The Screen Actors Guild Awards celebrated its 31st ceremony on February 23, 2025, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Beyond the bronze trophies nicknamed “The Actor,” Black women dominated the red carpet with show-stopping beauty looks and unforgettable style moments.
From Keke Palmer’s fiery ginger bob to Zoe Saldaña’s classic elegance after her supporting actress win, these stars brought their A-game. The event showcased a variety of trends, from pixie cuts to spring-ready pink lips, all while celebrating the year’s most compelling performances.
Keke Palmer’s Fiery Red Look Channels Hollywood Icon
Keke Palmer made waves on the SAG Awards red carpet with a stunning Jessica Rabbit-inspired appearance. Her newly-debuted ginger bob commanded attention alongside a bold red lip that perfectly complemented her look.
Palmer first introduced her ginger hair color during New York Fashion Week earlier this month. The vibrant shade marked a dramatic departure from her previous styles, proving once again that Palmer isn’t afraid to experiment with her image.
The transformation particularly stood out against the backdrop of other attendees, establishing Palmer as one of the night’s most talked-about beauty moments. Her cohesive color story from hair to lips created a powerful visual impact as she made her way down the red carpet.
Zoe Saldaña’s Award-Winning Classic Elegance
Emilia Pérez star Zoe Saldaña arrived at the ceremony showcasing timeless beauty before taking home the trophy for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role. Her elegant ballerina bun created a sophisticated silhouette that framed her face perfectly.
Saldaña paired her updo with a pale pink lip and expertly executed smoky eye. The contrast between the soft lip color and more dramatic eye makeup balanced her overall look with precision.
This classic approach to red carpet beauty proved that sometimes traditional glamour makes the strongest statement. Saldaña’s look embodied the kind of refined elegance that remains effective regardless of changing trends.
Short Hair Reigns Supreme with Abbott Elementary Stars
Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson and Janelle James both embraced the short hair trend with striking pixie cuts. These bold choices showcased both actresses’ facial features while making a confident beauty statement.
Brunson’s pixie featured precise styling that created a polished, camera-ready appearance. The structured cut complemented her facial structure while allowing her makeup to shine through without distraction.
James took a similar approach with her short style, continuing what appears to be a growing trend among Black women in Hollywood. These looks demonstrated how short hair can create a powerful red carpet presence while offering versatility and modern appeal.
Braided Elegance Makes a Statement with Danielle Deadwyler
The Piano Lesson star Danielle Deadwyler brought architectural precision to the red carpet with her micro-braids styled into an elevated French twist. Her look incorporated curled mini bangs that framed her face beautifully.
Deadwyler complemented her braided updo with orange-toned eyeshadow. This warm makeup choice added dimension and visual interest to her overall appearance while maintaining sophisticated cohesion.
Her look exemplified how protective styles can be transformed into high-fashion moments for major events. Deadwyler’s approach showcased the versatility of braided styles while elevating them to red-carpet worthy status.
Spring Beauty Preview with Pink Lip Trend
Kerry Washington and Adjoa Andoh appeared to predict spring’s favorite makeup trend with their light pink lip choices. This softer approach to lip color offered a fresh alternative to bolder options seen on the carpet.
The pink lip trend created a youthful, approachable aesthetic that worked beautifully with both actresses’ complete looks. Their makeup artists clearly understood how this particular shade could enhance natural beauty without overwhelming it.
As award season continues into spring, this trend may well expand across Hollywood events. The universally flattering color family works across skin tones while signaling the upcoming seasonal shift in beauty preferences.
Sheryl Lee Ralph Delivers the Juiciest Look of the Night
Veteran actress Sheryl Lee Ralph closed the carpet with what many beauty experts called the “juiciest” look of the evening. Her blush-lifted cheekbones created dimensional radiance that captivated photographers.
Ralph paired her glowing cheek moment with complementary berry lips. The coordination between these elements demonstrated masterful makeup application focused on color harmony and balance.
The resulting look created a vibrant, youthful appearance that highlighted Ralph’s natural beauty. Her red carpet moment proved that thoughtful color coordination between different makeup elements creates standout results.
