Oscars 2025: Wicked star Cynthia Erivo gives a stunning tribute to Hattie McDaniel, the first black woman to win the Academy Award

As a Best Actress nominee, Cynthia Evrio has the opportunity to make awards history.

Cynthia Erivo made heads turn on the red carpet at the 2025 Academy Awards, making a bold statement with her stunning ensemble. The Wicked star and Best Actress nominee arrived in a breathtaking deep emerald green Louis Vuitton gown, seamlessly blending old Hollywood glamour with a nod to her character, Elphaba.

Erivo’s velvet gown featured a billowing skirt, gravity-defying shoulders, and a sharp collar, exuding an air of classic elegance with a modern twist. The rich green hue paid tribute to Elphaba, the iconic Wicked witch she portrays in the highly anticipated musical film adaptation. But the dress wasn’t just about her role—it was also a heartfelt homage to Hollywood history.

On Instagram, her stylist Jason Bolden revealed that the look was inspired by Hattie McDaniel, the first Black woman to win an Oscar. McDaniel won Best Supporting Actress for Gone with the Wind in 1940, and Erivo’s red carpet tribute was a powerful acknowledgment of the groundbreaking actress’s legacy. Bolden shared a touching message, “Hope this Dress Makes You Proud. Love, Jason and Cynthia.”

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Erivo’s accessories elevated the look even further. She adorned herself with dazzling diamonds, including sparkling earrings, rings, and even a shimmering septum piercing. However, it was her intricate nail art that added an extra layer of storytelling. Her long, embellished claws featured detailed motifs, including a clock, representing elements from Wicked. Speaking to E! News, Erivo called her nails an “ode to Oz.”

As a Best Actress nominee, Cynthia Evrio has the opportunity to make awards history. If she wins, she would become the youngest person to achieve EGOT status, joining an elite group of only 22 artists who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.