Keke Palmer brought old Hollywood glamour back to the red carpet at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards on February 23, 2025, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. After being absent from the ceremony for nearly two decades, Palmer's presence was celebrated as she not only dazzled attendees but also presented at the star-studded event. The awards, hosted by Kristen Bell and honoring the best performances from film and television of 2024, also saw legendary actress Jane Fonda receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The actress, entrepreneur, and author turned heads with her stunning ensemble, wearing a vintage Chanel gown from the luxury fashion house’s 1985 collection. The black strapless gown was adorned with intricately detailed gold accents and featured botanical-inspired designs at the neckline, showcasing Palmer's fashion-forward choices.
Palmer complemented her sophisticated look with long black opera gloves extending past her elbows. She paired the gown with pointed-toe black shoes from her go-to designers, completing the ensemble with gold earrings sourced from Brilliant Earth. Her stylist, Molly Dickson, curated the overall look, ensuring Palmer embodied both elegance and contemporary style.
Her glamorous appearance was enhanced by her voluminous short hairstyle, with waves framing her face perfectly. Palmer opted for makeup reflective of classic glamour, sporting bold brows and smokey eyes along with vibrant red lips, adding just the right pop of color to her ensemble.
The dress worn by Palmer has its own Hollywood legacy, having previously graced the red carpet on the iconic Jamie Lee Curtis at the American Cinematheque Awards back in February 1986. This historical connection adds depth to Palmer’s choice and amplifies her status as not just an actress but also as a revered figure within Hollywood’s storied traditions.
Aside from her fashion statement, Palmer has been making waves behind the scenes as well, serving as the executive producer on her latest project, the film titled ‘One of Them Days,’ where she also stars alongside singer SZA. During interactions with the press, she shared her excitement about balancing motherhood, acting, and producing. "It is an evolution of my joy and love for the entertainment industry," Palmer noted, emphasizing the importance of multifaceted roles as her career progresses.
Palmer's emergence back onto the SAG stage is particularly poignant. She made her film debut at only ten years old, and her first participation at the SAG Awards came just a year later when she was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor for her role in ‘The Wool Cap.’ Through the years, she has navigated the challenges of being a child actor, advocating for the recognition of emotions within the entertainment industry, and confronting the challenges of meeting public expectations.
Reflecting on her past, Palmer remarked, “At a young age in the child entertainer world, your emotions are always the last thing people care about.” Her candid sharing about her experiences resonates deeply with many who have faced similar paths and challenges, highlighting the often overlooked narratives surrounding child actors.
The 2025 SAG Awards was not just about celebrating Palmer’s return but also spotlighted significant talents of the industry. The night featured nominees such as ‘Shōgun’ and ‘Wicked,’ each leading with five nominations. The atmosphere was electric as recognition was not only aimed at individual performances but also at the craft of storytelling through film and television, emphasized by every participant present.
Palmer’s return to such a renowned platform after two decades is symbolic of her growth and resilience, transitioning from child star to multifaceted entertainer. The 2025 SAG Awards not only highlighted the year’s artistic achievements but also celebrated the evolution of talent, as exemplified by Palmer's stellar entrance back onto the red carpet. With such experiences, she now stands as both a beacon and participant of contemporary Hollywood, proving her caliber in diverse roles both onscreen and behind the scenes.
With the night concluding, audiences were not only left with memories of glamour and artistry but with anticipation for where Palmer and her peers plan to go next. The celebration of collective talent at the SAG Awards encapsulated the commitment to excellence, diversity, and storytelling at the heart of the film and television industry.