Daryl Hannah made headlines with her unexpected appearance at the 2025 Oscars, stepping away from her usual low-profile lifestyle to present the award for Best Editing.
The 64-year-old Kill Bill star brought her signature edgy style to the Dolby Theatre, wearing silky bell-bottom pants and a chic white button-up shirt, boldly left unbuttoned to showcase her daring fishnet bustier underneath. Her outfit was complemented by statement heels, jewelry, and leather cuffs, featuring eye-catching silver snake motifs, demonstrating her unique fashion sense.
Hannah, who does not frequently attend award shows, captured attention not only for her appearance but also for her powerful statement during the event. Upon taking the stage, she led the audience in the phrase, "Slava Ukraini," meaning "Glory to Ukraine," which elicited thunderous applause from the star-studded crowd.
This tribute came just days after a particularly contentious meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former President Donald Trump at the White House. The meeting, which took place on February 28, was intended to discuss significant agreements concerning natural resources and peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Instead, it devolved rapidly, leading to accusations and tensions between the two leaders. Hannah's support for Ukraine presented a stark juxtaposition to the political turmoil surrounding the issue.
Hannah's unexpected political statement was noted and widely reported, particularly due to its timing following the fiery exchange between Trump and Zelensky. During their meeting, Trump reportedly kicked Zelensky out of the White House after expressing frustration with Ukraine's negotiations, stating, "You're gambling with World War III," reflecting the high stakes involved.
Yet, Hannah chose to seize the moment to express solidarity with Ukraine, using her televised platform to advocate for the country, signaling strong support from the entertainment community amid the geopolitical crisis. Her comments following the exchange, highlighted by The Hollywood Reporter on social media, created quite the buzz.
This year’s Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, celebrated the best films of the past year, with notable buzz around many categories, including the best picture nominations. With 13 nominations, the film Emilia Pérez led the race, featuring compelling narratives around complex characters, creating significant discussions as Hannah presented the award alongside other nominees.
Hannah's appearance at the Oscars was her first major public appearance since the Santa Barbara Film Festival, where she attended to promote her documentary Coastal, which chronicles her husband Neil Young’s 2023 tour. Having made her last significant red carpet appearances during the 2023 Grammys and the One Fair Wage fundraiser, her presence at the 2025 Oscars marks a notable return to the public eye.
Fans and fashion enthusiasts alike echoed nostalgia for Hannah’s earlier glamorous appearances, drawing parallels between her current style and her iconic looks from decades past. Hannah's distinct presence has often been linked with fashion moments of the past, including her memorable metallic cocktail dress at the 1988 Oscars.
Reflecting on her past and current style, it's evident Hannah continues to embody elegance and individuality. The buzz generated by her attire and her political stance struck resonance not only with fans but also with industry insiders, reaffirming her status as both a fashion icon and advocate.
Hannah has been open about her activism, often prioritizing environmental causes and social justice throughout her career. Her advocacy work, including her relationship with young environmentalist and musician Neil Young, emphasizes her commitment to meaningful causes. Since publicly acknowledging their relationship, they have become notable allies on various issues, including environmental initiatives, supporting each other’s endeavors creatively.
The juxtaposition of her stylish appearance and poignant message at the Oscars, amid swirling political tensions, invites discussion about the intersection of celebrity culture and activism. It demonstrates the role celebrities can play as voices for social and political issues, especially during significant moments of international concern.
Fans and supporters of Daryl Hannah continue to celebrate her contributions to both the arts and activism, viewing her as more than just another Hollywood star. With her thoughtful remarks and chic style, Hannah left her mark on the 2025 Oscars, embodying the blending of glamour with purpose.
Her ability to address pressing issues on such platforms speaks to the larger movement within Hollywood to leverage fame for societal impact, encouraging discussions on global humanitarian efforts like those underway for Ukraine. The enthusiastic response from the audience indicates growing support for celebrities using their platforms for advocacy.
Moving forward, Hannah’s statement at the Oscars might pave the way for more conversations around how public figures can respond to contemporary geopolitical issues, urging audiences to pay closer attention to global events and encouraging other celebrities to follow suit. By choosing to spotlight unity and resilience, she emphasizes the importance of solidarity, especially during challenging times.
While the world watches the developments surrounding Ukraine, Daryl Hannah's impactful moment stands out at the Oscars, marrying glamour with activism. Her choices reflect not just her personal style but also her commitment to speaking out when it matters most, encouraging her peers to do the same. With her appearance, she undoubtedly inspired many viewers and fans, reinforcing the notion of art and activism interwoven together for greater societal benefit.