Oscars 2025’s Princess definitely Ariana Grande: two absolutely cinematic looks

The 97th Academy Awards was a night of cinematic celebration, but one star truly captivated audiences both on and off the stage—Ariana Grande. With two stunning appearances, the pop icon-turned-actress embodied pure Hollywood magic, seamlessly blending elegance, theatricality, and character-driven fashion. From the red carpet to her mesmerizing performance, Grande solidified her reputation as both a style icon and a serious actress, aligning her fashion choices with her highly anticipated role as Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked.

A Red Carpet Masterpiece: The Schiaparelli Haute Couture Gown

Grande’s arrival on the red carpet was nothing short of a fairy-tale moment. She graced the Oscars in a custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown, designed by Daniel Roseberry, that was nothing less than a work of art.

This exquisite, pale-pink creation was inspired by an Alberto Giacometti lamp, making it a true statement piece that combined architectural brilliance with a dreamlike, weightless effect. The gown’s pearlescent bodice featured intricate floral embroidery and a sweetheart neckline, while the dramatic peplum waistline cascaded into an ethereal tulle skirt. The sheer volume and delicate layering of the fabric gave the illusion that Grande was floating, a visual nod to her Wicked character, Glinda.

Adding to the gown’s otherworldly charm was the dazzling embellishment of over 190,000 crystal sequins and rhinestones, which shimmered under the Oscars’ lights, ensuring Grande glowed with every step.

To complete the look, she accessorized with:

• Tiffany & Co. diamond jewelry
• A sleek ballerina bun, which kept the focus on her gown
• Soft, romantic makeup, featuring a baby pink lip, cool-toned blush, and her signature winged eyeliner

The entire ensemble was a modern couture interpretation of classic Hollywood glamour, and fashion critics hailed it as one of the most iconic red carpet looks in recent history.

A Dazzling Transformation: The Ruby-Red Performance Gown

While her first look was pure enchantment, Grande’s second gown of the night was bold, dramatic, and deeply symbolic.

Taking the stage for a spellbinding performance of “Defying Gravity” alongside Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo, Grande changed into another custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture creation—this time, a ruby-red gown that paid homage to Dorothy’s legendary slippers from The Wizard of Oz.

This strapless masterpiece featured a fully sequined bodice that shimmered like molten rubies. The dramatic tulle skirt, voluminous and richly textured, was designed for movement, creating a hypnotic effect as Grande performed. The gown’s deep crimson hue was a deliberate contrast to her first look, symbolizing the duality of innocence and power—a theme central to both Wicked and The Wizard of Oz.

The Shoe That Stole the Show

Perhaps the most talked-about detail of this ensemble was its whimsical, avant-garde touch—a high-heeled shoe motif, embellished and attached to the back of the dress. This unexpected design element was both a playful and theatrical nod to Dorothy’s journey in The Wizard of Oz, emphasizing the magic of storytelling through fashion.

Grande’s second look was hailed as a masterclass in high-fashion performance wear, proving that every element of her Oscars night was carefully curated to reflect her role, her music, and her evolving artistic identity.

Grande’s Styling: A Thoughtful and Cohesive Vision

Grande’s flawless Oscars fashion was the result of a meticulous collaboration with her longtime stylist, Mimi Cuttrell. Every detail was carefully considered, ensuring her looks felt like an extension of Glinda’s world while still being true to Ariana’s own aesthetic.

Her fashion choices throughout awards season have been consistently aligned with soft silhouettes, pastel hues, and ethereal designs, mirroring Glinda’s signature look in Wicked.

• At the Golden Globes, she wore a pale blue gown with a cascading train, reminiscent of Glinda’s iconic bubble dress.
• At the BAFTAs, she stunned in a silver star-embellished gown, echoing the celestial themes of Wicked.
• At the Oscars, she brought it all together, seamlessly blending classic Hollywood glamour with her character’s magical essence.

Ariana Grande’s Oscar Nomination: A Milestone in Her Career

Beyond the fashion, the Oscars 2025 marked a major milestone in Grande’s evolution as an actress. She earned her first-ever Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Glinda in Wicked.

Initially, some skeptics questioned whether a pop star could successfully transition into such an iconic musical theater role. However, Grande silenced all doubts with her powerful vocal delivery, nuanced acting, and deep emotional connection to the character.

Although she faced stiff competition from nominees like Zoe Saldaña, Monica Barbaro, Felicity Jones, and Isabella Rossellini, her nomination alone was a testament to her incredible talent and dedication.

The Success of Wicked: A New Era for Movie Musicals

The Wicked movie adaptation has been one of the most highly anticipated musical films of the decade. Its success has sparked a revival of interest in the stage production, leading to:

• A surge in Broadway ticket sales
• A new wave of younger audiences discovering Wicked
• Conversations about a potential sequel

Grande’s casting as Glinda was both a career-defining moment and a cultural event, bridging the gap between pop music, Broadway, and Hollywood cinema.

Social Media Frenzy and Audience Reactions

It didn’t take long for Ariana Grande’s Oscars 2025 moments to go viral on social media.

• Fans gushed over her transformation into a real-life princess, with many comparing her looks to Cinderella, Glinda, and even classic Disney royalty.
• Fashion critics praised her for delivering a perfect balance of drama, sophistication, and character-inspired styling.
• The shoe motif on her red dress sparked debates, with some calling it a stroke of creative genius and others finding it quirky yet intriguing.

Regardless of differing opinions, one thing was clear—Ariana Grande had dominated the Oscars conversation, proving her fashion and star power were at an all-time high.

Final Thoughts: Ariana Grande’s Legacy at the Oscars 2025

Ariana Grande’s Oscars 2025 appearances will go down as one of the most memorable fashion moments in Academy Awards history.

• She embodied the magic of the movies, seamlessly blending red carpet glamour with her musical and theatrical background.
• She proved her versatility, showcasing not only her vocal and acting talents but also her ability to use fashion as a storytelling tool.
• She cemented her status as an Oscar-nominated actress, marking a new chapter in her already illustrious career.

From a floating, crystal-encrusted pink gown to a bold, ruby-red stage look, Grande’s meticulously crafted ensembles were not just about aesthetics—they were a visual narrative of her journey as Glinda, as an actress, and as an icon.

With Wicked’s massive success and her seamless Hollywood transition, Ariana Grande’s future in film looks brighter than ever. Whether she continues acting or returns to her music roots, one thing is undeniable—she is a force to be reckoned with, both on stage and on the silver screen.