Oscars red carpet and backstage: Most striking looks from the Academy Awards | CNN

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Ten years after winning the best actor Oscar for the first time, Leonardo DiCaprio arrives with another nomination under his belt.
Ten years after winning the best actor Oscar for the first time, Leonardo DiCaprio arrives with another nomination under his belt.
Jennelle Fong for CNN

An inside look at the Oscars red carpet and the winners backstage

Photographs by Jennelle Fong for CNN | Produced by Jennifer Arnow, Brett Roegiers, Oscar Holland and Stephy Chung
Updated 2:20 AM EDT, Mon March 16, 2026
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The Oscars red carpet is all about big arrivals and small moments — the cast reunions, the last-minute gown readjustments, the slow shuffle toward the entranceway of Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre. In fact, what happens outside the venue and, later, backstage often lives longer in our collective memory than the awards themselves.

These are the outfits that will live on best-dressed (or worst-dressed) lists for decades to come, and the celebrity interactions that will be clipped, memed and shared ad infinitum. This year, CNN asked the celebrated photographer Jennelle Fong to capture them all: The looks you can’t miss and the tiny flourishes you almost certainly would have.

From the soothing pastel shades to the abundance of feathery embellishments, Hollywood’s starriest night spoke to moment. Yet there is always a timelessness to the occasion. Since its first edition in 1929, the Oscars has both reflected and shaped pop culture — a place where filmmaking and fashion converge. These Academy Awards were surely no different.

This photo essay will be updated throughout Sunday evening.

Chase Infiniti, followed by the cascading frills of her lavender Louis Vuitton gown.
Chase Infiniti, followed by the cascading frills of her lavender Louis Vuitton gown.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Odessa A’zion, in Valentino, poses with Jessie Buckley who wore a pink Chanel bustier dress with a red satin stole. Buckley went on to win best actress.
Odessa A’zion, in Valentino, poses with Jessie Buckley who wore a pink Chanel bustier dress with a red satin stole. Buckley went on to win best actress.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
“Hamnet” director Chloé Zhao was more gothic thriller than Shakespearean drama in a black, veiled look by Gabriela Hearst.
“Hamnet” director Chloé Zhao was more gothic thriller than Shakespearean drama in a black, veiled look by Gabriela Hearst.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
A rare public appearance for Pedro Pascal’s upper lip, hidden under a mustache since his “Narcos” days.
A rare public appearance for Pedro Pascal’s upper lip, hidden under a mustache since his “Narcos” days.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
“Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.” Anne Hathaway may have nodded to “The Devil Wears Prada” in Valentino.
“Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking.” Anne Hathaway may have nodded to “The Devil Wears Prada” in Valentino.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Michael B. Jordan adjusts his Louis Vuitton suit. He went on to win best actor.
Michael B. Jordan adjusts his Louis Vuitton suit. He went on to win best actor.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Timothée Chalamet in a white shirt, white silk tie and off-white tuxedo, all by Givenchy.
Timothée Chalamet in a white shirt, white silk tie and off-white tuxedo, all by Givenchy.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Rose Byrne in an embroidered Dior gown that swept behind her as she entered the venue.
Rose Byrne in an embroidered Dior gown that swept behind her as she entered the venue.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Emma Stone’s floor-length white Louis Vuitton gown, with an elegant plunging back, shines on the red carpet.
Emma Stone’s floor-length white Louis Vuitton gown, with an elegant plunging back, shines on the red carpet.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Wearing custom Campillo, country music star Shaboozey sparkled with Mikimoto jewels.
Wearing custom Campillo, country music star Shaboozey sparkled with Mikimoto jewels.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas in Dior and Ralph Lauren, respectively.
Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas in Dior and Ralph Lauren, respectively.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
The perfectly placed feathery train of Teyana Taylor’s Chanel gown.
The perfectly placed feathery train of Teyana Taylor’s Chanel gown.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
The impeccably dressed feet of Laurie and Paul Feig.
The impeccably dressed feet of Laurie and Paul Feig.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Couples in tow: Josh Safdie and Sara Rossein, left, and Mary and Ronald Bronstein.
Couples in tow: Josh Safdie and Sara Rossein, left, and Mary and Ronald Bronstein.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Musician Alana Haim, who also appeared in “One Battle After Another,” enjoys the moment.
Musician Alana Haim, who also appeared in “One Battle After Another,” enjoys the moment.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Amelia Dimoldenberg, in vintage Ralph Lauren, returns as red carpet correspondent for the third consecutive year.
Amelia Dimoldenberg, in vintage Ralph Lauren, returns as red carpet correspondent for the third consecutive year.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Jacob Elordi often turns to Bottega Veneta for the big occasions, the Oscars included.
Jacob Elordi often turns to Bottega Veneta for the big occasions, the Oscars included.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Last-minute adjustments with Marlee Matlin, who still holds the record as the youngest winner of the Oscar for best actress.
Last-minute adjustments with Marlee Matlin, who still holds the record as the youngest winner of the Oscar for best actress.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Demi Moore’s feathery Oscars plumage, courtesy of Gucci.
Demi Moore’s feathery Oscars plumage, courtesy of Gucci.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Making the case for ballet, Misty Copeland’s David Koma outfit featured a built-in tutu. She accessorized with a $1.8-million emerald diamond ring from Jared Jewelers.
Making the case for ballet, Misty Copeland’s David Koma outfit featured a built-in tutu. She accessorized with a $1.8-million emerald diamond ring from Jared Jewelers.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
"KPop Demon Hunters" stars Audrey Nuna, left, and Ejae land on the red carpet ahead of their performance of "Golden," which later won best original song.
"KPop Demon Hunters" stars Audrey Nuna, left, and Ejae land on the red carpet ahead of their performance of "Golden," which later won best original song.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
“Sentimental Value” star Renate Reinsve’s train sat perfectly on the carpet — with a little help.
“Sentimental Value” star Renate Reinsve’s train sat perfectly on the carpet — with a little help.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Autumn Durald Arkapaw walks the carpet before becoming the first woman to take home an Oscar for best cinematography.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw walks the carpet before becoming the first woman to take home an Oscar for best cinematography.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
An Oscar statuette made of chocolate, left, and a final carpet spruce.
An Oscar statuette made of chocolate, left, and a final carpet spruce.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Danielle Brooks matches the venue in complementary champagne shades.
Danielle Brooks matches the venue in complementary champagne shades.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
A playful Loewe dress worn by Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas of “Sentimental Value,” which won best international feature film.
A playful Loewe dress worn by Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas of “Sentimental Value,” which won best international feature film.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Kurt Russell captures a moment on the red carpet.
Kurt Russell captures a moment on the red carpet.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
“Sinners” actress Li Jun Li in a sculptural, corseted gown by Gaurav Gupta.
“Sinners” actress Li Jun Li in a sculptural, corseted gown by Gaurav Gupta.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Li Jun Li’s ribbon-like train trailed behind her on the red carpet.
Li Jun Li’s ribbon-like train trailed behind her on the red carpet.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Jack O’Connell shows off his natural smile having arrived wearing a set of prosthetic vampire teeth, “Sinners” style.
Jack O’Connell shows off his natural smile having arrived wearing a set of prosthetic vampire teeth, “Sinners” style.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Jayme Lawson shimmered in an electric blue Loewe dress hand-embroidered with 3D-printed fringes.
Jayme Lawson shimmered in an electric blue Loewe dress hand-embroidered with 3D-printed fringes.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Kirsten Dunst poses in a tiered Celine dress as husband Jesse Plemons looks on.
Kirsten Dunst poses in a tiered Celine dress as husband Jesse Plemons looks on.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Kevin O’Leary accessorized his D&G suit with a diamond-encrusted basketball trading card, which he estimated is worth $30 million.
Kevin O’Leary accessorized his D&G suit with a diamond-encrusted basketball trading card, which he estimated is worth $30 million.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Rei Ami walks for photos; co-star Audrey Nuna waits in the wings.
Rei Ami walks for photos; co-star Audrey Nuna waits in the wings.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
A lesson in complementary couples dressing from Paul Mescal, in Celine, and Gracie Abrams, in Chanel, for whom she is a brand ambassador.
A lesson in complementary couples dressing from Paul Mescal, in Celine, and Gracie Abrams, in Chanel, for whom she is a brand ambassador.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
An attendee's bowtie is adjusted before walking the red carpet.
An attendee's bowtie is adjusted before walking the red carpet.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Wunmi Mosaku, baby bump on full display, in a sparkling green hand-embroidered Louis Vuitton gown.
Wunmi Mosaku, baby bump on full display, in a sparkling green hand-embroidered Louis Vuitton gown.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Reigning Best Actress Mikey Madison in a blood-red Dior gown that was almost the same color as the carpet itself.
Reigning Best Actress Mikey Madison in a blood-red Dior gown that was almost the same color as the carpet itself.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Goldie Hawn and daughter Kate Hudson share a laugh before the cameras.
Goldie Hawn and daughter Kate Hudson share a laugh before the cameras.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Security personnel walk the red carpet ahead of the show.
Security personnel walk the red carpet ahead of the show.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Amy Madigan arrives backstage after winning best supporting actress for her role in “Weapons,” some 40 years after her last nomination.
Amy Madigan arrives backstage after winning best supporting actress for her role in “Weapons,” some 40 years after her last nomination.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Sigourney Weaver moments after presenting the awards for production design and visual effects alongside Pedro Pascal.
Sigourney Weaver moments after presenting the awards for production design and visual effects alongside Pedro Pascal.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
"One Battle After Another" director Paul Thomas Anderson is seen on a screen in the press room backstage. The film won best picture, best adapted screenplay and best director.
"One Battle After Another" director Paul Thomas Anderson is seen on a screen in the press room backstage. The film won best picture, best adapted screenplay and best director.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
“Sinners” star Michael B. Jordan, with his Academy Award for best actor, takes it all in.
“Sinners” star Michael B. Jordan, with his Academy Award for best actor, takes it all in.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
Paul Thomas Anderson holds his awards — three of the six won by “One Battle After Another” — backstage.
Paul Thomas Anderson holds his awards — three of the six won by “One Battle After Another” — backstage.
Jennelle Fong for CNN
“Hamnet” star Jessie Buckley holds up her best actress Oscar after becoming the first ever Irish actor ever to win the award.
“Hamnet” star Jessie Buckley holds up her best actress Oscar after becoming the first ever Irish actor ever to win the award.
Jennelle Fong for CNN

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