It’s Oscars weekend, and the excitement in Hollywood is already building. From intimate studio dinners to industry celebrations across Los Angeles, nominees and creatives alike are stepping into a weekend dedicated to honoring the year’s most powerful performances in film.
The festivities officially kicked off with the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards earlier this week, which will be available to stream today. Our beloved annual celebration honors the Black women whose talent, vision, and impact continue to shape the entertainment industry.
Amidst it all, we’re thinking about how a talent’s first Academy Awards appearance is a defining moment—one that extends far beyond the red carpet. It’s an opportunity to step onto one of the world’s most prestigious stages, marking a milestone in a career and solidifying one’s place in cinematic history. For many, it’s also the beginning of a style evolution, where fashion becomes another way to express their artistry and presence.
Looking back at celebrities’ very first Oscars appearances offers a fascinating glimpse into their early journeys. Some stars arrived in bold, memorable looks that hinted at the fashion icons they would later become. Meanwhile, others opted for understated, yet timeless, elegance as they quietly stepped into the spotlight. Regardless of the outfit, each debut represents something deeper: the ambition, determination, and transformative moments that lead to global recognition.
This year’s Black Oscar nominees include standout talents such as Michael B. Jordan, Teyana Taylor, Ryan Coogler, Ruth E. Carter, and more. Whose work continues to shape the visual language of modern cinema. Their nominations highlight the breadth of Black excellence across acting, design, and storytelling.
As these stars prepare to walk the red carpet once again, it’s the perfect moment to revisit the beginnings of their journeys.
Scroll ahead to see the very first time your favorite stars stepped onto the Oscars red carpet.
Michael B. Jordan
At 27, Michael B. Jordan attended his first Oscars ceremony in 2014, the same year he broke out for his powerful performance in Fruitvale Station. This year, he’s nominated for Best Actor for his role in Sinners. More than a decade ago, Jordan kept his debut look timeless in a classic black suit with silk-lined lapels, paired with a black tie and polished dress shoes finished with a subtle silver band across the top.
Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington received his first Oscar nomination in 1988, though his earliest available Getty Images appearance dates to 1990. By then, he had secured his first Academy Award for his role in Glory. For the occasion, Washington kept it timeless in a classic black tuxedo paired with a crisp white dress shirt.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry won her first Oscar in 2002, taking home Best Actress for Monster’s Ball, making her first Black woman to win in the category. She first graced the Academy Awards red carpet in 1996, stepping out in a satin-accented dress adorned with floral details on the sleeves and a coordinating sheer scarf.
Sidney Poitier
Actor Sidney Poitier attended his first Oscar ceremony in 1963 and made history the following year as the first Black man to win Best Actor for his role in Lilies of the Field. He wore a classic suit paired with a diagonal-striped tie.
Zendaya
Zendaya attended her first Oscar ceremony in 2015, wearing an off-the-shoulder white Vivienne Westwood gown, styled with thick brown faux locs and sparkling Chopard jewelry.
Ryan Coogler
Five-time Oscar nominee, director, and producer Ryan Coogler attended the 2019 Academy Awards following the success of Black Panther, which earned seven nominations, including Best Picture. On the red carpet, Coogler wore a light gray suit with silk-lined lapels, accessorized with a patterned scarf draped over his shoulder, a subtle nod to the African heritage and cultural influences celebrated throughout the film.
Lupita Nyong’o
In 2014, Lupita Nyong’o made her Oscar debut in a custom baby-blue Prada gown with a plunging neckline and flowing pleated skirt, and won Best Supporting Actress for 12 Years a Slave.
Whoopi Goldberg
In 1985, actress and host Whoopi Goldberg made her Oscar debut in an all-white ensemble, pairing linen pants with a white blazer and a button-up shirt left slightly open at the top.
Viola Davis
At the 2009 Oscars, Viola Davis made her debut as she was nominated for best supporting actress for her role in Doubt she wore a halter neck gold and black ombre dress with lots of pleating designed by Reem Acra.
Billy Porter
Actor Billy Porter attended the 2019 Oscars as an ABC correspondent, wearing a gender-bending tuxedo gown by Christian Siriano. The look featured a classic tuxedo bodice that flared at the waist into a dramatic, Cinderella-style skirt.
