The 98th Academy Awards delivered one of the most visually stunning red carpets in recent memory, and Black women were at the center of it all. From custom couture to natural hairstyles, the Dolby Theatre became a runway of cultural pride, personal expression, and undeniable glamour on March 15, 2026.
Teyana Taylor Makes History in Custom Chanel at the 2026 Oscars
Teyana Taylor, nominated for Best Supporting Actress, arrived in custom Chanel by Matthieu Blazy — a black-and-white embellished gown with a sheer midriff panel and a dramatic feathered train, completed with diamonds and delicate teardrop earrings. The look was the talk of the night before she even stepped inside.
What made this moment even more powerful was the intention behind it. Taylor has spoken openly about wanting full creative control over her major fashion moments, saying she speaks directly with designers rather than going through intermediaries. “When I see myself in these dresses that I designed direct with designers, it’s me telling young Teyana, like baby girl, we did it,” she shared.
Taylor is already a Golden Globe winner this season, and with a look this commanding, it was clear she arrived at the Oscars ready to make history in every sense of the word.
Chase Infiniti and Jayme Lawson Deliver Old Hollywood Glamour
Not all the style moments of the night belonged to nominees. ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood honoree Chase Infiniti channeled Old Hollywood glamour in a lavender Louis Vuitton gown with a sweetheart neckline, sultry draping, and a long ruffled train — styled with boho braids created using Bellami Hair extensions by stylist Coree Moreno. The combination of classic silhouette and natural hair sent a clear message: you do not have to choose between elegance and authenticity.
Similarly, Jayme Lawson arrived in a royal-blue feathered gown with an oversized skirt and halterneck silhouette, pairing the dramatic look with a slicked-back, spiky bun that framed her face with precision. The look was architectural and bold — exactly the kind of fashion risk that awards nights are made for.
Together, these two looks demonstrated the breadth of Black women’s fashion range on one of the world’s most watched stages.
Marsai Martin and Ryan Destiny Show Modern Fashion Confidence
Marsai Martin wore a face-framing bob in soft curls, paired with a brown satin figure-hugging boned corset gown, and finished the look with a brown choker and diamond-embellished earrings — proof that cohesion and attention to detail can elevate any look from beautiful to unforgettable.
Ryan Destiny, styled by the legendary Law Roach, wore an AMI Paris creation that blended a plunging button-up bodice with a Cinderella-style black velvet skirt, accessorized with a diamond drop necklace and golden-brown waist-length hair in soft wand curls. The look struck a perfect balance between sharp tailoring and romantic femininity.
Both Martin and Destiny represent a generation of Black women in Hollywood who are not just showing up — they are showing out, with intention.
A Night That Went Beyond Fashion at the 2026 Academy Awards
The red carpet also welcomed a broader community of Black talent and cultural figures. Danielle Brooks, Tamron Hall, Misty Copeland, Wunmi Mosaku, Zoe Saldaña, and others all made their presence felt on the carpet, turning the arrivals into a full celebration of Black excellence across film, television, and culture.
The ceremony itself honored breakthrough talent, legendary filmmakers, and iconic fashion moments, with the Dolby Theatre once again serving as the stage for the very best the industry has to offer. And throughout it all, Black women remained front and center — not as a trend, but as a permanent fixture of Hollywood’s most prestigious night.
Ultimately, the 98th Oscars red carpet was about more than clothes. It was a statement — that Black women belong in every room, on every carpet, and at the center of every conversation about style, culture, and excellence.
