Cynthia Erivo wore a “proper ode to Oz” on her nails at the Oscars on Sunday (02.03.25). The elaborate nail art captured attention on the red carpet, showcasing her attention to detail and commitment to character-inspired fashion choices.
The 38-year-old actress – who was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Elphaba in ‘Wicked’ but lost out to ‘Anora’ star Mikey Madison – is known for her elaborate manicures and was determined to save the best until last. This marks Erivo’s second Academy Award nomination, following her previous recognition for her role in “Harriet.”
“It takes a while and every time we do a carpet we do them over,” she said on ‘Live From E! The Oscars 2025 red carpet’ speaking outside Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre. The Academy Awards ceremony brought together Hollywood’s biggest stars for film’s most prestigious night.
“This time we did a proper ode to Oz. The Emerald City, all the green and the gold and the guild,” she continued, highlighting the connection to her role in the hit musical adaptation that has become a cultural phenomenon since its release.
“We knew this is the last one, so we wanted to do something big and special.” The awards season has featured Erivo at numerous events promoting “Wicked,” which has captivated audiences worldwide.
Cynthia asked the camera to zoom in on her nails, which included a clock on one finger and an intricate gold design on another, as she praised her nail tech Mycah Dior. The detailed nail art featured hand-painted elements that required meticulous attention to detail.
“She made it by hand. We try to go as hard as we can,” she gushed. Celebrity manicures have become increasingly elaborate in recent years, with nail art becoming a significant element of red carpet fashion.
Mycah herself praised her work on her Instagram Story. Her post garnered significant attention as fans and followers admired the intricate nail design.
“I think I truly outdone myself with this set,” she wrote. Mycah has established herself as a sought-after nail artist in Hollywood and has worked with Erivo on multiple occasions.
Meanwhile, Cynthia opted for a custom dark green velvet Louis Vuitton ballgown with exaggerated hips, shoulders and a pointed collar, which she admitted was a nod to Elphaba’s green, Oz, and old Hollywood. The couture gown featured exquisite craftsmanship and was designed specifically for the occasion.
“I always wanted a big dress for the Oscars if I made it here. And here we are in this wonderful, giant big green dress. And I feel amazing in it,” she added. The dress was created specifically for Erivo by Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton’s creative director.
Her stylist, Jason Bolden, explained the look was also a tribute to Hattie McDaniel, the first Black actress to win an Oscar when she took home the Best Supporting Actress accolade in 1940 for ‘Gone With the Wind’. McDaniel’s historic win remains an important milestone in Hollywood history.
“Tonight is for [Hattie] McDaniel. Hope this Dress Makes You Proud!! Love Jason + Cynthia,” he wrote on his Instagram Story. Bolden has styled Erivo for numerous red carpet appearances and is known for his thoughtful approach to fashion.
Fashion critics praised Erivo’s look as one of the night’s standouts, with her ensemble making appearances in several best-dressed lists. The combination of the dramatic silhouette, rich green color, and meaningful references made it a memorable red carpet moment.
While Erivo didn’t take home the Oscar, her performance in “Wicked” has received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences alike. The film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical tells the untold story of the witches of Oz and continues to resonate with viewers worldwide.
The actress’s commitment to character-inspired fashion has become a signature element of her public appearances, with each look thoughtfully connected to her roles and personal values. Her Oscars appearance continues this tradition, creating a visual connection between her on-screen character and red carpet presence.
Erivo’s dedication to detail extends beyond her performances to every aspect of her public image, making her one of Hollywood’s most distinctive style icons. The Oz-inspired manicure represents just one example of how she incorporates meaningful references into her red carpet appearances.
