Beauty at the 97th Annual Academy Awards: Cultural Transformation Through the Decades

The 2025 Oscars celebrated not just the best in film but also the artistry of beauty and fashion. This year’s red carpet saw a revival of iconic beauty trends, with celebrities paying homage to Hollywood’s golden eras through hairstyles, makeup, and styling choices. From vintage-inspired updos to bold velvet ensembles, the night was a testament to the cyclical nature of beauty and its deep connection to storytelling.

The major beauty trends of the night were drawn from the 1920s, 1960s, and 1990s—each a time of cultural transformation. These decades were marked by shifts in societal norms, artistic expression, and political movements, and their influence on modern beauty trends reflects a deeper conversation about identity, rebellion, and reinvention. The resurgence of these styles coincided with the films celebrated at this year’s Academy Awards, including Anora, The Substance, Emilia Perez, A Real Pain, and Wicked, all deeply influenced the evening’s beauty aesthetic.

Retro Hollywood Hairstyles on the Red Carpet

Hair was a defining element of the evening, as stars took inspiration from some of the most legendary icons in Hollywood history, mirroring past moments of cultural change.

• Anora’s themes of resilience and self-discovery were reflected in undone, effortless waves and tousled updos, symbolizing strength in vulnerability.

• The Substance, with its eerie and transformative premise, inspired sleek, sculptural hairstyles, including high-gloss ponytails and precision-cut bobs, evoking a futuristic yet unsettling beauty ideal.

• Emilia Perez’s exploration of reinvention and identity was mirrored in the bold hair choices of the night, including dramatic color transformations and gender-fluid styles, such as soft, face-framing curls juxtaposed with slicked-back, androgynous cuts.

• A Real Pain’s introspective journey through generational trauma saw a return to nostalgic, sentimental styles, with many stars opting for vintage accessories like pearl-embellished hair clips and soft, romantic waves.

• Wicked’s theatrical flair encouraged playful, voluminous styles, with emerald-toned accessories woven into braids and updos, adding a whimsical touch to the red carpet.

Classic red was on everyone’s lips.

Makeup Trends & Symbolism

This year’s makeup trends reinforced themes of power, nostalgia, and duality, echoing the larger cultural themes reflected in the nominated films. The 1920s, 1960s, and 1990s were decades of immense social change, and their signature beauty looks resurfaced in ways that resonated with today’s cultural shifts.

• The return of the classic red lip: A symbol of bold self-expression, seen on stars like Scarlett Johansson and Demi Moore, this nod to both the 1920s and 1990s highlighted the enduring appeal of timeless beauty amidst revolution. Anora’s heroine, navigating her personal transformation, embodied this classic-yet-defiant aesthetic. Shop the look: Liquid Velvet Lipstick – TRUE RED | Carrie Wilson Makeup?

• Minimalist makeup with dramatic eyes: Reflecting the ongoing 1990s revival, this trend highlighted the natural beauty of stars like Mikey Madison and Zoe Saldana. Just as the ’90s saw a shift toward minimalism in reaction to the excesses of the ’80s, today’s stars embraced understated elegance in response to hyper-contoured beauty trends. The stark contrast of The Substance’s visually intense themes made dark, smoky eyes a red carpet staple. Shop the look: Pretty Grunge Eyeshadow Palette – HUDA BEAUTY | Sephora

• Dark, vampy nails vs. soft neutrals: Showcasing a contrast between old Hollywood glam and modern minimalism, shades of deep wine, jet black, and soft rose gold dominated the night, embodying both the rebellious energy of past eras and today’s evolving standards of beauty. Emilia Perez’s dramatic transformation themes played into this juxtaposition, as stars alternated between bold statement looks and barely-there, natural elegance. Shop the look: Opi Infinite Shine Prostay Top Coat Duo – Malaga Wine – 1 Fl Oz : Target

• Green and shimmering metallic hues: Inspired by Wicked, subtle nods to the film’s magical and morally complex narrative appeared in jewel-toned eyeshadows and iridescent highlighters, bringing an ethereal glow to many red carpet looks. Shop the look: MAC – That’s Showbiz Baby Frost Eyeshadow | Ulta Beauty

The 1990s grunge scene returns with a fresh face.

Beauty as a Reflection of Cultural Shifts

From hairstyles and fashion choices to the themes of the nominated films, the Oscars continue to serve as a cultural mirror. The dominance of 1920s, 1960s, and 1990s beauty trends on the red carpet speaks to a broader societal movement toward nostalgia, reinvention, and a desire to channel past moments of radical transformation.

• The 1920s were a time of liberation, jazz, and breaking traditional norms, much like today’s shifting conversations around gender expression and artistic freedom. The rise of finger waves and bold makeup on the red carpet mirrors a renewed appreciation for self-expression and boundary-pushing beauty.

• The 1960s marked a rebellion against convention, from civil rights movements to countercultural revolutions, much like today’s growing advocacy for inclusivity and breaking beauty stereotypes. The presence of bouffants, chignons, and soft waves recalled this era of bold change.

• The 1990s saw the rise of grunge, minimalism, and a rejection of perfection, which resonates in today’s beauty world, where authenticity and natural beauty are gaining prominence. The focus on simple yet striking makeup looks at the Oscars reflected this ethos.

Conclusion

The 2025 Oscars showcased how beauty and fashion serve as powerful storytelling tools, reflecting both nostalgia and innovation. From classic Hollywood influences on contemporary reinventions, the night proved that glamour remains an essential part of cinematic celebration. As trends continue to evolve, the enduring allure of vintage elegance and bold self-expression will undoubtedly shape the future of beauty in Hollywood and beyond, just as it did in the cultural revolutions of the past.

Sarah Eriza

Writing Staff