It was a predictably eventful evening in LA this past Sunday at the 96th Academy Awards, hosted at the Dolby Theater.
Among the stand-out moments were John Cena’s naked walk across the stage to present the award for Best Costume Design and Al Pacino’s decision to skip over the nominations for Best Film altogether, instead going straight to announcing the winner.
There were also plenty of talking points to be gleaned from the red carpet, not least relating to the plethora of eye-catching outfits on show. As per reports, actress Kelly Ripa and husband Mark Consuelos were among those to steal the show, with the former causing a particular stir on social media.
Celebrities dominating headlines for their choice of garment for any particular awards ceremony is nothing new.
Yet in the age of social media, where live photos from the red carpet can be shared around the world at the click of a button, it’s become arguably more popular than ever to discuss and debate outfits in real time.
As such, it’s only natural to expect that an event of the magnitude of the Oscars, and those fortunate enough to be in attendance, is always going to be heavily scrutinized.
Among those who found their fashion choices dissected online this year was Kelly Ripa, who uploaded her outfit – a dazzling black, see-through gown – to Instagram along with the caption: “Mom and dad storming the red carpet.”
There, it was met with a wave of appreciation from her legion of fans.
“You both look amazing. BUT that dress is stunning ❤❤❤,” one person wrote.
“Beautiful gown. Beautiful couple,” another added.
“Kelly, your hair, the dress… you look gorgeous,” a third said.
Of course, it wasn’t all compliments. There were those who questioned Ripa’s decision to don the dress.
“I love you Kelly but not this dress,” one detractor wrote.
Another added: “Unlike Mark not to have a perfectly tailored suit or tux on. His clothes are usually impeccable.“
A third wrote: “Kelly wear some bike shorts. You are lowering your self in the see through dress. You’re better than that!“
“She doesn’t even look like the same person anymore ?♀️” a fourth opined.
I don’t know about you, but I think Kelly and Mark looked fantastic at the Oscars! Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
The 96th Academy Awards, hosted at the Dolby Theater this past Sunday, delivered all the glitz and glamour you’d expect from Hollywood’s biggest night. Among the many memorable moments, a few stood out for their unexpected twists and red-carpet fashion statements that sparked widespread reactions both in the theater and across social media.
One of the most talked-about surprises of the night came courtesy of John Cena, who had the audience in stitches with his cheeky, and quite literal, bare-it-all entrance while presenting the award for Best Costume Design. Cena’s bold move was in line with the evening’s playful energy, but the surprises didn’t stop there. Al Pacino, in a classic move that only a Hollywood legend could pull off, skipped over the list of nominees for Best Film and went straight to revealing the winner, leaving the audience in both suspense and laughter.
But beyond the stage antics, the fashion choices on the red carpet garnered just as much attention, if not more. The event’s sartorial scene was predictably a mixed bag of stunning ensembles and head-turning experiments. Among the many standout looks, Kelly Ripa and her husband Mark Consuelos drew significant buzz, particularly for Ripa’s daring choice of a sheer black gown.
As always, social media was quick to react, with Ripa’s Instagram post showcasing the couple’s red-carpet appearance stirring a mix of admiration and critique. Many of Ripa’s followers were blown away by her bold fashion statement, leaving glowing comments like, “You both look amazing. BUT that dress is stunning,” and, “Beautiful gown. Beautiful couple.” Ripa’s sleek hair and striking dress, which balanced elegance and edginess, seemed to resonate with her fans.
However, not everyone was on board with her look. A few critics voiced their disapproval, with one commenting, “I love you Kelly but not this dress,” and another adding, “Kelly wear some bike shorts. You are lowering yourself in the see-through dress.” Some even questioned whether her fashion choices reflected her usual style, sparking a broader conversation about celebrity fashion and the balance between daring and decorum.
Meanwhile, Mark Consuelos, who typically draws praise for his impeccable style, also faced a rare critique. A few fashion-conscious followers noted that his outfit didn’t seem as perfectly tailored as expected, with one commenting, “Unlike Mark not to have a perfectly tailored suit or tux on. His clothes are usually impeccable.”
Despite the occasional detractors, the couple’s red-carpet appearance undeniably made waves, capturing the essence of Oscars fashion—bold, glamorous, and, at times, controversial. Ripa’s willingness to take a fashion risk reflects the ever-evolving nature of red-carpet style, where experimentation is both celebrated and scrutinized in equal measure.
Ultimately, the Oscars are as much about making a statement as they are about celebrating cinematic achievements. And whether or not you loved Kelly Ripa’s see-through gown or Mark Consuelos’ look, one thing is clear: they both left a lasting impression on this year’s Academy Awards.
What do you think about Kelly and Mark’s red-carpet look? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!