Sunday 12th March 2023 may not mean much to some, but to the stars of Hollywood – from the actors to the image architects and glam squads behind them – it was the highly-anticipated, most-watched red-carpet event of the year: the 95th Annual Academy Awards. Alongside a parade of custom-made gowns, head-turning beauty looks were showcased by the likes of Halle Bailey, Danai Gurira, Janelle Monae, Angela Bassett, Tems and Rihanna, illuminated by the camera flashbulbs.
Representative of a significant pillar of Black glamour, the looks these women chose served as a platform for the creativity behind Black beauty. It’s particularly poignant post-#Oscarssowhite, the conversation started by activist and writer April Reign in 2016, highlighting the fact that out of 20 actors nominated that year, none were people of colour.
Most jaw-dropping at the 2023 Oscars was Danai Gurira, whose sculptural bubbled silhouette represents the pinnacle of Black beauty. Paying homage to her heritage she shared: “This is my African self coming out here… a tribute to the women who carry amazing things on their heads with an astounding poise at all times”. The major hair moment was conjured up in collaboration with hairstylist Larry Sims using products from Flawless by Gabrielle Union.
Then there was the new Little Mermaid, Halle Bailey, who graced the event in a blue fairy-tale Dolce & Gabbana gown, with matching ice-toned make-up and a majestic up-do showcasing the beauty of her natural locs.
Another one to watch was a veteran of Black beauty ingenuity, the actor and singer Janelle Monáe, who posed with a monochromatic make-up look inspired by Black beauty icons of the ‘60s – crafted by make-up artist Keita Moore using Nars. Monae’s hair look was also one for the books, with her cornrows held together at the back featuring beautifully woven silver thread for an added touch of luxe.
