Meg Ryan’s Iconic Return to the Oscars: A Red Carpet Moment 27 Years in the Making

Hollywood’s beloved rom-com queen, Meg Ryan, made a grand return to the 2025 Academy Awards, marking her first appearance at the Oscars in nearly three decades. Dressed in a stunning strapless red velvet gown, the 63-year-old actress turned heads on the red carpet at the 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien on March 2, 2025. Her long-awaited comeback not only thrilled fans but also ignited discussions about her enduring influence in the film industry. 

Meg Ryan’s Must-See Oscars Red Carpet Look

At 63, the Sleepless in Seattle actress proved that classic Hollywood glamour never fades. Meg captivated the audience in a strapless red velvet gown, complete with thigh-high slits on either side, perfectly showcasing her signature style. She complemented the look with strappy black platform heels, a stunning white diamond bracelet, and her iconic wavy bob hairstyle.

Her return to the prestigious event was met with excitement from fans and fellow celebrities alike, as she confidently posed for photographers on the red carpet.

Meg Ryan’s Dazzling Red Carpet Comeback

Meg Ryan, best known for her unforgettable roles in romantic comedies like When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and You’ve Got Mail, proved once again that she remains a timeless Hollywood icon.

For her Oscars appearance, Meg chose a sophisticated red velvet gown featuring dramatic thigh-high slits on both sides. She paired the dress with strappy black platform heels and accessorized with a white diamond bracelet. Her signature wavy bob hairstyle completed the classic yet modern look. (Click here to see all the 2025 Oscars red carpet fashion highlights.)

While Meg stunned on the red carpet, her night at the Oscars wasn’t just about fashion—she also took to the stage to present the award for Best Picture alongside longtime friend and fellow Hollywood legend Billy Crystal. The duo awarded the Oscar for Best Picture to Anora, which triumphed over The Brutalist, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, Emilia Pérez, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, The Substance, and Wicked.

A Long-Awaited Return to the Academy Awards

Meg Ryan’s last appearance at the Oscars was in 1998, when she attended alongside her then-husband, actor Dennis Quaid. At that time, she exuded effortless elegance in a long-sleeved black gown, complemented by Dennis’ classic black tux and tie. The couple even sported matching dark sunglasses, making for a memorable Hollywood moment.

Fast forward to 2025, and Meg’s return to the Academy Awards has fans reminiscing about her legendary career while celebrating her return to the spotlight. Her presence at the event also sparked renewed interest in her past roles and her impact on the romantic comedy genre.

Meg Ryan’s Career and Her Impact on Romantic Comedies

Meg Ryan’s rise to fame in the late 1980s and 1990s solidified her as the ultimate rom-com sweetheart. Her ability to bring charm, wit, and depth to her roles made her one of the most beloved actresses of her generation. Some of her most iconic films include:

• When Harry Met Sally (1989) – Featuring the legendary deli scene, this film redefined the modern romantic comedy.

• Sleepless in Seattle (1993) – A heartwarming love story opposite Tom Hanks that became a cultural phenomenon.

• You’ve Got Mail (1998) – Another pairing with Tom Hanks that embraced the rise of internet romance.

• Kate & Leopold (2001) – A time-traveling romance co-starring Hugh Jackman.

Her impeccable comedic timing and ability to portray vulnerable yet strong-willed characters made her a box office sensation, with her films grossing hundreds of millions worldwide.

Meg Ryan’s Hollywood Hiatus and Return to the Spotlight

Following a highly successful career in the ’90s and early 2000s, Meg Ryan took a step back from the Hollywood limelight. After 2009, she largely disappeared from mainstream films, choosing to focus on family and personal projects.

However, her return in recent years has reignited excitement among fans. Before her Oscars appearance, Meg made another major red carpet comeback at the 2024 Met Gala, her first in 20 years. For the star-studded event, she dazzled in a black Michael Kors gown adorned with intricate black floral embellishments, perfectly aligning with the event’s Garden of Time theme.

In addition to her red carpet moments, Meg Ryan also returned to acting in 2023, starring in and directing the romantic comedy What Happens Later alongside David Duchovny. The film, which centered around two ex-lovers stuck together at an airport, marked her first leading role in nearly a decade and showcased that she still has an undeniable knack for romance and humor.

Meg Ryan’s Influence on a New Generation of Rom-Com Stars

Meg Ryan’s legacy in romantic comedies continues to inspire a new wave of actors and filmmakers. Many modern rom-com actresses such as Emma Stone, Zoë Kravitz, and Jennifer Lawrence have cited her as a major influence on their careers. In a 2023 interview, actress Sydney Sweeney even named Meg Ryan as her ultimate rom-com inspiration, stating, “She made falling in love on-screen look so effortless and real.”

Moreover, directors like Nancy Meyers, Greta Gerwig, and Olivia Wilde have acknowledged Meg’s influence on their storytelling styles, often incorporating witty dialogue, heartfelt moments, and strong female leads—elements that Meg Ryan perfected in her prime.

What’s Next for Meg Ryan?

With her triumphant return to Hollywood, fans are eager to see what’s next for Meg Ryan. While she hasn’t announced any upcoming film projects yet, she has expressed interest in directing more films and possibly starring in another romantic comedy.

In a 2024 interview, Meg shared her thoughts on the evolution of romantic movies, saying, “Rom-coms have changed over the years, but at their core, they’re still about human connection. I’d love to be a part of that storytelling again.”

Meg Ryan’s Oscars Moment: A Celebration of Timeless Talent

Meg Ryan’s return to the Oscars wasn’t just a fashion moment—it was a celebration of her lasting impact on Hollywood. Whether it’s her unforgettable rom-com roles, her ability to make audiences laugh and cry, or her recent comeback, Meg Ryan remains an irreplaceable figure in the film industry.

Her presence at the 97th Academy Awards serves as a reminder that Hollywood never truly forgets its brightest stars. With her elegance, charm, and undeniable talent, Meg Ryan proves that some legends are simply timeless.