with statement jewelry pieces, blending chic with avant-garde.
- 🖤❤️ Sterling K. Brown & Ryan Michelle Bathe glowed in metallic and jewel-toned hues by Oscar de la Renta.
- 🖤❤️ Kelly Rowland & Tim Weatherspoon embraced elegance with Kelly in a shimmering gold gown by Zuhair Murad and Tim in a sharp tailored tux.
- 💎 Ciara & Russell Wilson closed the night with Ciara in a flowing silver gown by Ralph & Russo, while Russell opted for a crisp white suit.
👑 The Legacy of Black Excellence
While we continue to see Black actors and creatives overlooked, underrepresented, and underrated, Black excellence remains unstoppable. Year after year, we show up—not just to be seen but to be celebrated, honored, and respected. With unshakable grace, undeniable talent, and a presence that commands attention, we redefine the narrative.
The 2025 Oscars weren’t just about trophies; they were about setting the bar higher, making history, and showing the world that Black artistry is a force that cannot be ignored. And while mainstream spaces may not always give us the recognition we deserve, we continue to create and uplift our own platforms.
It was about celebrating our culture unapologetically, demanding our flowers while we’re here, and reminding the world that Black artistry is unstoppable. Organizations like the NAACP Image Awards and the power of social media have become vital spaces for celebrating our brilliance. No matter the obstacles, we continue to break barriers, redefine success, and lift each other up.
From the Oscars red carpet to the after-parties, Black excellence shined bright, showing the world what it means to be bold, beautiful, and unforgettable.
✨ Who had your favorite look of the night? Let’s discuss in the comments! ⬇️⬇️⬇️