Ariana Grande made quite the statement at the 2025 Academy Awards, stepping onto the red carpet as Glinda from the much-anticipated musical film "Wicked." This year marks not only Grande's dazzling appearance but also her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, and she certainly didn't hold back with her attire.
Grande's gown was nothing short of spectacular: a custom creation from the Schiaparelli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2025 collection, which was initially presented on the runway only weeks prior. This enchanting dress, which Grande's stylist Mimi Cuttrell described as having more than 190,000 sparkling crystals, was fashioned in a soft blush pink, reflecting the actress's character Glinda perfectly. "I am floating with gratitude," Grande expressed on Instagram, celebrating the look she wore to honor her dual role as both actress and character for the night.
The gown itself featured architectural elements inspired by the sculptural works of Italian artist Alberto Giacometti, particularly its unique clam basque at the waist. Grande's outfit wasn’t just about the dress; her overall look was enhanced by jewelry from De Beers, adding to the gown's regal feel and eleving her appearance on one of Hollywood's most prestigious stages.
Her makeup was as ethereal as the gown, created by makeup artist Michael Anthony with products from Grande's own brand, r.e.m. beauty. The makeup encompassed soft, rosy tones with glowing highlights, complemented by her hair styled by Alyx Liu, who crafted her blonde locks elegantly pulled back in a sleek high bun.
Notably, Grande's co-star Cynthia Erivo also dazzled on the red carpet, coordinating with Grande by wearing her own custom-designed gown from Louis Vuitton. Erivo's dress featured dark green velvet, symbolizing her character Elphaba and completing their beloved Wicked duo's thematic appearances. Their coordinated efforts reflect not only their prep for this significant awards night but also the camaraderie they've shared throughout the film’s promotional events.
Reflecting on her nomination, Grande shared heartfelt sentiments on social media: "I cannot stop crying, to no one’s surprise. I am humbled and deeply honored to be in such brilliant company." She expressed her pride and nostalgia, recalling how she watched Judy Garland's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" as part of her preparation for the role, reaffirming her connection to the material and its legacy.
The Oscars were particularly momentous for Grande, not just for fashion but also for her career. Grande opened the show with a breathtaking rendition of the iconic song, changing for the performance from her main red-carpet look to another stunning dress reminiscent of the ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz." This tea-length gown featured shimmering accents reminiscent of the whimsical footwear from the classic film, underscoring her deep connection to both productions.
Diving back to the fashion itself, Grande's delicate blend of glamour and whimsicality—affected by the magical theme of her character—set the night’s tone. Many fashion critics and fans, including those from the Daily Mail, had varied responses to her look, with some questioning its practicality for red carpet wear. Yet, Grande's interpretation of Glinda was nothing less than celebratory, manifesting the joyous energy and spirit of her character, as reflected through her sartorial choices.
Grande's appearance echoed her previous fashion statements seen during the promotional tour for "Wicked." At last week's nominees dinner, for example, she wore vintage Saint Laurent, showcasing playful pink feathers as her nod to validation her Glinda character. It was during the run-up to the Oscars when she revealed the iconic dress she’d wear on such occasion and for her performance, providing fans and fashion enthusiasts alike with intriguing glimpses of her style evolution.
The excitement surrounding her character and the film flourished over the past year, starting from their promotional campaigns to the numerous awards nominations it garnered—all of which spotlighted not just the performances but also the authentic connection to the beloved story through splendid visual storytelling. Such anticipation translated seamlessly onto the red carpet, as Grande and Erivo showcased their characters’ identities through their outfits and overall glam.
With "Wicked" nominated for ten Oscars, including Best Picture, the atmosphere on the carpet mirrored the film's enchanting narrative. Grande's performance and red carpet looks reaffirmed her status as not only a dominant figure within the industry but also as capable of merging musicality with fashion, consistently charming audiences everywhere.
While the critics may have mixed reviews, Grande's bold fashion choices and heartfelt performances undoubtedly struck chords with viewers, garnering unwavering support from fans worldwide. For many, this Oscars 2025 appearance was the perfect culmination of Grande's remarkable talents and the characters she so beautifully embodies, proving once again why she remains one of today’s standout stars.