The red carpet of the Oscar 2026 Awards It was once again held at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, becoming, once again, the biggest style showcase of the year. Long before the awards were handed out, all eyes were on who was wearing what, how, and why.
Between spotlights, cameras, and a huge anticipation Fueled by weeks of speculation, what unfolded on the red carpet was a carefully calculated blend of classic glamour, theatrical flair, and a touch of nostalgia. From the great European fashion houses to a few well-established Spanish names, the red carpet confirmed that fashion remains a key player on Hollywood's biggest night.
A return to theatrical luxury and old Hollywood
This edition consolidated a very clear trend: Goodbye to the most basic minimalism And back to exuberant luxury. Dresses regained the drama of the golden age of Hollywoodwith elaborate silhouettes, rich fabrics and designs reminiscent of the great masters of the 50s and 60s.
They were in charge meticulous embroidery, shimmering appliqués and the volumes were studied down to the millimeter. Transparencies were mixed with feathers, rhinestones and layered tulle, leaving aside muted tones to opt for intense colors, powerful metallics and luminous whites that stood out under the spotlights.
That theatrical flair wasn't limited to the dresses: it was also evident in the capes, endless trains, and very open backs, clearly designed to look stunning both on the red carpet and on stage. The red carpet seemed like an extension of the runway, with many pieces from European Haute Couture specifically adapted for the gala.
Even in the seemingly simplest designs, impeccable construction, precise cuts, and perfectly draped fabrics were evident. The result was a sense of conscious luxury, less understated than in previous seasons, with a touch of spectacle that aligns quite well with what is expected at the Oscars.
Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton and company: the brands that rule
If anything was clear, it was that the red carpet was a stronghold for the great European fashion houses. Chanel was among the most frequently mentioned brandsWith several performers relying on his custom-made designs, Jessie Buckley opted for a two-tone red and pink dress with a wrap neckline and a train, finished with the brand's High Jewelry. Nicole Kidman chose a peplum-style gown with an A-line skirt embellished with feathers, one of the most talked-about looks of the night.
Teyana Taylor was also seduced by the French fashion house with a black and white design full of sheer fabrics and feathers, which she paired with jewelry from Tiffany & Co.Chanel's presence underscored the pull of the great historic houses when it comes to dressing for such a high-profile event.
Dior was not to be outdone. Rose Byrne appeared wearing a vestido negro palabra de honor With floral embroidery and a highly structured mermaid skirt, it was a look that served as a manual for updating classic glamour. Mia Goth opted for the subtlety of a white design from the maison, confirming that there is also room for understated romanticism.
Louis Vuitton was responsible for several of the most striking looks of the night. Emma Stone chose a dress with strong shoulders, an open back, and shimmering fabric that played with a sophisticated, nineties-inspired minimalism. Renate Reinsve opted for a red silk crepe design paired with the brand's High Jewelry, while Chase Infiniti wore a demanding lavender silk dress with cascading ruffles, a creation that, according to leaks, required hundreds of hours of handcrafted work.
Other European houses also made their mark: Giorgio Armani Private He dressed Kate Hudson in a sequined peplum gown, and Gwyneth Paltrow in an ivory silk dress with side slits and crystal-embellished tulle trousers. Valentino, for his part, dressed Anne Hathaway in a haute couture design with a floral print and strapless neckline, very much in keeping with classic red carpet iconography.
The actresses who shaped the conversation
Among the nominated performers and the regular guests, there was one group that grabbed headlines. Emma StoneA favorite this season for her role in "Bougonia," she once again chose Louis Vuitton, opting for a dress with structured shoulders and an open back, simple in its lines but with a very polished effect. Her choice confirmed the enduring appeal of that refined minimalism that avoids unnecessary embellishments.
Rose Byrne, star of "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You" and also an Oscar nominee, wore one of Dior's most striking designs: a very defined strapless neckline, floral embroidery, and a voluminous mermaid skirt that flared out at mid-hip. It was a very "old Hollywood" look, but with a modern touch in the silhouette's construction.
Jessie Buckley, nominated for "Hamnet", opted for the contrast of red and pink In her custom-made Chanel gown, with a wrap neckline and flowing train. A classically inspired design that some compared to Grace Kelly's style for its vintage star quality, yet without appearing contrived.
Kate Hudson, in Armani Privé, opted for a very flattering sequined dress, while Gwyneth Paltrow, one of the presenters, chose a more experimental Armani Privé ensemble, combining a tulle dress and trousers with crystals. Demi Moore, for her part, took a risk with a Gucci feather dress, a resounding piece that divided opinions but that no one could ignore.
Also present were names like Elle Fanning, in a white Sarah Burton for Givenchy design with a tulle skirt and leaf embroidery; Zoe Saldaña, who remained true to lingerie elegance with a black Saint Laurent dress; and Kirsten Dunst, who proved that a clean-lined black dress can be just as sophisticated as the most baroque designs.
The European and Spanish presence on the red carpet
Beyond the big Hollywood stars, the red carpet revealed a noteworthy European presenceBoth in front of and behind the cameras. Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve, one of the nominees for best actress, opted for a red Louis Vuitton dress paired with pieces of the brand's High Jewelry, highlighting the connection between European cinema and great French fashion houses.
In the Spanish section, the name mentioned was that of the director. Oliver Laxewho attended dressed in Adolfo DomÃnguez in a sober and well-tailored all-black suit. His appearance highlighted the discreet but growing visibility of Spanish designers in international citations, a movement in which firms like Loewe are also often mentioned.
Among the actors, Manu RÃos made his debut at the gala in a Saint Laurent look, finished with a Panthère de Cartier ring in white gold, emeralds, sapphires, and diamonds—a piece of jewelry that didn't go unnoticed in close-ups. The fact that part of the Spanish cast dressed in top-of-the-line European houses It reinforces that cross-relationship between fashion in the Old Continent and the audiovisual industry.
The Spanish film "Sirat" also garnered attention, competing for several Academy Awards. Although much of the spotlight was stolen by major American productions, the presence of this film helped to draw the European media's attention to the ceremony.
Overall, European talents seemed more comfortable mixing tradition and risk in their wardrobe choices: archival designs, references to classic cinema and jewels from historic houses were combined with more relaxed cuts and contemporary touches.
The role of jewelry and accessories
One detail that made the difference was the jewelry chosen to complement the dressesThere was no absolute dominance by a single firm, but names like Cartier, Tiffany & Co. or Boucheron were repeated, all of them with a strong presence in Europe.
Jessie Buckley completed her Chanel look with high jewelry from the French house, while Elle Fanning opted for Cartier pieces to elevate her white Givenchy dress. Demi Moore enhanced her feathered Gucci dress with Boucheron jewelry, adding extra sparkle to an already striking look.
Teyana Taylor paired her Chanel design with a Tiffany & Co. diamond set, while names like Jacob Elordi or Manu RÃos incorporated more understated but equally camera-ready jewelry touches, from high-end watches to intricately crafted rings.
Accessories, in general, were kept in the background so as not to compete with very elaborate dresses, although some were seen. jeweled handbags and metallic sandals which contributed to completing the ensemble without stealing the show. The balance between excess and restraint was key to making the looks work as a whole.
In terms of makeup and hair, a relatively understated aesthetic prevailed: lips in natural tones or classic reds, luminous foundations, and clean updos that left the focus on the dresses and jewelry. The idea seemed clear: to let the clothes speak for themselves without the need for elaborate embellishments.
The best-dressed men: classic with a modern twist
In the men's category, the red carpet made it clear that experimentation remains moderate, but there is room for renewal. Many performers opted for the traditional tuxedo in black or white, although with small gestures that update the silhouette: looser trousers, jackets with marked shoulders or generous lapels.
Timothée Chalamet was one of the most talked-about figures, sporting a head-to-toe white Givenchy look, including the shoes, which stood out for their impeccable cut and a slightly more relaxed style than the classic tuxedo. Leonardo DiCaprio remained true to the elegance of Dior Homme, with a round-lapel suit that proved you don't need to take big risks to impress.
Among the top contenders were Jacob Elordi, in a custom Bottega Veneta design and Cartier jewelry, and Adrien Brody, impeccable in a Gucci suit adorned with a sizable brooch. The men's looks primarily played with textures, widths, and small details instead of breaking with protocol altogether.
The general feeling was that, although the scope for innovation is smaller than for actresses, there is a growing interest in varying collars, closures, shirt styles, and even jacket lengths. The result: a more diverse men's red carpet without losing its formal air.
For those who closely follow men's style, this edition represented a small step forward, with more freedom in patterns and a certain emphasis on comfort without sacrificing the etiquette required by the Oscars.
A red carpet amidst glamour, security, and media attention
The 98th Academy Awards were also marked by strong security measuresMotivated by the international context and the fear of possible incidents, this deployment did not prevent the red carpet from proceeding normally, but it did result in very strict access and time controls.
Despite this, the prelude to the gala was particularly lively. There was a sense that this year's awards featured very competitive acting races: films like "Battle After Battle," "Hamnet," "The Sinners," and "Marty Supreme" were among the nominees. other nominated films They arrived with high expectations, and that tension was also reflected in the guests' performance.
From the very first minutes, the cameras captured a large part of the international cast, with strong presence of European industry And an eye was kept on how those who would later go on stage to collect their awards would dress. The red carpet once again served as a visual prologue to what would be seen inside the theater.
On social media, debates about best and worst dressed erupted instantly, with particular attention focused on the most elaborate looks from Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Valentino, and Saint Laurent. There was also considerable discussion about Spanish participation and how the country's directors and actors are now seamlessly integrating into this global fashion ecosystem.
In the end, this 2026 Oscars red carpet provided a pretty clear picture of the moment: Classic glamour still reigns supremeBut it allows for contemporary touches; the big names in European fashion keep the pulse of the night, and the presence of European and Spanish talent is gradually consolidating in the very heart of Hollywood.
