Indian designers were strongly represented on the red carpet.
South Asian style and star power made a visible impression at the 98th Academy Awards, even though the nominee list featured relatively few names from the community.
Instead, the evening highlighted South Asian presence through fashion, presenters and the broader awards-season ecosystem surrounding Hollywood’s biggest night.
Leading that visibility was global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who returned to the Oscars stage as a presenter nearly a decade after her first appearance in 2016.
Her return positioned her once again among the most recognisable South Asian figures regularly invited onto the Academy Awards stage.
Chopra Jonas wore a custom strapless white gown by Dior featuring a corseted bodice, soft waist draping and a sweeping skirt with a dramatic thigh-high slit.
Feathered detailing added movement to the look, while pointed black heels and a statement diamond necklace from Bulgari completed the styling.
The ensemble continued her unofficial Oscars tradition of white gowns, following earlier red carpet moments in designs by Zuhair Murad and Ralph & Russo.
Online reactions were divided, with some fans praising her confidence while others argued the look felt understated for a star known for bold red carpet glamour.
During the ceremony, Chopra Jonas appeared on stage alongside Spanish actor Javier Bardem to present an award.
Their segment gained attention after Bardem used the moment to voice support for Palestine, drawing audible applause from the audience.
While Chopra Jonas dominated presenter headlines, another standout South Asian fashion moment came from Charithra Chandran, who made her Oscars red carpet debut.
Best known for playing Edwina Sharma in Bridgerton, Chandran arrived in a sculpted emerald couture gown by London label Miss Sohee.
The dramatic design featured a structured bodice and sweeping train, styled with a high-shine diamond necklace and matching earrings from Chopard.
Fashion outlets quickly labelled Chandran a breakout style star of the evening, celebrating the striking silhouette and jewel-toned colour.
Elsewhere on the carpet, businesswoman Isha Ambani attended with husband Anand Piramal, wearing a champagne-toned vintage couture gown by Valentino.
The floral-embroidered dress was paired with a diamond choker and earrings by Lorraine Schwartz, creating a soft, romantic aesthetic for the ceremony.
Ambani later switched into a gothic-inspired corseted blue tulle look for the famous Vanity Fair Oscar Party after the ceremony.
British actress Simone Ashley also turned heads at the after-party in a sculpted metallic gown by couture designer Tamara Ralph.
Appearing alongside co-star Regé-Jean Page, Ashley’s silver look quickly circulated across social media as one of the evening’s standout fashion moments.
Beyond celebrity attendees, Indian designers were strongly represented on the red carpet through international stars wearing their creations.
Designer Rahul Mishra dressed singer Rei Ami in a handcrafted black couture gown featuring a delicate sheer train.
Meanwhile, Gaurav Gupta designed a sculptural satin “Inner Flame” gown for actor Li Jun Li.
High jewellery by celebrated designer Sabyasachi was also spotted on actors Ginnifer Goodwin and Rachel McAdams.
The wider awards season also continued to highlight South Asian creativity through industry gatherings celebrating representation in Hollywood.
Pre-Oscar events and community celebrations have previously brought together figures including Mindy Kaling, Aasif Mandvi, Liza Koshy, Guneet Monga and Smriti Mundhra.
Although the nominee list remains limited, the 2026 Oscars demonstrated how South Asian influence continues expanding through fashion, design and cultural visibility across Hollywood’s biggest stage.
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