A man in a black tuxedo and a woman in a long black gown stand side by side at the bottom of a grand, carpeted staircase with gold handrails.
OOakland

Bay Area stars and designs shine at the 98th Academy Awards

  • March 16, 2026

Awards season is always a fresh reminder of just how many Hollywood stars historically have or currently call the Bay Area their home. On the red carpet at the 98th Academy Awards, celebrities — and designs — from our neck of the woods showed up and showed out. 

This Oscars ceremony is a major career milestone for Oakland filmmaker Ryan Coogler, whose film “Sinners” received a record-breaking 16 nominations, including for Best Picture. Coogler himself is up for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. He was joined on the carpet by his wife Zinzi Coogler in coordinating Louis Vuitton black outfits with sparkling accents. 

A man in a black tuxedo, white shirt, blue patterned scarf, and sunglasses stands on a red carpet in front of an Oscars backdrop.Delroy Lindo at the 98th Annual Oscars | Source: JC Olivera/WWD via Getty ImagesA man in a black tuxedo and white bow tie holds hands with a woman in a sleeveless black gown with a textured bodice, standing on a red carpet.Ryan Coogler and Zinzi Coogler at the 98th Annual Oscars | Source: Gilbert Flores/Penske Media via Getty Images

Fellow Oaklander Delroy Lindo kept things cool and classy in a black tuxedo and shades. Lindo, who lives in Oakland, is nominated for his supporting role in “Sinners.”

A woman in a black and white off-shoulder gown with long black gloves poses on the Oscars red carpet against a backdrop with “OSCARS” text.Alicia Silverstone at the 98th Annual Oscars | Source: Lexie Moreland/WWD via Getty Images

Alicia Silverstone walked the Oscars carpet for the first time in nearly 30 years in an Old Hollywood glamour gown to support her fellow cast members in “Bugonia,” which is in the running for Best Picture. The “Clueless” star grew up in Hillsborough, and has shared photos from her cheerleading days at San Mateo High School on her Instagram (opens in new tab). 

A woman with long wavy brown hair wears a vibrant blue corset-style dress and layered gold necklaces against a beige backdrop with “Oscars” text.Barbie Ferreira at the 98th Annual Oscars | Source: Savion Washington/Penske Media via Getty Images

While Gap Executive VP and Chief Creative Officer Zac Posen stayed behind, two of the San Francisco resident’s designs dazzled on the carpet. “Euphoria” actress Barbie Ferreira stepped out in a Gap Studio cobalt gown.

Actor Milo Manheim, who’s set to star in a live-action adaptation of ‘Tangled,’ sported a silky Gap Studio suit, accessorized with statement brooches. You can’t say San Francisco isn’t a fashion city after looking at these ensembles designed here in the 415. 

Noticeably absent from tonight’s carpet was Zendaya, an Oakland native and alumna of Oakland School for the Arts, whose alumni also include Grammy-winning singer Kehlani and Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu.

San Francisco resident Julia Roberts also ditched the ceremony as did Palo Alto native Jon M. Chu, whose film “Wicked: For Good” did not receive any nominations. 

We’ll be clutching our popcorn buckets to see how the night unfolds, and if the Bay Area claims any prized, golden statuettes.