The tried-and-true strappy sandal ruled the red carpet again at the 2026 Academy Awards on Sunday, including minimalist styles from Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choo, Roger Vivier and more.
Renate Reinsve was an Oscars standout in a custom Louis Vuitton red gown, which featured a high slit that allowed her matching shoes to shine. The actress, who is nominated for an Academy Award for Actress in a Leading Role for “Sentimental Value,” opted Giuseppe Zanotti’s Intriigo Strap Sandals with a 105-centimeter heel. The sandals are one of the veteran Italian designer’s most popular evening styles.
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Regina Hall went with one of her go-to brands, Stuart Weitzman, choosing platforms from the brand to add a bit of height. The black ankle-strap sandals complemented her Yara Shoemaker Couture black-and-gold gown, which had a high slit.
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Anne Hathaway only showed a peek of her Roger Vivier jeweled sandals, which she paired with her Valentino couture floral gown from the spring 2026 collection designed by Alessandro Michele. The actress was also in the spotlight during a quintessential “Devil Wears Prada” moment on stage with Vogue’s Anna Wintour — ahead of the sequel’s release on May. 1.
While not visible from the front, Kate Hudson took a spin on the carpet to show off her Aquazzura silver platform sandals.
Heidi Klum’s nude Paris Texas Lidia mules — which have been the brand’s most enduring style for more than a decade — complemented her strapless bejeweled gold dress.
While strappy sandals were first introduced on the red carpet as early as the 1920s, they rose in popularity in the 1960s. From simple satin to leather to embellished looks, the style has now dominated for decades.
Other defining looks on the red carpet included classic pumps, which were seen on Zendaya, in Louis Vuitton, Gwyneth Paltrow, in Christian Louboutin, and Priyanka Chopra, in Jimmy Choo, among others.
For more top shoe looks, click through the gallery.
The 2026 Academy Awards honor the best films of 2025 from “One Battle After Another” to “Hamnet” and more. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, who returns for a second consecutive year as master of ceremonies, the awards show takes place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. “Sinners” leads the night’s nominations, with a record-setting 16 nods, including Best Picture. The 2026 Oscars air Sunday night at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and Hulu.