The 2026 Oscar nominees for best actress include Kate Hudson, Emma Stone, Jessie Buckley, Rose Byrne and Renate Reinsve. This group features previous nominees alongside first-time contenders. A review of their debut Academy Awards red carpet appearances highlights notable fashion choices from designers like Chloé and Vivienne Westwood.
The 2026 Academy Awards, set for March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, recognize outstanding films from 2025. Hosted by Conan O’Brien for his second consecutive year, the ceremony begins at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and Hulu. Leading nominations is “Sinners” with 16 nods, including best picture, alongside films such as “One Battle After Another” and “Hamnet”.
Kate Hudson, nominated for “Song Sung Blue,” attended her first Oscars in 2001 wearing a Chloé dress designed by then-creative director Stella McCartney. The outfit featured a bohemian style with sparkle and flair, reminiscent of her character Penny Lane in “Almost Famous,” for which she received a best supporting actress nomination. Her hair was styled by Robert Vetica of Cloutier, evoking her mother Goldie Hawn.
Rose Byrne, earning her first nomination for 2026, debuted at the February 2012 Oscars in a custom black sequined one-shoulder gown by Vivienne Westwood, tied to her role in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.” The formfitting dress shimmered with sequins, paired with peep-toe heels and statement accessories including earrings, a ring and a bracelet. Her hair was in a bob with fringe.
Emma Stone, nominated for “Bugonia,” also first appeared in 2012 in a Giambattista Valli gown from the spring 2012 couture collection. The sleeveless design had a flowing skirt, cinched waist and a voluminous bow at the neckline, echoing Nicole Kidman’s 2007 Balenciaga look.
Renate Reinsve, a first-time nominee for “Sentimental Value,” wore Louis Vuitton from the spring 2022 collection at the 2022 Oscars. The sleeveless dress offered a loose silhouette with black and white lacy embroidery, updating 1920s flapper style.
Jessie Buckley, previously nominated for supporting in “The Lost Daughter” in 2022 and now for “Hamnet,” debuted that year in an Erdem Moralıoğlu gown. The sleeveless blush piece included a plunging neckline and long train.
