The oscars red carpet opened as nominees and celebrities arrived in Hollywood for the biggest night of the awards season, offering a final showcase of gowns, tuxedos and statement moments before the ceremony begins at 7: 00 pm ET.
Oscars Red Carpet: Who’s Turning Heads
Today’s arrivals continued a pattern of high-fashion risk-taking from several nominees known for memorable looks. Teyana Taylor, Timothée Chalamet and Emma Stone were among the fashionable actors expected to liven up the carpet; Chalamet’s past choices include a butter yellow leather suit worn at last year’s ceremony, and Taylor has used each red carpet leading up to the Oscars as a runway with standout custom pieces.
Other arriving stars used established couture houses for their ensembles. One nominee appeared in custom Chanel, while a mix of familiar faces — including actors, presenters and TV personalities — struck poses along the boulevard. Attendees typically travel to the carpet in limousines and walk a carpeted route that leads to the steps of the theatre at the centre of a shopping mall.
Security, Street Scene and Logistics
The red carpet is set up on a public street lined with tourist shops and vendors, and the usual bustle of tourists and fans was evident as people craned to glimpse arrivals. Hollywood Boulevard was closed to accommodate the ceremony and the carpeted route to the Dolby Theatre, and security presence was heightened with additional police cars and officers along the boulevard and nearby side streets.
Representatives from the accounting firm that manages the balloting process arrived carrying briefcases containing the lists of winners. When the red carpet wraps and attendees take their seats, host Conan O’Brien will begin the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre.
Designers, Political Pins and What This Moment Means
Luxury fashion houses remain dominant on the carpet, with names such as Armani, Dior, Valentino, Prada and Chanel often dressing attendees. Brand relationships and ambassador contracts mean independent designers are rarely seen in this setting, though individual ambassadors do appear in their house labels; one actor who is a brand ambassador for a major house wore a black gown to a recent awards event.
Beyond fashion, the carpet has been a platform for political expression this awards season. Small pins and accessories bearing messages like “ICE OUT” or “BE GOOD” have appeared in response to the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Other attendees have worn red pins calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, and with ongoing international conflict, the carpet could see more celebrities using their moment to address current global turmoil.
As the crowd watches and photographers capture each arrival, the oscars red carpet will serve as the final public showcase for nominees and stars before winners are revealed. The event will transition from street spectacle to televised ceremony once the last guests take their seats for the 7: 00 pm ET start.
