The 2025 Oscars was a night of glitz, glamour, and groundbreaking fashion, with nails art playing a standout role. But beyond the dazzling gowns and exquisite accessories, one detail that captured everyone’s attention was the intricate and innovative nail art sported by Hollywood’s biggest stars. From classic French tips to bold, avant-garde designs, these manicures were a testament to the artistry and creativity of the industry’s top nail artists.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most stunning nail designs that graced the red carpet.
1. Cynthia Erivo’s Oz-Inspired Extravaganza
Cynthia Erivo never fails to make a bold statement, and her 2025 Oscars manicure was no exception. Inspired by the Emerald City from The Wizard of Oz, her nails were a masterpiece crafted by renowned nail artist Mycah Dior. The elaborate design featured a gold watch, delicate chains, and large emerald-green gemstones, creating a look that was as opulent as it was theatrical.
Erivo described her manicure as “an ode to Oz, to Emerald City,” a nod to the magical world that inspired her show-stopping nail art.
2. Halle Berry’s Mirrored Chrome Nails
Halle Berry stunned on the red carpet in a Christian Siriano gown adorned with over 7,000 crystals, and her nails perfectly complemented the shimmering ensemble. She opted for a mirrored chrome manicure, which reflected the dazzling elements of her dress. The sleek and futuristic design not only added a layer of elegance but also enhanced the cohesiveness of her overall look. Berry’s nails were a perfect example of how minimalism and maximalism can work in harmony.
3. Ariana Grande’s Classic French Tips
Known for her signature polished and elegant style, Ariana Grande embraced a timeless classic—French tips. Her simple yet sophisticated manicure allowed her entire look to shine without unnecessary distraction. The clean, natural-looking nails aligned seamlessly with her overall aesthetic, proving that sometimes, less is truly more. This choice demonstrated that even in a world filled with extravagant nail art, the French manicure remains a staple of red carpet beauty.
4. Lupita Nyong’o’s Pearl Embellishments
Lupita Nyong’o exuded sophistication at the Oscars with a manicure that incorporated delicate pearl embellishments. The subtle yet luxurious details on her nails mirrored her timeless beauty, adding an extra touch of refinement to her look. The combination of pearls and a soft, neutral polish created a manicure that was both classic and modern, making her nails one of the most memorable beauty moments of the night.
5. Doja Cat x Saccia Livingston
Doja Cat‘s long and sharp square nails are proof that nude nails can make a major statement. The look was created by Saccia Livingston using Gel-X Sculpted Square Extra Long Tips from Aprés, topped with one coat of OPI‘s Put it in Neutral. This minimalist yet striking manicure added an elegant touch to her Oscars look.
6. Lisa
Dark, mysterious, and effortlessly cool, the K-pop star’s manicure exuded a moody elegance with a mesmerizing gray-to-black aura design, masterfully created by nail artist Juan Alvear. To achieve this dramatic effect, Alvear began by applying Gel-X Sculpted Stiletto Extra Long Tips, providing the perfect canvas for the gradient masterpiece.
The look was built upon a deep, inky base using Midnight Shadow, then seamlessly blended with French Black and Cloud Nine to create a smoky, ethereal transition. The result was a bold yet sophisticated nail look that added an extra layer of edge and intrigue to the star’s red carpet presence.
7. Queen Latifah
A classic red manicure perfectly complements surprise performer Queen Latifah‘s breathtaking sculptural gown, designed by the talented Christian Siriano. However, rather than opting for a simple, traditional red nail look, nail artist Sreynin Peng introduced an elegant and eye-catching twist.
She incorporated a chic peek-a-boo effect with a nude half-moon at the base of each nail, creating a sophisticated contrast against the bold red polish. To elevate the design even further, she delicately adorned the negative space with tiny, glistening diamanté accents, adding just the right amount of sparkle to this already glamorous red carpet moment.
8. Anok Yai
Anok Yai’s effortlessly chic manicure, crafted by the talented Temeka Jackson, strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. Featuring a flawless nude base, the design is elevated with a striking gold glitter French tip that takes a modern, asymmetrical approach. Instead of following the classic curved edge, the glitter detailing gracefully extends down one side of the nail, creating a dynamic and elongated effect.
This refined yet edgy look was achieved using Aprés Sculpted Long Stiletto Gel-X Tips, ensuring a sleek, polished finish that perfectly complements Anok’s overall aesthetic.
The Rise of Statement Nail Art on the Red Carpet
The 2025 Oscars proved that nails are no longer just an afterthought – they are an essential part of a celebrity’s overall ensemble. From dazzling chrome to classic French tips and intricate embellishments, the variety of styles on display showcased how nail art has evolved into a true form of self-expression. With expert nail artists pushing the boundaries of creativity, we can expect even more innovative designs to take center stage in future red-carpet events.
