Jenna Ortega knows how to read a theme and then flip it on its head. At the Actor Awards 2026, the ceremony formerly known as the SAG Awards, the “Wednesday” star embraced the night’s first-ever official red carpet theme, curated by ELLE, “Reimagining Hollywood Glamour From the ’20s and ’30s.”
While many leaned into predictable Old Hollywood silhouettes, Ortega delivered something sharper, moodier, and distinctly Gen Z. Instead of the expected beaded flapper gown or structured satin column dress, Ortega stepped out in a lacy cream-colored Christian Cowan slip dress that felt both vintage and subversive. The look nodded to 1930s boudoir elegance but stripped it of its polish. The result was fragile, romantic, and slightly undone in the best way.
© FilmMagicA Christian Cowan Slip Dress With a Dark Twist
The Christian Cowan design featured delicate lace detailing and a plunging neckline that channeled the intimate glamour of pre-war Hollywood. But this was not a costume. The fabric appeared intentionally distressed at the hem, adding texture and tension to an otherwise soft silhouette. It felt less like a museum piece and more like a modern reinterpretation of screen siren sensuality.
The cream tone stood out against the traditional parade of black gowns typically seen at major awards shows. It also echoed the soft ivory palettes popular in the early 1930s, when bias-cut slip dresses first revolutionized women’s eveningwear.
© FilmMagicWhere the look took an unexpected turn was in the styling.
Stockings and Jimmy Choo Heels Elevate the Vintage Mood
Ortega accessorized the dress with sheer stockings, a detail that instantly transported the ensemble into another era. The stockings felt deliberate. They grounded the look in authenticity while also adding a subtle edge.
On her feet, she chose Jimmy Choo platform heels, merging vintage inspiration with contemporary glamour. The footwear choice avoided the obvious T-strap or satin pump route, instead injecting modern height and attitude.
© FilmMagicShe completed the look with layered jewelry, including a delicate choker and a long pendant necklace that echoed Art Deco influences without overpowering the dress. The overall styling felt intentional, not theatrical.
A Beauty Look That Balances Soft and Severe
Ortega’s beauty choices were equally aligned with the theme but interpreted through her signature lens. Her dark, softly waved hair framed her face in a way that referenced 1930s screen icons without committing to rigid finger waves.
Her makeup leaned into smoky eyes and a muted brown lip, creating contrast against the romantic cream dress. The effect was less ingénue, more gothic glamour. It was Old Hollywood filtered through Wednesday energy.
© AFP via Getty ImagesThat tension between softness and edge is increasingly becoming Ortega’s red carpet signature.
A Major Nomination for ‘Wednesday’
The Actor Awards mark a significant moment for Ortega professionally. She is nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series for her role in "Wednesday." The Netflix series catapulted her into a new tier of stardom, blending dark comedy with sharp physical performance.
© Variety via Getty ImagesThis nomination underscores how far she has come in a short span. It also highlights how streaming platforms are reshaping traditional awards categories. "Wednesday" may be genre-bending, but its cultural impact is undeniable.
Her First Awards Show Since the Golden Globes
This appearance also marks Ortega’s first awards show outing since January’s Golden Globes. At that event, she wore a black cut-out dress by Dilara Findikoglu, embracing a dramatic and sculptural silhouette.
© Penske Media via Getty ImagesThe contrast between the two looks is striking. The Golden Globes ensemble was bold and architectural. The Actor Awards gown is fluid, intimate, and nostalgic. Both, however, share a common thread in how Ortega is not interested in safe fashion.
