23 Of The Best Emmy Awards Beauty Moments Of All Time
Our take
The cyclical nature of award show beauty is a reliable source of fascination, and the recent Bustle piece highlighting iconic Emmy Awards beauty moments is a welcome reminder of that. Beyond the immediate glamour, these moments represent a fascinating intersection of artistry, cultural shifts, and evolving beauty standards. Revisiting these looks allows us to appreciate the evolution of red-carpet aesthetics, and how celebrity beauty choices often mirror broader trends in fashion and makeup. It’s a curated display of artistry, and one that speaks volumes about the era in which it occurred – from the classic elegance of Audrey Hepburn to the more experimental looks we’re seeing today. The ongoing conversation around red-carpet style is intrinsically linked to the broader landscape of fashion, as evidenced by pieces like [From Katie Holmes to Zendaya, The Best Emmy Awards Red Carpet Looks of All Time Deserve a Hall of Fame], which further explores the historical impact of these televised moments. Examining the details – the precise shade of lipstick, the architectural sweep of a hairstyle – offers a unique lens through which to understand not just individual style, but the cultural zeitgeist.
What makes these Emmy beauty moments particularly compelling is their ability to transcend fleeting trends. While the specific techniques and products may change, the underlying desire for sophisticated, impactful presentation remains constant. The article correctly points out the involvement of the industry’s top makeup artists, underscoring the collaborative nature of these looks. It's not simply about a celebrity’s personal preference; it's a carefully orchestrated partnership between talent, stylist, and artist. Consider, too, the influence of street style; the innovative and often unexpected beauty choices seen at events like New York Fashion Week – [The Best New York Fashion Week Street Style Beauty Looks Are All About Funky Updos and Bare Skin] – frequently filter into mainstream red-carpet aesthetics, demonstrating a dynamic exchange between high fashion and everyday expression. The current emphasis on a more natural, "skin-first" approach, visible both on the runways and on the red carpet, speaks to a broader cultural shift towards authenticity and self-acceptance.
The enduring appeal of these award show beauty moments lies in their aspirational quality, but also in their relatability. While the budgets and teams involved are undoubtedly extraordinary, the core principles – highlighting natural features, creating a cohesive look, and conveying confidence – are accessible to everyone. This isn't about replicating a celebrity’s exact look; it’s about drawing inspiration and adapting those ideas to one's own style and preferences. The subtle shift toward understated elegance, a move away from heavily contoured faces and overtly dramatic makeup, is a reflection of a broader desire for effortless beauty. This quiet confidence echoes the current mood in fashion, prioritizing quality and intention over ostentatious displays – a sentiment that resonates with a growing number of consumers who are seeking timeless, versatile pieces and beauty routines. Even the increasing emphasis on intimate details, like the selection of lingerie—[Not Thongs, Not Briefs: *This* Chic Underwear Style Is Trending Right Now]—reveals a deeper focus on personal comfort and self-assuredness, which inevitably influences the overall aesthetic.
Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to observe how award show beauty continues to evolve in response to changing societal values and technological advancements. Will we see a greater emphasis on sustainable beauty practices? Will the rise of virtual red carpets impact the way beauty looks are conceived and executed? The conversation around inclusivity and representation in beauty is also sure to play an increasingly significant role. As the lines between reality and digital fabrication blur, and as consumers become more discerning and conscious of their consumption habits, the artistry of award show beauty will need to adapt – not by abandoning its inherent glamour, but by embracing a more thoughtful, sustainable, and authentic approach. The question becomes: how can award show beauty continue to inspire and captivate while remaining genuinely reflective of the world we inhabit?
Fact: There’s nothing a beauty enthusiast loves more than an award show red carpet extravaganza, and rightfully so. What’s better than Hollywood’s most famous celebrities all gathered in one place, dressed to the nines, and dolled up by the industry’s top makeup artists and hairstylists? Arguably nothing. If you’re in need of some inspiration to hold you over until the 78th annual broadcast live on Monday, Sept. 14, reviewing the most iconic Emmy Awards beauty looks ever will do exactly that.
Ever since the first Emmy Awards premiered on Jan. 25, 1949, at the Hollywood Athletic Club, the highly anticipated evening has served up some of the most talked-about beauty moments of all time. From Joan Collins’ ‘80s-defining layers and Jennifer Aniston’s beach waves, to more recent moments like Zoë Kravitz’s adorably wispy pixie cut and Selena Gomez’s oxblood lip, the award show has offered up endless beauty inspiration through the years, while also showcasing all the of-the-moment makeup, hair, and nail trends.
Curious to see what Emmys looks have graced the red carpet since the first-ever ceremony? Below (and ahead of this year’s ceremony), take a walk down memory lane with the most iconic beauty moments at the annual award show.
Lucille Ball, 1953
What’s more retro about this Emmys shot from 1953 — Ball’s iconic curly red hair (and matching lipstick) or the ashtrays at every winner’s table? When it comes to TV and beauty alike, it doesn’t get much more legendary than Ball.
Ella Fitzgerald, 1968
Fitzgerald’s star power is so megawatt, she’s still on this list despite being an Emmys attendee rather than a nominee (not to worry, though, the musician is loaded up with Grammys). Her voluminous bangs are a timeless classic.
Julie Andrews, 1973
Her rounded pixie cut and short bangs have always been Andrews’s aesthetic calling card, and this throwback shot from the 1973 Emmys shows its adorable evolution.
Joan Collins, 1985
Collins’s glammed-up Emmys look, complete with glossy red lips, would look just as at home on her infamous Dynasty character. Between her gleaming makeup finishes, evening gloves, and feathered bangs, it’s the best of the ‘80s all swirled together.
Cindy Crawford, 1992
Crawford proves all a makeup look needs is a bright red lip with her bold pout at the Emmys in 1992. The iconic supermodel opted to keep the rest of her makeup more streamlined by skipping eyeshadow and instead went with a few coats of mascara and a hint of black eyeliner.
Alfre Woodard, 1996
Not only is Woodard one of the most acclaimed (and awarded!) actors of all time, but she’s also one of the most stylish. Her bleached curls would make a statement on their own, but the shade looks even cooler when paired with her glossy brown lipstick and matching nail color.
Jennifer Aniston, 1999
Aniston’s beachy, twisted hair undoubtedly stole the show at the Emmys in 1999. To allow her cool ‘do to shine, the Friends actor went with a no-makeup makeup look.
Sarah Jessica Parker, 2003
Sex and the City’s Parker went with a sleek bun hairstyle for the 2003 Emmys. Her makeup, which consisted of warm, glowing bronzer and glossy lips, was just as elegant as her hair. Not to mention, the fact that her character Carrie Bradshaw would certainly approve of the feathery pink gown.
Helen Mirren, 2006
A cross-generational icon, Mirren’s short, layered bob and cool silver hair color are as luminous as her cap-sleeved gown — and the elegant jeweled collar just above it.
Blake Lively, 2009
Lively deserves an award for her braided ponytail at the 61st Emmy Awards in 2006. The Gossip Girl star opted for dewy skin and light makeup, which didn’t take away from her extra-long braid.
Taraji P. Henson, 2011
It’s hard to decided what’s better — Henson’s dewy, radiant complexion or her elegant side-bun. It’s a tossup, with both elements coming together to form her most elegantly ethereal red carpet looks in recent memory.
Claire Danes, 2013
A short, jawline-cupping bob was a true Danes signature through the 2010s. When she scored an Emmy Award for her performance in Homeland, the close-cropped cut helped show off hr gown’s low back and its gleaming jeweled straps.
Kerry Washington, 2014
Feel free to take a moment (or two, or three) to process Washington’s whole beauty moment at the award show back in 2014. Between the sparkling midnight-blue eyeshadow to her mid-length cut’s cool center part, the actor’s look was one of the buzziest of the evening.
Regina King, 2016
Built around a classic length and shape, King’s long, sophisticated bob is dressed up by a few bespoke extras. There’s the deep, sleek side-part — perfect for showing off the delicate hoop through her ear cartilage — as well as the bit of extra volume in her bangs.
Zoë Kravitz, 2017
Kravitz’s hair at the 2017 Emmys is the definition of pixie goals. On top of that, the Big Little Lies actor arrived with a perfectly precise cat eye, fluttery lashes, and her signature bold brows. Talk about an unforgettable beauty moment.
Sandra Oh, 2018
Makeup artist Danielle Vincent was inspired by Oh’s red dress, thought about using rich Moroccan reds and golds on the actor at the 2018 Emmy Awards. The makeup artist explained to Refinery29 that, instead, “I wanted to do something modern on her and not something so matchy-matchy, so I popped on more of a rich burnt orange and magenta.”
Zendaya, 2019
Ah, is there anything Zendaya can’t pull off? According to her gingery red locks at the Emmys in 2019, the answer is no. Thanks to celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen, her soft waves looked oh-so stunning with the vivid hair color. And the Euphoria star’s bold arches and on-point contour were just the cherry on top.
Yara Shahidi, 2020
Although A-listers were posted up in the backyard instead of the usual Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles for the award show in 2020, that didn’t mean their beauty looks were anything short of glamorous. Case in point: Shahidi’s cornrows (which featured adorable baby hairs), created by Fesa Nu.
HoYeon Jung, 2022
Have you ever seen a more perfect hair accessory? Rather than go for a been-there-done-that headband or bow, Jung’s center-parted bob featured a cluster of shimmery sequins attached to a discrete clip. It’s like a tiny firework, and it’s so stunning.
Selena Gomez, 2023
Technically, the 2023 Emmy Awards were held in the first few weeks of 2024, a holdover from the industry-pausing Writer’s Strike that took over the previous summer and fall. That said, Gomez delivered two years’ worth of glamour with this deep oxblood lipstick color.
Quinta Brunson, 2024
Brunson channeled her inner flapper at the 2024 ceremony (also held in 2024, albeit in the traditional September). She paired her vampy, silent-film-worthy smoky eye makeup look with molded hair and a Betty Boop-esque pin curl perfectly placed at the center of her forehead.
Jenna Ortega, 2025
Speaking of vampy: Ortega’s rich lip, contoured cheekbones, and dimensional smoky eye at the 2025 ceremony made a compelling case for “goth formal” as a glam category. The sultry, alternative makeup and loose braid were the perfect match for her Givenchy ensemble.
Carrie Coon, 2025
After her scene-stealing, bob-wearing performance in The White Lotus, Coon switched things up for the Emmys, debuting a new Jean Seberg- and Mia Farrow-inspired pixie cut on the red carpet. The chic cut came courtesy of hairstylist Jenny Cho.
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