At the 97th Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 2, 2025, Ariana Grande made a stunning appearance, honoring her role as Glinda from the highly anticipated film "Wicked". The pop star turned actress walked the red carpet clad in an ethereal pale pink corseted Schiaparelli ballgown, characterized by its voluminous silhouette and breathtaking embellishments.
Grande’s gown sparkled with more than 190,000 crystal sequins and rhinestones, making it one of the standout fashion moments of the evening. The Schiaparelli design features a delicate mock neck and broad peplum, cascading down elegantly to the soft gauzy skirt. Miami-based fashion correspondent Stephen Lovekin noted the look’s inspiration, remarking, “The wiggly waistline was inspired by a lamp created by the artist Alberto Giacometti.”
The singer-songwriter accessorized her glamorous outfit with subtle but radiant De Beers jewelry, including a stunning diamond choker and matching stud earrings. To complete the look, Grande styled her hair neatly in a sleek updo, showcasing her face and the intricacies of her outfit. All eyes were on her as she continued her “Glinda-ification” trend from the film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical.
Stepping onto the red carpet, Grande walked alone, having arrived separately from her "Wicked" co-star Ethan Slater, who sported a classic black tuxedo. This year’s Oscars were highly anticipated not just for the fashion but also for Grande’s nomination as Best Supporting Actress for her captivating performance. "I'm so proud of my Elphie, my sister, my dear @cynthiaerivo. Your brilliance is never ending and you deserve every flower (tulip) in every garden," she expressed on Instagram prior to the awards, reflecting her gratitude and excitement.
Grande wasn’t just attending for the accolades—she was also prepared for something special as she and Cynthia Erivo were slated to perform during the ceremony. Although the specific details of their musical performance remained shrouded in mystery, fans were eager to hear the musical duo bring their characters and talents to the stage. The collaboration added another layer of anticipation to the night, promising to be one of the more memorable highlights of the event.
Cynthia Erivo, who has garnered acclaim for her own role as Elphaba, complemented Grande’s themed attire with her own stunning gown. She chose to wear deep forest green, reminiscent of her character, and shared during her red carpet interview, “This is a nod to Oz, a nod to the green, and a nod to old Hollywood.” Adorned with historical references and elegant design, both stars maintained their thematic connection to the world of "Wicked" throughout the award season.
The fashion choices on the Oscars red carpet saw several other stars also opting for shades of champagne, metallics, and bold colors—where Grande and Erivo were not alone in standing out for their enchanting looks. Fellow nominees such as Felicity Jones and Isabella Rossellini also arrived fashionably, adding to the night’s glamour. Meanwhile, Ariana Grande's presence was certainly amplified by the sentiment surrounding her first-ever Oscar nomination. The heartfelt message she posted on her Instagram, mentioning her childhood memories of Judy Garland, reminded fans of her deep connection to the project.
“Picking my head up in between sobs to say thank you so much to @theacademy for this unfathomable recognition,” Grande shared, highlighting the mix of pride and humility she felt. She continued, “I’m humbled and deeply honored to be in such brilliant company,” reminding everyone just how important this moment was not only for her career but also personally.
With the second installment of "Wicked" set to be released later this year, fans are left to wonder if the theme of pink and green will continue as Grande and Erivo prepare for yet another promotional tour. One thing is for certain—the excitement surrounding their upcoming performances and the anticipated film release will only add to the whimsical allure of their red carpet moments.
The 2025 Oscars, beyond just award-giving, became a platform for celebrating creativity and expression, embodied beautifully by stars like Ariana Grande. Her captivating ensemble encapsulated the spirit of the event, refreshing the audience's hopes for exuberance and delight. While the competition was fierce, with nominees like Zoe Saldaña and Monica Barbaro also vying for recognition, Grande’s stunning appearance will certainly be remembered as one of the highlights of the evening.