The 2025 Academy Awards saw Colman Domingo, nominated for Best Actor for his role in "Sing Sing," make a striking impression with an extravagant custom outfit. His ensemble, highlighted by a bespoke Valentino suit and an eye-catching Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch adorned with diamonds, showcased both style and sophistication. The watch, priced at $160,000, added a unique flair to his appearance, drawing significant attention from fashion enthusiasts and attendees alike.
Domingo's Custom Valentino Ensemble: A Red Carpet Masterpiece
For the prestigious event, Domingo opted for a bold red-and-black Valentino suit that exuded elegance and charisma. Designed by Alessandro Michele, the creative director of Valentino, this custom-made outfit was styled by Wayman + Micah, who ensured every detail complemented Domingo’s presence. The suit featured a cinched waist sash, wide black lapels, and playful tassel detailing, creating a distinctive silhouette that stood out on the red carpet.
The look was completed with a red button-down shirt, black trousers, and black Valentino Garavani Bowow Loafers. To add a modern twist, Domingo accessorized with red-tinted sunglasses, which brought a fun edge to his ensemble. Additionally, he wore jewelry from Maison Boucheron, including a bracelet from the brand’s private collection, a brooch, a cat ring, and diamond stud earrings. This combination of elements elevated his overall appearance, making him one of the best-dressed men at the 2025 Oscars.
The Iconic Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch: A Statement of Luxury
Among all the accessories, the most notable was undoubtedly the custom Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch in 18-karat Canopus Gold. Set with baguette-cut diamonds, this timepiece not only enhanced Domingo’s outfit but also symbolized his status as a leading figure in the film industry. The watch has a rich history, having been part of all six moon landings, adding a layer of significance to its presence on the red carpet.
The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, reported to cost $160,000, is a staple in the luxury watch world, favored by tech icons such as Jeff Bezos. Swatch, Omega’s parent company, noted stronger sales in the US market, contrasting with slower growth in China. At the Oscars, several other celebrities, including Robert Downey Jr., Denis Villeneuve, and Kieran Culkin, were also seen sporting Omega pieces, further cementing the brand’s reputation. Domingo’s choice of this luxurious accessory underscored his commitment to blending personal style with timeless elegance, making his red carpet debut unforgettable.
The 2025 Academy Awards red carpet was a showcase of not only glamorous attire but also hidden tributes and thoughtful details. Celebrities adorned themselves with outfits that paid homage to their films, current events, and personal causes. From intricate nail art to unique footwear, these subtle elements added depth to the star-studded event. This article highlights some of the most noteworthy yet easily overlooked details from the 97th Academy Awards.
Fashion Meets Storytelling: Tribute Outfits
Celebrities at the 2025 Oscars went beyond just wearing designer clothing; they told stories through their fashion choices. Several stars incorporated elements that reflected their roles in recent films or drew attention to important global issues. For instance, performers from the hit musical "Wicked" incorporated nods to their characters into their ensembles. Additionally, other attendees used accessories to make powerful statements about social and political matters.
One of the most striking examples came from Cynthia Erivo, who played Elphaba in the blockbuster "Wicked." Her nails featured an "ode to Oz," showcasing green and gold buildings reminiscent of the film's setting. Meanwhile, Marissa Bode, who portrayed Nessarose, paired her dazzling red gown with matching ruby slippers, creating a perfect tribute to her character. Screenwriter Peter Straughan also made a poignant statement by wearing a blue-and-yellow ribbon in solidarity with Ukraine. These small yet significant details transformed the red carpet into a canvas for storytelling and advocacy.
Accessories with a Message: Unique Footwear and Jewelry
While the gowns and suits grabbed much of the spotlight, it was the accessories that often carried deeper meanings. Shoes, jewelry, and handbags became vehicles for expressing individuality and raising awareness about various causes. Attendees used these items to add unexpected twists to their looks, ensuring that even the smallest details left a lasting impression.
Kayo Shekoni, a Swedish singer, wore shoes with "Free Congo" inscribed in gold letters, drawing attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. Basel Adra, one of the directors and subjects of the documentary "No Other Land," showcased shoes featuring Palestinian Tatreez embroidery, crafted in his hometown of Massafer Yatta in the West Bank. Margaret Qualley's Chanel jewelry, particularly her drop necklace, added an elegant touch to her black velvet dress, becoming a focal point from behind. Charlotte Lawrence's cat statue purse, inspired by Valentino's spring collection, brought a whimsical element to the evening. Colman Domingo, nominated for best actor, accessorized his Valentino outfit with a luxurious Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, valued at $160,000. These accessories not only enhanced the overall look but also conveyed personal messages and cultural significance.
During its inaugural livestream of the 97th Academy Awards, Hulu encountered significant technical difficulties that disrupted viewers' experience. The platform faced multiple outages, with critical moments of the awards ceremony, including the best actress nomination, being inaccessible to some users. Despite efforts to resolve the issues, many fans expressed disappointment as they missed key segments of the event. This marks the first time Hulu has streamed the Oscars live, and the technical problems highlight challenges in delivering a seamless streaming experience for such high-profile events.
Disruptions Mar Key Moments of the Ceremony
The livestream disruptions occurred during pivotal moments of the Oscars, particularly affecting the best actress segment. Many users reported that their screens went dark just as Emma Stone was introducing the nominees. The outage left viewers frustrated, as they were unable to witness this crucial part of the evening. The technical glitches underscored the importance of reliability for live events, especially when streaming services are relied upon to deliver uninterrupted access to prestigious ceremonies.
For several viewers, the disruption manifested as an error message indicating that the livestream had ended prematurely. This issue persisted even as other parts of the show proceeded without interruption. Users took to social media platforms to express their dissatisfaction, highlighting the impact of these outages on their viewing experience. The timing of the outage, coinciding with one of the most anticipated segments of the night, amplified the frustration felt by many who had chosen Hulu as their primary means of watching the Oscars.
Hulu's Response and Broader Implications
Hulu acknowledged the technical issues early in the evening, with reports of login and video streaming problems beginning around 7 p.m. ET. The company issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience and assured users that the issue had been identified. While the platform attempted to restore service, the repeated interruptions raised questions about Hulu's preparedness for handling large-scale live events. As the Oscars are a globally watched event, ensuring a smooth streaming experience is crucial for maintaining viewer trust and satisfaction.
The incident also highlights the broader challenges faced by streaming platforms when transitioning into new territories, such as live event broadcasting. For Hulu, this marked its debut in streaming the Oscars, and the technical hiccups serve as a reminder of the complexities involved in delivering a flawless live stream. Despite the company's efforts to address the issues promptly, the disruptions have likely impacted user perceptions and may influence future decisions regarding live event streaming services. Moving forward, it will be essential for Hulu to reassess its infrastructure and contingency plans to prevent similar occurrences in future broadcasts.