Oscars 2026: 11 celebrity nail looks that stole the spotlight
By Jess Watts | 16 March 2026 | News & Events
The 98th Academy Awards (aka the Oscars) took place last night (15 March), celebrating the pinnacle of film.
The event saw celebrities take to the red carpet showcasing opulent outfits and equally noteworthy nail looks. Let’s round up the top talons of the night…
And the Oscars for ‘Best Nail Look’ go to:
Marsai Martin – nails by Eri Ishizu
LA and NYC-based manicurist, Eri Ishizu, matched Marsai Martin’s mani to her dress. Brown French-style tips with 3D swirl accents topped the talons of the actress & producer. The look was crafted using Aprés Nail products – with the brand’s Gel Couleur in Spiced Apple Cider taking centre stage.
EJAE – nails by Zola Ganzorigt
One of the winners of Best Original Song, EJAE accepted the award with gilded chrome claws in ode to the song that claimed the Oscar – ‘Golden’ from KPop Demon Hunters. The twinkling French tips were created by celebrity nail artist, Zola Ganzorigt, using nailcare products from Onyx Professional®.
Rachel McAdams – nails by Julie Kandalec
Actress, Rachel McAdams, modelled a magnetic mani courtesy of celebrity manicurist & educator, Julie Kandalec. The lustrous look was created using The GelBottle Inc (TGB) Magnetic Gel Polish in Lush, and the nail pro took to Instagram to describe the style as ‘rosé radiance’.
Julie comments: “We chose TGB’s Lush, a dusky rose magnetic with a golden shimmer that was the perfect colour to stand out just a bit against the gown.”
Wunmi Mosaku – nails by Sarah Chue
Sinners‘ Munmi Mosaku paired her gorgeous green gown with burgundy nails as she took to the red carpet. The classy claws were the work of LA-based nail artist, Sarah Chue, who used Aprés Nail Gel Couleur in Blood Moon for the look.
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Audrey Nuna – nails by Marielle Co
Another winner of Best Original Song, Audrey Nuna rocked the red carpet with 3D nails showcasing golden orbs as a nod to the winning Golden song. Marielle Co – nail artist & owner of LA-based nail studio, Girlfriend Bar, created the standout set.
Ariana Greenblatt – nails by Zola Ganzorigt
Zola Ganzorigt covered Ariana Greenblatt’s nails in chrome to create a pearlescent look that matched the actress’ silk gown. Zola used OPI products, including the brand’s Chrome Effects Powder in Tin Man Can, for the shining style.
Ji-young Yoo – nails by Sarah Chue
Baby blue nails complemented the dress of Ji-young Yoo – one of the winners of Best Original Song. The periwinkle polished look was the creation of Sarah Chue, using Madam Glam Soak-Off Gel Polish in Morning Sky.
Heidi Klum – nails by Tom Bachik
Heidi Klum showcased a subtle set courtesy of celebrity manicurist, Tom Bachik. The nude nails focalised Aprés Nail Gel Couleur in Forgotten Film, and Tom took to Instagram to call the look: ‘Rich Girl Red Carpet nails’.
Kate Hudson – nails by Brittney Boyce
Actress, Kate Hudson, flaunted frosted fingertips by LA-based nail artist, Brittney Boyce. The ‘liquid diamond’ nail look was crafted using Essie products, with the shimmering set matching Kate’s mermaid-esque gown.
May Hong – nails by Eri Ishizu
KPop Demon Hunters actress, May Hong, opted for ombré Oscars talons. The smoky black, grey and nude nails were crafted by Eri Ishizu, who put a spin on the barcode nail trend to create the captivating cat eye claws.
Jessie Buckley – nails by Queenie Nguyen
Best Actress winner, Jessie Buckley, wore nude nails courtesy of LA-based nail artist, Queenie Nguyen. To allow the actress’ colour-blocked dress to steal the spotlight, Queenie crafted an understated ‘barely there’ mani, using Chanel products to perfect the style.
Nail trend insight
For guests of jewellery brand, Neiman Marcus, hands were polished to perfection for the Oscars using LA PAR Gel Color in #50 Valet Only. The striking red hue is set to be a hit this season, with the upcoming release of The Devil Wears Prada 2 generating buzz for the statement shade.
The nail look was designed to complement jaw-dropping jewels by Jared Lehr Jewelry from Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills.
A spokesperson for LA PAR comments: “When the setting is Hollywood’s biggest night and the jewels are dazzling, there’s only one manicure that completes the look.”
