In the decades since though, only nine other Black actresses have won an Oscar, with only one, Halle Berry, winning for best actress in 2002 for her role in Monster's Ball. Erivo became only one of 13 Black women to be nominated for best actress when she was nominated for her role in 2019's Harriet.

"I really went all in on the opulence, making sure every detail embodied that classic golden glow," her nail artist tells WWD.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve had Cynthia Erivo’s “Defying Gravity” riff stuck in your head for the last six months. But I come bearing good news: We have another moment to think about until Wicked's second half drops into theaters: Erivo’s 2025 Oscars red carpet look.

If there were an award for commitment to a promo tour, surely Cynthia Erivo—along with her co-star, Ariana Grande—would take home the top prize (with Timothée Chalamet’s unconventional promo of A Complete Unknown running a close second,

Cynthia Erivo has touched down at the 97th annual Academy Awards. Tonight, the performer made her grand entrance at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, where she stepped onto the red carpet wearing a magnificent ball gown made out of deep emerald-green velvet,