Hollywood’s biggest night has arrived, and with it, a dazzling display of fashion on the 2026 Oscars red carpet. From breathtaking couture gowns to impeccably tailored tuxedos, the stars brought their A-game, showcasing the latest trends and timeless elegance. The anticipation leading up to the 98th Annual Academy Awards was palpable, with celebrities making final preparations and attending pre-Oscar events to celebrate the art of filmmaking.
The buzz surrounding this year’s red carpet was particularly high, with many eager to see the looks inspired by recent runway collections. Chanel, a longtime supporter of the film industry, played a significant role in the pre-Oscar festivities, hosting its annual pre-Oscars dinner on Saturday night. This event provided a glimpse of the styles to come, with stars like Teyana Taylor and Nicole Kidman sporting designs from the iconic fashion house. The 2026 Oscars red carpet fashion promises to be a memorable one, setting the tone for a night of celebration and recognition.
Teyana Taylor, a first-time Oscar nominee for her performance in “One Battle After Another,” made a statement even before the ceremony began. She had a final dress fitting on Saturday, following an earlier fitting in Paris, and shared her excitement with Variety, saying, “Oh, my God, it’s going to be great.” Her pre-Oscars appearance at the Chanel and Charles Finch dinner showcased her bold style, hinting at a potentially show-stopping look for the main event.
The Chanel and Charles Finch pre-Oscars dinner, held at The Polo Lounge in The Beverly Hills Hotel, was a key event leading up to the awards. The dinner served as a final opportunity for stars to socialize and showcase designs from the latest Matthieu Blazy collection for Chanel. Taylor’s multicolored shearling coat, first seen on the fall 2026 runway, was a standout piece, demonstrating the close relationship between fashion and film. She was seen holding hands with Nicole Kidman as they navigated the growing crowd at The Polo Lounge, creating a striking visual contrast between Taylor’s vibrant coat and Kidman’s white silk organza skirt set, adorned with delicate insect embroidery.
A Night Hosted by Conan O’Brien
The 98th Annual Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien for the second consecutive year, commenced on Sunday night at 4 p.m. PT/ 7 p.m. ET at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The ceremony was broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu, allowing audiences across the country to tune in and witness the celebration of cinematic achievement.
Leading up to the main event, CNN and Variety co-hosted a red carpet pre-show, beginning at 1 p.m. PT/4 p.m. ET. The pre-show, streamed live on CNN’s digital platform and Variety’s social channels, offered viewers an exclusive look at the stars arriving and discussing their looks and excitement for the evening. Variety likewise promised coverage of the legendary Vanity Fair Oscar party red carpet later that night, extending the fashion coverage well beyond the awards ceremony itself.
Stars Shine at Pre-Oscar Events
Beyond the Chanel dinner, other pre-Oscar events contributed to the glamorous atmosphere. Lana Condor, Alexandra Shipp, and Jurnee Smollett attended Dior’s Club J’adore in Beverly Hills on Monday night. Tuesday saw the premiere of “Reminders of Him” in Hollywood, with Tyriq Withers and Maika Monroe walking the red carpet. The 14th annual Queerties Awards also honored “Hacks” star Meg Stalter, Margaret Cho, and Mae Martin. These events collectively built anticipation for the main event, showcasing the excitement and camaraderie within the film industry.
Time magazine also hosted its Women of the Year dinner at the West Hollywood Edition hotel, honoring figures like Teyana Taylor, Chloé Zhao, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Lucy Liu. Taylor expressed a mix of nerves and gratitude, acknowledging the friendships she’d forged throughout awards season and expressing a bittersweet feeling about its conclusion. “I’m realizing Here’s about to come to an end and I really had a blast,” she told Variety. “There are all the friendships I made and all the attractive people that I’ve enjoyed running into all awards season. I’m going to miss everybody. This whole journey has been so beautiful.”
As the night unfolds, all eyes are on the Dolby Theatre, eager to see who will take home the coveted awards and, of course, what stunning fashion moments the 2026 Oscars red carpet will deliver. The convergence of talent, artistry, and style promises a memorable evening for both attendees and viewers alike.
The 2026 Oscars represent not just the pinnacle of cinematic achievement, but also a significant moment in fashion and cultural trends. The looks seen on the red carpet will undoubtedly influence style choices for months to come, solidifying the Oscars’ place as a major fashion event. Stay tuned for further updates and a complete rundown of the best-dressed stars from this year’s ceremony.
What were your favorite looks from the 2026 Oscars red carpet? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
