The 2026 OscarsAwards red carpet has always been a stage for tailoring. But in 2026, the real story was happening above the collar.
Haircuts carried shape and movement. Beards looked intentional. Faces looked rested, confident, camera-ready. Because the truth is simple: style starts with grooming. Before the tuxedo. Before the velvet jacket. Before the brooch. Fashion editors at Esquire also noted several standout grooming looks this year. At Groom Guy, we see grooming as part of a larger ritual—self-care, confidence, and showing up ready for the moment. These were the men who understood that best at the 2026 Academy Awards.
Ryan Coogler: Grooming with Authority
Sinners Director Ryan Coogler arrived on the red carpet with a look built on confidence.
His beard carried structure while still feeling natural, and the haircut framed the face in a way that felt calm and deliberate. Nothing dramatic. Nothing loud.
Just the kind of grooming that signals a man who understands his style. A barber can help maintain this balance with routine service. Grooming takeaway: Strong grooming doesn’t need to shout.
Jacob Elordi: The Return of the Mustache
Jacob Elordi walked the carpet with a look that felt straight out of another era.
The mustache—sharp but natural—gave the entire look a retro confidence. Paired with a classic haircut, it felt equal parts old Hollywood and modern leading man.
Facial hair like this works when it’s maintained regularly.
A great barber keeps the shape balanced as it grows.
Hudson Williams: Skin That Looks Alive
Hudson Williams arrived with something every red carpet photographer loves: great skin. The look leaned natural. Hydrated. Awake. Nothing heavy. Nothing overdone.Just the kind of skin that comes from a consistent routine.
At Groom Guy, skincare is part of the conversation because healthy skin changes the entire look. Get started with healthy skin with brands like Dermalogica.
Timothée Chalamet: Hair with Personality
Timothée Chalamet continues to prove that personality wins on the red carpet.
His hair carried movement and shape—never stiff, never forced. It felt like his signature style rather than something designed just for the night. Modern grooming is moving in this direction.
Less rigidity. More character.
Michael B. Jordan: Beard Done Right
Michael B. Jordan has turned beard grooming into an art form.
His beard sits exactly where it should—full, balanced, and shaped to frame the face. It’s the kind of facial hair that looks effortless but clearly isn’t. Beards like this require routine maintenance.
Trimming, shaping, and knowing where the neckline belongs. Get ahead of it with brands like BEVEL. Grooming takeaway: A beard should complement the face, not overpower it.
Leonardo DiCaprio: Classic Never Fails
Leonardo DiCaprio brought a timeless grooming approach to the carpet. A subtle mustache paired with a traditional haircut gave the look quiet authority. Nothing experimental, but nothing outdated either. Classic grooming continues to work for a reason.
Grooming takeaway: Consistency beats trends.
Ethan Hawke: Relaxed Confidence
Ethan Hawke arrived with the kind of grooming that feels completely natural. Hair that moves freely. Facial hair kept balanced but not overly sculpted. There’s confidence in knowing when not to overdo it and the entire style look speaks enough.
Grooming takeaway: Great grooming should never look forced.
Damson Idris: A Masterclass in Modern Grooming
Damson Idris, co-star of F1 Film, brought a refined sense of detail to the Oscars red carpet, pairing his tuxedo with a striking brooch that added personality without overpowering the look. His haircut was sharp and balanced, giving structure while his beard added depth and contrast. The grooming worked effortlessly with the styling, allowing the accessories and tailoring to shine. Grooming takeaway: when the haircut and beard are dialed in, the rest of the look falls into place.
