Before the speeches, before the envelopes are opened, and before anyone walks on stage to accept a golden statue, there is the walk that truly starts the night.
The red carpet.
Tonight the 98th Academy Awards take place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, closing out months of awards season celebrations. Returning to host the ceremony is comedian and television personality Conan O'Brien, who steps back into the spotlight for his second year leading Hollywood’s most prestigious evening.
But while the ceremony honors the best films of the year, the fashion conversation begins long before anyone takes their seat inside the theater.
The Oscars red carpet has long functioned as Hollywood’s most glamorous runway. Designers unveil couture masterpieces, stylists reveal looks months in the making, and stars arrive knowing the cameras will capture every detail from the first flash to the final interview.
Some outfits instantly become part of fashion history. Think of Julia Roberts accepting her Oscar in a vintage black and white gown by Valentino, a moment that helped spark Hollywood’s love affair with archival fashion. There was also Lupita Nyong'o, who stepped onto the carpet in a dreamy powder blue creation by Prada that quickly became one of the most beloved Oscar gowns of the modern era. And of course, there is the unforgettable entrance of Björk in the now legendary swan dress designed by Marjan Pejoski, a look that proved the Oscars carpet can be playful, unpredictable, and impossible to forget.
Those moments remind us that the red carpet is not just about fashion. It is about personality, risk, and the kind of drama only Hollywood can deliver.
This year’s ceremony celebrates the best films released in 2025, with titles such as Sinners, Hamnet, One Battle After Another, Marty Supreme, and Sentimental Value leading the conversation. While the films compete inside the theater, the fashion competition begins the moment the first limousine door opens.
And if history tells us anything, the actors nominated tonight often dress like they already know they might be walking up those steps to accept a golden statuette.
Throughout the evening, nominees including Emma Stone, Kate Hudson, Jessie Buckley, Rose Byrne, and Renate Reinsve are expected to bring their awards season style streaks to the carpet one last time.
Meanwhile, the supporting actress category features standout talents like Elle Fanning, Amy Madigan, Wunmi Mosaku, Teyana Taylor, and Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, each bringing their own take on modern red carpet glamour.
On the acting side, the race for best actor includes Michael B. Jordan, Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ethan Hawke, and Wagner Moura. The supporting actor category features names like Jacob Elordi, Benicio Del Toro, Sean Penn, Delroy Lindo, and Stellan Skarsgård.
As the arrivals begin, every flash of the camera adds another look to the night’s style legacy. From couture gowns to sharply tailored tuxedos, the Oscars red carpet remains the most glamorous pre show in Hollywood.
Below, we are tracking every major fashion moment from the 2026 Oscars in real time.
