The 97th Academy Awards dazzled with stunning performances and extravagant fashion, featuring standout moments from Cynthia Erivo and Maria Taylor.
The 97th annual Academy Awards brought together some of the most notable figures in the entertainment industry for an evening filled with exceptional performances, humor, and jaw-dropping fashion. Among the standout moments was a captivating opening by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, followed by the comedic flair of host Conan O’Brien. The ceremony also saw Anora take home five awards, surprising many attendees.
Fashion, as always, took center stage, with nominees and presenters displaying extravagant and elegant looks on the red carpet. Among them was Maria Taylor, producer and co-host of NBC Sports and E!’s live red carpet coverage. Taylor turned heads in a sumptuous velvet gown by Tom Ford, expertly styled by Shiona Turini, who has worked with prominent celebrities like Beyoncé.
Taylor’s dress showcased front and back keyhole cutouts, a dramatic thigh-high slit, and an alluring blend of sheer and velvet paneling that she described as a design that “literally jumped off the rack.” In an interview, Taylor expressed her connection to the dress, noting its perfect fit for her 6’2″ frame and how the neckline enhanced her broad shoulders. “It was the first dress we tried on, and we all knew it was the one. I felt like it was made for me,” she said.
In creating the ensemble, Taylor and Turini drew inspiration from Old Hollywood glamour, particularly referencing iconic figures like Lena Horne and Dorothy Dandridge. Taylor also shared personal sentiments about reclaiming her body following her experience as a new mother, having breastfed her son for a full year. “I just wanted to wear something that showed how proud I was of this body I inhabit,” she stated.
As a professional who regularly walks the red carpet, Taylor highlighted the additional considerations required for on-camera appearances, particularly regarding lighting. To ensure the dress maintained its integrity under bright lights, the stylist opted for additional fabric to line the gown, guaranteeing that it remained opaque for television. “You always want a dress that is beautiful yet comfortable. I was broadcasting for five hours in this dress, and I still didn’t want to take it off once we wrapped,” she remarked.
Regarding her makeup for the event, Taylor credited her makeup artist Pierre Ellis Varnado, favoring products from the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin collection, especially the Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder. For her lips, she relied on a classic combination of MAC Chestnut lip liner paired with Ami Colé gloss.
Taylor is also known for her skills in the popular Glambot pose, emphasizing the importance of confidence and subtle movements to achieve captivating social media videos.
When asked who stood out in red carpet fashion this awards season, Taylor praised Demi Moore, describing her as an exemplar of aging gracefully in Hollywood. “She is the epitome of what it looks like to be true to yourself and thrive as you age as a woman in Hollywood,” Taylor commented, expressing her admiration and aspiration to embody that confidence in her own life as she ages.
With the combination of stunning fashion, engaging performances, and memorable moments, the 97th Academy Awards solidified its status as a highlight of the entertainment calendar.
Source: Noah Wire Services
