The 2025 Oscars had plenty of stunning fashion moments, but we think the nails deserved more attention. Some manicures stole the show with eye-popping designs, while others played a supporting role to a statement outfit. Let’s check out dazzling nail looks on the red carpet, from simple elegance to confident styles.
The Crowd Pleaser You Can Always Count On
Cynthia Erivo’s manicures are guaranteed to drop jaws. The artist Mycah Dior handcrafted this one with enormous gemstones and a gold watch. Of course, the emerald theme tied into her Wicked character’s palette. And as the nail artist posted on Instagram, the nails were “dripping in gold, because it’s her time”. Mycah Dior further explained that she wanted Erivo’s fingers to look like they were dipped in a treasure box.
Then she detailed how to create the abstract look on the thumb. It began with a blend of one part each of the OPI Intelli-Gel colors “Rated Pea-G” and “Drama at La Scala”. After two coats for the French tip, she used golden cat eye polish and drew the lines with “Black Onyx” and “Alpine Snow”. Finally, she applied the embellishments and the glossy top coat.
OPI Intelli-Gel - MI04 Drama at La Scala - Gel Color 0.5 oz
OPI Gel Nail Polish Duo - H007 Rated Pea-G
The Trendsetter
Although some of us have a secret desire to flaunt an Erivo-esque manicure, we’re more likely to follow Selena Gomez’s lead and choose a simpler set in a traditional shape. First, her almond nails are a fashion-safe, user-friendly, and flattering shape.
Next, her nail artist, Tom Bachik, described the color here as “peach champagne”. He revealed the tools he used, from the Tweezerman nail care set to the cuticle oil. The list includes all CND products like the Wear Extender base coat and Shellac colors “Rule Breaker” and “Silk Thread”, followed by the no-wipe glossy top coat.
In summary, if you want to keep up with nail trends and popular colors, this artist and celebrity combo is one to watch.
CND Shellac Gel Polish - 122 Rule Breaker
Sleek and Sexy, Goes with Anything
Here’s an idea to upgrade your look for any occasion, including accepting an award. Temeka Jackson created Anok Yai’s gorgeously luxurious French tips with Aprés Sculpted Long Stiletto Gel-X Tips. She kindly provided a tutorial on the post.
As you may know, it’s crucial to choose the right size tips for each finger. As the artist explains, they should fit the nail width perfectly. Aprés and some other soft gel brands offer both sculpted and natural shapes to fit pretty much everyone.
In case you’re curious, the colors here include “Could’ve, Should’ve, Would’ve” and “Spring Sigh”. They look just right edged with sparkly gold polish.
Apres Gel 608 Could've, Should've, Would've
Apres Gel Polish - N05 Spring Sigh
Supporting Role
If the only thing you saw at the Oscars was Halle Berry’s mirrored gown, then it was worth turning on the TV. This manicure provided the ideal supporting role for her incredible ensemble. As the artist Kim Troung stated, the goal was to give the actor a subdued nail look at the Oscars with just a hint of “oomph”. Therefore, she arranged a faded metallic French tip with Aprés products. The base is a milky polish called “For Once” accompanied by “Summer Aurora” and silver chrome tips.
Apres Gel 405 For Once
Apres Gel Polish - G12 Summer Aurora
Mystery Manicure
Three years ago, Storm Reid celebrated with a daring set invented by artist Vanny Nguyen. A year later, Julie Kandalec designed Reid’s look for the Cannes Film Festival. But who did her mix-and-match nails for the Oscars in 2025? All the fashion sites were gushing over her hair and Red Riding Hood ensemble without mentioning her fingertips.
Nude Nails
Saccia Livingston designed Doja Cat’s powerful nude nails as a companion to her custom Balmain gown. She applied square extra long Aprés tips and coated them with OPI’s “Put it in Neutral” and Super Gloss No Wipe Top Coat. The look fits right into the wave of minimalist manicures sweeping red carpet events.
OPI Intelli-Gel - T65 Put it in Neutral - Gel Color 0.5 oz
Classic yet Innovative
Despite her youthful appearance, Lupita Nyong'o is no newcomer to the Oscars. She already won best supporting actor a decade ago. This year she appeared in a custom Chanel gown inspired by a vintage nineties look. The dress has more than 20,000 pearls attached to it. So, the artist, Vanessa Sanchez McCullough, decided to keep the theme going and place more pearls on each fingertip. She painted the almond nails with a flattering nude base, edged them with platinum, and added the embellishments.
Smoky Ombre Claws
Nail artist Juan Alvear matched K-pop star Lisa’s ensemble perfectly with an ombre black and gray set. He started with Aprés Sculpted Stiletto Extra Long Tips covered in the gray shade, “Midnight Shadow.” Then, he added “Cloud Nine” and “French Black” to finish the gradient. Did he airbrush it? We don’t know, but it appears to be expertly blended.
Apres Gel Polish - J01 Midnight Shadow
Apres Gel Polish - 323 Cloud Nine
Red Carpet Nails for the Queen
Queen Latifah owns the spotlight without any help. In fact, it takes a sculpted Siriano gown to keep up with her. So, nail artist Sreynin Peng had big shoes to fill coming up with the right red carpet manicure. She covered the nails with Aprés natural almond Gel-X tips and the stunning “Vampire Drunk” shade, leaving nude half-moons outlined by sparkly stones.
Later, on stage during the Quincy Jones tribute, Queen Latifah sported a metallic set for the performance. It’s another instance where soft gels create convenience for costume changes.
Apres - Gel-X - Natural Almond Medium (PCS)
Apres Gel Polish - 254 Vampire Drunk
Conclusion
What were your favorite nail looks from the 2025 Oscars? Are you more of a minimalist or maximalist fan? No matter because there is inspiration both ways. In fact, we think there should be an Academy award for Best Manicures that includes red carpet moments at the event itself!
If you’re in the mood to copy or spin your own twist of an Oscar-worthy manicure, we’ve got the colors and supplies you need. Shop our store for essentials and treat yourself to trendy shades and upgraded tools. Enjoy stunning discounts, complimentary gifts, and free shipping, too!