The Oscars (aka the Academy Awards) are a swanky affair. Movie stars dressed to the nines in unique outfits that history will never forget, as they repeat over and over “It’s an honor just to be nominated.” In fact, the fashion on the Oscars red carpet is almost as big of a deal as the ceremony itself, meaning teams of designers spend weeks, months, and years devising the perfect look for the stars to make an impact beyond the moment when they clap politely in the audience or sob their way through a speech as the orchestra swells.
And then some people just wear sneakers.
Honestly? More power to them. As someone whose only experience with the Oscars is “comfortably snarking on my own couch between bites of themed nachos,” I cannot imagine the sheer physical agony these people put themselves through just to walk a loud carpet, and then sit through hours of the ceremony. Wearing sneakers to the show so at least one part of your body isn’t in constant pain? Yes, please. Method acting and body transformation are for the screen, not for something that’s supposed to be a fun celebration.
So with that in mind, let’s break down some of the best of the best when it comes to comfortable footwear on Hollywood’s biggest night of the year. Here are the 11 best sneaker moments from the Oscars red carpet, as well as the also chic Vanity Fair after-party.