The Academy Awards have been handing out little faceless gold statues for close to a century. But like all awards shows, it’s only been in the past few years that we’ve seen something that feels like diversity creep into the ceremony. Hollywood’s homogeneity has long been a hallmark of its red carpet. Finally, we’re starting to see a major shift transforming the pageantry that precedes the most important event in filmmaking. And the results, I’m pleased to report, have been gorgeous.
It used to be that any woman over a size two had almost no options. Want something flattering? Wear Christian Siriano … or Christian Siriano. Practically nobody else made anything that fit, let alone flattered.
It used to be that any woman over a size two had almost no options.
And while the fashion industry’s old guard might act like Karl Lagerfeld’s fatphobic comments are the exception, in fact his opinions have up until very recently represented the mainstream view in fashion. (The man was the inspirational theme for the 2023 Met Gala, for heaven’s sake.)
Two of this year’s highest-profile nominees were Lily Gladstone and Da’Vine Joy Randolph. Gladstone, nominated for best actress for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” arrived on the red carpet Sunday night a heavy favorite (although she ultimately lost to Emma Stone). However, Gladstone’s awards season attention hasn’t just been the result of her historic acting. Gladstone has worn huge designers throughout her string of awards circuit wins: Valentino at the Golden Globes, Jamie Okuma at the Independent Spirit Awards, Armani Prive at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, and, of course, Siriano at the Critics’ Choice.
For the Oscars, Gladstone wore a custom Gucci gown, but the fit wasn’t the only part that flattered. The gown’s train design incorporated her tribe’s symbol; this was high fashion merging with heritage in a beautiful display of progress.
Randolph also arrived as a heavy favorite to win…
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