Celebrity Watches at the 98th Academy Awards
On 16 March 2026, Los Angeles hosted the 98th Academy Awards, bringing together leading figures from across the film industry. The evening’s major winner was Battle After Battle by Paul Thomas Anderson, which received six awards including Best Picture and Best Director. Michael B. Jordan was named Best Actor for Sinners, while Jessie Buckley took the award for Best Actress for Hamnet.
Alongside the ceremony itself, the red carpet once again served as a stage for notable watch choices, ranging from discreet vintage pieces to highly expressive modern designs.
As is often the case, the selection reflected a broad spectrum of horology, combining high jewellery, contemporary complications and understated classics.
Standout Watches on the Red Carpet
Matt Friend: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126518LN
Matt Friend was seen wearing a recent Rolex Cosmograph Daytona, introduced the previous year. The model stands out through its combination of yellow gold and a lacquered turquoise dial, a colour reminiscent of vintage Stella dials long prized by collectors.
Hudson Williams: Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas
Hudson Williams opted for a Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas in stainless steel. The single-wrap bracelet and guilloché dial preserve the signature aesthetic of the Serpenti line, while diamond accents highlight the sculptural form of the case.
Kevin O’Leary: Cartier Crash Skeleton and Rolex Daytona Ref. 126599TRU
Kevin O’Leary took an unconventional approach by wearing two watches simultaneously. One was a Cartier Crash Skeleton in platinum, known for its distinctive asymmetrical design. The second was a white gold Rolex Daytona set with baguette-cut rubies, offering a more opulent expression.
Leonardo DiCaprio: Rolex 1908 Ref. 52506
Leonardo DiCaprio complemented a formal ensemble with a platinum Rolex 1908. The watch features an intricately guilloché ice blue dial, reflecting a restrained and classical direction within the brand’s current collection.
Ryan Coogler: Cartier Tank à Guichets
Ryan Coogler appeared wearing a modern reinterpretation of the Cartier Tank à Guichets in platinum. Inspired by a design from the 1920s, the model features a jumping hour display shown through a shaped aperture, emphasising minimalism and historical continuity.
Michael B. Jordan: Vintage Piaget 9297
Michael B. Jordan chose a vintage Piaget model from the 1970s. Its rectangular case and diamond-set dial centre reflect the design language of the period, combining jewellery aesthetics with refined proportions.
Nicole Kidman: Vintage Omega
Nicole Kidman continued her preference for vintage Omega cocktail watches. The piece worn for the ceremony closely resembles the Saphette models of the mid-1960s, characterised by compact dimensions and a strong emphasis on jewellery craftsmanship.
Kumail Nanjiani: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton
Kumail Nanjiani selected a more restrained interpretation of the Overseas Perpetual Calendar, opting for a skeletonised version in rose gold. The openworked dial highlights the complexity of the ultra-thin perpetual calendar calibre.
Shaboozey: Chopard L’Heure du Diamant
Shaboozey wore a Chopard L’Heure du Diamant model in 18K white gold, featuring a dial set with diamonds. The watch reflects the maison’s expertise in high jewellery watchmaking.
Kieran Culkin: Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph King Gold 42
Kieran Culkin was seen wearing a Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph in King Gold, a proprietary alloy that gives the case a warmer tone than traditional rose gold.
Aron Piper: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold
Aron Piper paired a white tuxedo with an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in frosted yellow gold. The textured finish, introduced around a decade ago, creates a shimmering effect across the case and bracelet.
Milo Manheim: Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Milo Manheim opted for a Rolex Oyster Perpetual, a model known for its simplicity and versatility. The choice reflects a continued appreciation for understated design on the red carpet.
Gabriel Leone: Bvlgari Octo Roma
Gabriel Leone selected a Bvlgari Octo Roma in stainless steel with a black dial. The watch offers a balanced interpretation of contemporary Italian design, combining geometric case architecture with everyday wearability.
A Balance of Heritage and Expression
The watches seen at the 98th Academy Awards illustrate the diversity of modern collecting. Vintage pieces sit comfortably alongside contemporary creations, while high jewellery models coexist with restrained classics.
Taken together, these choices underline how watches continue to serve not only as technical instruments but also as expressions of personal style, even within the carefully curated setting of the red carpet.
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