The red carpet of the Oscars traditionally sets the tone not only for fashion, but also for beauty trends of the year. Manicure has long ceased to be just a detail. In 2026, it became a full-fledged part of the stylistic history of the image. Stars chose both minimalist nude coatings and complex art designs with metallic and 3D elements. We have collected the most interesting nail moments of the ceremony.
The most beautiful manicures at the Oscars 2026 ceremony
Sculptural gold: manicure as an art object
One of the most spectacular beauty moments of the evening was the manicure of singer Audrey Noonan. For the ceremony, she chose gold chrome nails with voluminous 3D applications, reminiscent of the iconic statuette of the award. The design perfectly complemented her dramatic black and gold look and emphasized the main symbol of the evening – gold. Such a manicure became an example of a new wave of sculptural nail art, where texture, volume and metallic shine play an important role.
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“Liquid diamonds”: manicure with shine
One of the most elegant trends on the red carpet was the so-called “liquid diamond manicure” – a manicure with the effect of liquid diamonds. It was demonstrated by actress Kate Hudson. To create this effect, her master combined a delicate nude polish with a translucent coating with microscopic glitter, which creates an icy-glossy finish. As a result, the nails seemed to be covered with a thin layer of ice or melted diamonds – restrained and at the same time luxurious.
Chocolate jacket: a new classic
Actress Marsai Martin showed off a modern take on the classic French manicure, the “chocolate french.” Instead of the traditional white line, the masters used a deep brown shade on the tips of the nails. This option is softer than the contrasting white french, and goes well with the warm shades of evening dresses.
Minimalism and “bare” nails
In contrast to complex designs, many stars have opted for a “barely noticeable manicure”. For example, actress Ariana Greenblatt chose a translucent nude shade with a natural shine, which creates the effect of barely-there nails. Such a manicure has an elegant look and emphasizes the well-groomed hands and allows you to emphasize jewelry or a dress.
Jessie Buckley, who won her first Oscar for Best Actress, opted for a subtle, elegant manicure in a milky nude shade with a subtle glossy finish. The minimalist design perfectly complemented her Chanel red carpet outfit and highlighted the evening's overall trend of natural, “almost invisible” nails.
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Silver chrome: futuristic shine
Another notable trend was “mirror silver chrome.” Singer and actress Teyana Taylor chose a smooth metallic finish. The nails looked modern and graphic. Silver chrome is the perfect choice for those who want a spectacular manicure without complex decor: the metallic shine itself already creates a strong visual accent.
The main nail mood of the “Oscar 2026”
Manicures at the ceremony showed two key trends of the season: “extreme minimalism” and bold art design. On the one hand, nude coatings with delicate shine, on the other, sculptural 3D details and metallic textures. And it is this contrast that seems to determine the nail trends of the coming year.