Former Child Star Steals Spotlight With Oscars 2026 Red Carpet Look
Mckenna Grace brought a touch of fairytale elegance to the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 15, marking a standout moment on the red carpet. The 19-year-old actress captivated onlookers in a flowing baby pink gown that featured a dramatic, floor-sweeping train.
She enhanced the regal aesthetic by incorporating a matching silk scarf as a makeshift shawl, which she draped gracefully over her arms to complement the soft, monochromatic look.
Her beauty routine for the evening perfectly mirrored her soft, ethereal ensemble. She opted for a polished updo that showcased her signature eyelash-grazing curtain bangs, while her makeup palette featured shimmering champagne-gold eyeshadow, peachy-pink blush, and a bold, bright lip color.
She was radiant, and she appeared completely at ease while posing for photographers, though she and her Regretting You co-star and boyfriend, Mason Thames, opted to navigate the red carpet separately.
mckenna grace attending the oscars pic.twitter.com/zvWTrujjgM
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Grace’s polished look was elevated by a significant amount of sparkle, as she chose to wear a statement diamond necklace paired with dainty earrings and a striking ring. The star, who has been a recognizable face in Hollywood since she was just five years old, continues to transition from her acclaimed roles as a child performer to more mature, leading parts.
Her presence at the Dolby Theatre served as a reminder of her long-standing history in the industry, which includes critical success in projects ranging from The Handmaid’s Tale to the recent Ghostbusters franchise.
McKenna Grace photographed at the 98th Annual Oscars. 📷 pic.twitter.com/nB1QxLJTsn
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Grace has had an incredibly busy year, balancing her awards season appearances with a packed filming schedule. She recently wrapped production on the slasher sequel Scream 7, in which she plays the character Hannah Thurman.
Fans are also eagerly anticipating her role as Maysilee Donner in the upcoming The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which is scheduled for a theatrical release in November.
The upcoming Hunger Games prequel, directed by Francis Lawrence, explores the origins of the fiftieth Hunger Games and promises to be one of the biggest films of the year. In addition to her film work, Grace has been making strides in her music career, having recently been featured on a track by the heavy metal band Ice Nine Kills for the Scream 7 soundtrack.
As she shifts toward these new, high-profile projects, it is clear that Grace is entering a new phase of her career, successfully moving beyond the child roles that first brought her to prominence.
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