The red carpet at 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 an accessory. In 2026, it became a full-fledged part of the stylistic narrative of a look. Stars opted for both minimalist nude polishes and complex art designs with metallic and 3D elements. We’ve gathered the most interesting nail moments from the ceremony.
The Most Beautiful Manicures at the Oscar-2026 Ceremony
Sculptural Gold: Manicure as an Art Object
One of the most striking beauty moments of the evening was singer Audrey Nuna’s manicure. For the ceremony, she chose gold chrome nails with voluminous 3D appliqués that resembled the iconic statuette of the award. The design perfectly complemented her dramatic black and gold ensemble and highlighted the evening’s main symbol – gold. This manicure became an example of a new wave of sculptural nail art, where texture, volume, and metallic shine play a crucial role.
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“Liquid Diamonds”: Manicure with Sparkle
One of the most elegant trends on the red carpet was the so-called “liquid diamond manicure” – a manicure with a liquid diamond effect. Actress Kate Hudson showcased it. To achieve this effect, her manicurist combined a delicate nude polish with a semi-transparent coating with microscopic glitter, creating an ice-glossy finish. As a result, the nails looked as if they were covered in a thin layer of ice or melted diamonds – understated yet luxurious.
Chocolate French: A New Classic
Actress Marsai Martin demonstrated a modern take on the classic French manicure – the “chocolate French.” Instead of the traditional white line, the artists used a deep brown shade on the tips of the nails. This version is softer than a contrasting white French and pairs beautifully with the warm tones of evening gowns.
Minimalism and “Naked” Nails
In contrast to complex designs, many stars opted for an “almost imperceptible manicure.” For example, actress Ariana Greenblatt chose a semi-transparent nude shade with a natural gloss, creating a barely-there nails effect. This manicure looks elegant, emphasizes well-groomed hands, and allows you to highlight jewelry or a dress.
Jessie Buckley, who received her first Oscar for Best Actress, chose a restrained, elegant manicure in a milky nude shade with a delicate glossy finish. The minimalist design perfectly complemented her Chanel attire on the red carpet and emphasized the overall trend of the evening towards natural, “almost imperceptible” nails.
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Silver Chrome: Futuristic Shine
Another noticeable trend was “mirror silver chrome.” Singer and actress Teyana Taylor opted for a sleek metallic finish. The nails had a modern and graphic appearance. Silver chrome is an ideal choice for those who want a striking manicure without complex decorations: the metallic shine itself already creates a strong visual accent.
The Main Nail Mood of the Oscars-2026
The manicures at the ceremony showcased two key trends of the season: “extreme minimalism” and bold art design. On one hand, nude polishes with delicate shimmer; on the other, sculptural 3D details and metallic textures. And it is this contrast, it seems, that will define nail trends for the coming year.