A Dazzling Red Carpet Moment
Oscar nominee Danielle Brooks dazzled on the red carpet at the 95th Academy Awards, her glamorous ensemble accentuated by a stunning manicure that caught the eye of beauty enthusiasts and made a powerful statement.
A Manicure with Symbolism
While Brooks’s platinum and diamond jewelry perfectly complemented the boning on the corset of her gown, it was her manicure that truly stole the show. Adorned with dozens of crystals forming French tips, one statement nail stood out, studded with the number 26.
In a red carpet interview, Brooks shared the poignant symbolism behind the number: she is the 26th Black woman to be nominated for Best Supporting Actress, following in the footsteps of incredible nominees before her, including Oprah Winfrey, who received a nod for the same role in 1986.
“The number is a reminder that the Oscars still have lots of work to do,” said a fashion critic, acknowledging the shamefully low number of Black women nominated in the category throughout the Oscars’ 87-year history.
A Collaboration with Nail Artistry Royalty
The auteur behind Brooks’s meaningful manicure was none other than Temeka Jackson, a renowned nail artist who has adorned nails with charms, pearls, and diamonds for countless red carpet events. For Jackson, this collaboration with Brooks was an opportunity to infuse symbolism and historical context into her artistry.
“Jackson has put charms, pearls, and diamonds on sets in the past, but Sunday night’s manicure on Brooks was a chance to bring a bit of symbolism and historical context to the red carpet,” reported an industry insider.
A Flawless Beauty Look
Completing Brooks’s stunning red carpet appearance was a masterful makeup look created by artist Rebekah Aladdin, who used Benefit Cosmetics products to achieve an “edgy flair” while maintaining a classic aesthetic.
From the perfectly winged black liner to the radiant blush, every detail was meticulously executed, allowing Brooks’s meaningful manicure to take center stage.
While Brooks may not have taken home the Oscar, her glamorous nails and their powerful symbolism won the hearts of beauty enthusiasts and sparked a conversation about representation and progress in the entertainment industry.
