The 96th Oscars closed award season with a bang and pop culture experts and obsessors witnessed some of their favorite movies and entertainers take home the Academy Award gold. There were many first-time nominees and winners throughout the night, like Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who won Best Supporting Actress for The Holdovers, and Cord Jefferson, who snagged Best Adapted Screenplay for American Fiction.
Still, the main successors are not always the ones who win the awards but who have the best outfits. Although the Academy Awards are for many of the seasoned and prestigious artists, this year, creators and Zillennials have a moment as some of our faves surprised us on the carpet. From Monet McMichael’s debuting a stunning Black garment to Zendaya sporting a floral sequin ensemble, these creatives stepped out for Oscar night. Check out some of the Zillennials who caught our eye on the carpet.
Read ‘Get To Know The Influencers Who Are Disrupting Social Media’
Monet McMichael
As if McMichael was not already having a stellar moment via social media, the 24-year-old stepped on the Oscar red carpet in an all-black gown, showing off a cinched waist and a little cleavage for her big moment. She paired the elegant gown with a nostalgic half-up, half-down hairstyle and minimal jewelry to show off her décolletage. “So grateful to share this memory with my dad <3 [I’m] so excited to help pave the way for creators,” she captioned on Instagram.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 10: Monet McMichael attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Marleen Moise/Getty Images)
Wisdom Kaye
Known for his eccentric and modern looks throughout Instagram reels, Wisdom Kaye made his debut appearance at the Oscars. “I never thought I’d go to the Oscars, especially at 22,” he says. The creative sported a Black striped suit with a subtle tie reminiscent of a school uniform, adding to an effortless look and paired it with black patent leather boots for a memorable night.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 10: Wisdom Kaye attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Sarah Morris/WireImage)
Zendaya
Zendaya continues to be a notable Zillennial who will own any red-carpet moment, and yesterday was no different. The 27-year-old wore a rose gold Giorgio Armani Privé gown with Black palm trees, highlighting the look for her role as an Oscar presenter. Despite topping all of the best-dressed lists throughout award season, she still continues to stun her fans.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 10: Zendaya attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
The Never Have I Ever star popped out in a black and white Zuhair Murad gown perfectly tailored to her curves and neckline. With a thigh-high slit tied with a bow at the hip, she elegantly strutted across the carpet with confidence.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 10: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images)
Kristy Scott
Lifestyle content creator Kristy Scott also represented the digital artists by wearing a black-and-white Tony Ward Couture Spring Summer 2024 dress for the big evening. With a unique design and structure for her first Oscars, the Zillennial turned several heads throughout the night.
Kristy Scott at the 96th Annual Oscars held at Ovation Hollywood on March 10, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WWD via Getty Images)
About the Author: Kenyatta Victoria is the lead writer for Essence GU, working on all things pop culture, politics, entertainment and business. Throughout her time at GU, she’s garnered devoted readers and specializes in the Zillennial point of view.