The 98th Academy Awards returned with cinematic glamour as the world’s most celebrated actors, filmmakers and fashion houses gathered at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for Hollywood’s most prestigious evening. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony honoured the films of 2025 while once again transforming the red carpet into fashion’s most dramatic runway. 
The Oscars have long been where film and couture meet. Designers treat the evening as an opportunity to stage their most striking creations, while actors use fashion to extend the storytelling beyond the screen. The 2026 red carpet proved no different, offering a balance of modern glamour, theatrical silhouettes and timeless elegance.
One of the evening’s most anticipated appearances came from Zendaya, whose presence on any red carpet is now considered a fashion event in its own right. Her sculptural Louis Vuitton gown delivered quiet sophistication, proving that restraint can be just as powerful as spectacle.
Meanwhile, Teyana Taylor delivered one of the night’s most commanding looks. Her dramatic feathered ensemble and sparkling jewellery captured the essence of classic Hollywood glamour while maintaining the bold energy that has defined her red carpet style.
Regal elegance also found its moment through Elle Fanning, whose Givenchy gown offered a romantic interpretation of couture. Flowing lines and delicate structure created a look that felt both cinematic and timeless.
Elsewhere, Kylie Jenner leaned into high drama with a striking red carpet moment inspired by vintage Hollywood bombshell aesthetics, reminding audiences that the Oscars remain a space where fashion can still embrace spectacle.
Beyond the style, the ceremony also marked a major moment for cinema. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another emerged as the night’s biggest winner, taking home Best Picture alongside several additional awards. 
In the acting categories, Michael B. Jordan secured Best Actor for his performance in Sinners, while Jessie Buckley earned Best Actress for Hamnet, reinforcing their status as two of the industry’s most compelling performers. 
As always, the Oscars proved that the relationship between cinema and fashion remains inseparable. The gowns may only grace the red carpet for a few hours, but their impact echoes long after the final award is announced. In Hollywood, the storytelling rarely stops when the cameras turn off. Sometimes, it begins the moment a star steps onto the carpet.
