On Sunday, actors, A-listers, entertainment industry bigwigs and more will descend upon the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for the 98th annual Academy Awards, bringing with them a mix of Old Hollywood hair (think bouffant bobs and flapper waves) and contemporary trends such as the Pamela Anderson updo. Indeed, many will pay homage to notable hair moments in recent Oscars history like Sandra Bullock’s swanky side part in 2010 and Gwyneth Paltrow‘s quiet ponytail in 2012.
With the 2026 red carpet just around the corner, WWD is taking a look back at the best hairstyles at the Academy Awards through the years, from Natalie Wood’s funky side pony to Selena Gomez’s soft waves.
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Natalie Wood – 1968
Presenting the award for Best Visual Effects at the 40th annual Academy Awards, Wood styled her chocolate brown hair in a side ponytail fastened by a white bow. Paired with a bejeweled dress and dramatic makeup, Wood’s hair settled somewhere between funky and hyper-feminine.
Cicely Tyson – 1973
At the 45th annual Oscars, where she was honored for her performance in “Sounder,” Cicely Tyson donned soft, finger waves, often associated with the 1920s flapper aesthetic. The textured hairdo would inspire future looks from actresses to come, including Winona Ryder and Emma Stone.
Diane Keaton – 1978
An avid fan of frizzy updos, Diane Keaton stuck to her guns at the 50th annual Oscars, where she won Best Actress for her performance in “Annie Hall.” The late on-screen star styled her curls in a twisted updo, letting her layers fall effortlessly around her face.
Winona Ryder – 1996
A year after being nominated for her role in “Little Women,” Ryder returned to the Academy Awards in 1996, with a caramel- and chocolate-colored pixie cut. The finely cut hairdo was styled in wide finger waves, which snaked around her forehead.
Jessica Alba – 2006
At the 78th annual Oscars, Jessica Alba cranked up the volume on her hair, donning an Elvis-inspired updo. Here, her dark roots were teased and brushed back behind her ears into a ducktail, leaving not one strand of hair on her face.
Sandra Bullock – 2010
The 82nd annual Academy Awards saw Bullock take home the Best Actress award for her outstanding performance as Leigh Anne Touhy in “The Blind Side.” To honor the momentous night, Bullock donned an elegant side part, crafted by WWD’s 2026 Hairstylist of the Year Adir Abergel.
Gwyneth Paltrow – 2012
A very Carolyn Bessette Kennedy hairstyle, Paltrow’s low ponytail made quite the stir on the 84th annual Oscars carpet. Brought to life by Adir Abergel, the relaxed look wasn’t the complicated updo most other actresses were donning at the time; it was simple and effortless. Paired with an all-white Tom Ford gown, it was the ideal beauty accessory.
Nicole Kidman – 2017
Nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role thanks to her performance in “Lion,” Nicole Kidman arrived at the 89th annual Academy Awards with a loose side bun and muddy blond coloring. Teamed with her nude Armani Prive gown styled by Julia von Boehm, Kidman’s hair evoked the quintessential aesthetic of the 2010s.
Viola Davis – 2021
At the 86th annual Oscars, Viola Davis put her own spin on Cicely Tyson’s 1973 red carpet look, donning combed-through finger waves. The style was a nod to her hair in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” crafted by Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson, both of whom took home the award for best hair and makeup that year.
Zoë Kravitz – 2022
Zoë Kravitz paid tribute to Audrey Hepburn at the 2022 Academy Awards, donning a slicked bun and micro bangs “Sabrina” style. The hairdo was courtesy of stylist Nikki Nelms, the visionary behind Teyana Taylor’s recent premiere and red carpet looks.
Selena Gomez – 2025
Gomez is no stranger to the bouffant bob. In fact, it’s a favorite of the “Only Murders in the Building” star, especially during awards season. For the 97th annual Academy Awards, Gomez was the epitome of Old Hollywood beauty, styled in a shoulder-length cut and gentle waves by Renato Campora.