As the 97th Academy Awards approach on March 3rd, Hollywood’s biggest stars—including Demi Moore, Ariana Grande, and Cynthia Erivo—are preparing to grace the red carpet. But beyond the glitz and glamour, could their choice of dress color influence their chances of taking home the golden statuette?
According to new research from Pinnacle, analyzing over 40 years of Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress winners, some colors are statistically luckier than others. With insight from celebrity astrologer Inbaal Honigman, let’s dive into the luckiest (and unluckiest) Oscar dress colors—and what they could mean for this year’s nominees.
The Luckiest Dress Colors at the Oscars
1. Black – The Ultimate Power Color (26% of wins)
Black dominates as the luckiest color in Oscars history, with more than a quarter of past winners wearing it. Some of the most iconic black dresses in Oscars history include Julia Roberts’ vintage Valentino (2001), Nicole Kidman’s Jean Paul Gaultier masterpiece (2003), and Jessica Lange’s sleek Calvin Klein gown (1995).
But why does black reign supreme? Honigman explains that black absorbs all light and dispels negative energy, making it a powerful choice for those looking to manifest success. Could Zoe Saldana, favored to win Best Supporting Actress, follow in the footsteps of past winners and don black for a lucky repeat of her BAFTA success?
2. White – The Symbol of Versatility (15% of wins)
Trailing behind black, white has dressed 15% of winning actresses, making it the second-luckiest choice. Michelle Yeoh (2023) and Marion Cotillard (2008) both won in dazzling white gowns, proving the color’s staying power on the red carpet. Honigman describes white as a blend of all colors, allowing the wearer to project versatility—an essential trait in Hollywood.
3. Blue – The Communicator’s Charm (14% of wins)
From Brie Larson’s flowing Gucci dress in 2016 to Hilary Swank’s unforgettable Guy Laroche gown in 2005, blue has been a lucky charm for 14% of Oscar winners. Linked to the planet Mercury, the color is associated with communication and career elevation—perfect for a night where connections can shape the future.
4. Gold & Green – Fortune and Success (9% of wins each)
Gold, the color of royalty and power, ties with green, a hue linked to financial success and love. Both have seen their fair share of winning moments, from Emma Stone’s shimmering Givenchy (2017) to Cate Blanchett’s mint-green Armani Privé masterpiece (2014).
5. Pink – A Pop of Luck (6% of wins)
With just 5 winners donning pink, this color is less common but still effective for those seeking a standout moment. Gwyneth Paltrow’s baby pink Ralph Lauren gown (1999) remains one of the most memorable Oscar dresses ever.
The Unluckiest Dress Colors
While some shades bring fortune, others have historically led to disappointment. The least lucky color? Grey, with only one winner in Oscar history wearing it. Other colors that have struggled to bring home wins include brown (4% of wins), nude (5%), and red (6%).
Honigman suggests that these hues may not carry the same universal appeal or symbolic power as black, white, and blue. Grey, for instance, lacks vibrancy, potentially making it a less memorable choice on Hollywood’s biggest night.
What Will This Year’s Nominees Wear?
With the odds favoring black, white, and blue, will this year’s nominees stick to the luckiest shades? If history is any indication, those vying for an Oscar might want to take color psychology into account when making their final red-carpet choice.
One thing’s for sure: whether lucky or not, the gowns at the 97th Academy Awards will be nothing short of show-stopping.
