Oprah Winfrey, 72 ,Says Iconic Oscars Dress Caused Unexpected Injury

Oprah Winfrey recently shared a painful memory from her early Hollywood days, proving that even icons have to learn the ropes of red-carpet etiquette the hard way. During an appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Thursday, April 9, Winfrey reflected on a wardrobe malfunction that left a literal mark at the 1986 Academy Awards.

The media mogul, who was a first-time nominee that year for her role in The Color Purple, confessed that she skipped a crucial step in her preparation. “Because this was the first time I’d ever done anything, I didn’t know that you’re supposed to get it fitted before you actually go to try to put it on,” she admitted while discussing her vintage white satin gown.

The dress featured a beaded collar so heavy that it eventually caused physical damage when she sat down. “When I went to sit back in the chair, [the collar] choked me, and I ended the night with a scar on my neck,” Winfrey recalled, noting that she spent the ceremony desperately trying to adjust the garment.

Despite the discomfort and the fact that she ultimately did not win the Best Supporting Actress trophy, Winfrey took the experience in stride. She joked that she felt a spiritual reassurance about the loss because she was physically unable to move in the dress.

“I heard the voice of God say to me, ‘You’re not gonna win because you can’t get out of the chair,’” she told Colbert with a laugh. That night became a turning point for her personal style, as she vowed to never sacrifice ease for fashion again. “After that, I decided that, no matter what you’re doing, you want to be comfortable,” she declared.

Winfrey’s visit to the show coincided with the program’s final weeks on the air, where she joined a series of high-profile guests bidding farewell to the longtime host. Outside of her talk show appearances, she has been making waves in the fashion world, recently returning from Paris Fashion Week, where she was a front-row fixture at major shows like Stella McCartney and Chanel.

She is also preparing for a significant international speaking engagement at the Brand Minds business summit in Romania, scheduled for later this year. Between her ongoing podcast work and her dedication to health advocacy, the legendary presenter remains a driving force in modern media.

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