Hollywood is abuzz with the announcement of the 97th Academy Awards nominations, with Emilia Pérez leading the charge with 13 nominations, followed closely by The Brutalist and Wicked, each with 10.
While the Oscars, airing March 2 on ABC, are a celebration of cinematic achievement, they also serve as a platform for self-expression and showcase the ever-changing world of red carpet fashion—a domain that Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness is very familiar with.
In a recent interview with Yahoo Entertainment, Van Ness, whose stand-up special Fun & Slutty is now streaming on Veeps, shared their thoughts on how fashion plays a role in Hollywood’s storytelling and influence. “Fashion is really about self-expression,” Van Ness, who uses they/them pronouns, explained. “It’s for yourself. It’s not for other people’s validation. That’s what people at large have gotten too confused about — they think it’s for other people, but it’s not.”
Van Ness emphasized that instead of worrying about external judgments, the red carpet at events like the Golden Globes and Oscars should be seen as an opportunity to showcase beauty and empowerment through personal style.
Making a Statement Matters
From Billy Porter’s iconic tuxedo gown and Björk’s memorable swan dress to Halle Berry’s sheer floral gown and Cher’s unforgettable Bob Mackie creation, the Oscars have long been a platform for daring fashion statements.
Van Ness, who made their red carpet hosting debut at the Golden Globes on January 5, anticipates this year will be no different—especially for Oscar nominees like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, both nominated for their performances in Wicked.
Demi Moore, an Oscar nominee for Best Actress for The Substance and a Golden Globe winner for the same role, has consistently wowed with show-stopping looks on Oscars night.
Similarly, A Complete Unknown star Elle Fanning, who turned heads at the Globes in a stunning golden and leopard gown described by Van Ness as “a cool blend of modern and vintage,” has raised the bar for her potential Oscar appearance.
Even celebrities who didn’t land Oscar nominations, such as Babygirl star Nicole Kidman, are on Van Ness’s radar for their potential to inspire with their fashion choices.
Van Ness also highlighted that red carpet representation goes beyond the celebrities themselves—it includes the designers who create these iconic looks. One standout for Van Ness is Christian Siriano, whose inclusive approach to fashion has made him a favorite for crafting some of Hollywood’s most unforgettable moments. With the Oscars approaching, Van Ness believes the red carpet is more than just a space to shine; it’s an opportunity to celebrate individuality and empowerment.
