At the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, the red carpet was dominated by bold brooches, statement jewelry, and experimental tailoring. But beneath the headlines, one timeless accessory quietly proved its staying power: cufflinks. While small in scale, cufflinks played a defining role in many of the evening’s best-dressed looks—bridging classic black-tie tradition with modern styling. From onyx studs to high-jewelry designs, they reinforced that true luxury is often found in the details.
Ethan Hawke in Prada + Cufflinks Depot
Ethan Hawke arrived at the 98th Academy Awards with the confidence of a seasoned nominee and the relaxed polish that has defined his red-carpet style for years. For the ceremony, Hawke wore a three-piece suit by Prada, opting for a long-line jacket and waistcoat that gave the outfit a slightly vintage silhouette. The actor, styled by Michael Fisher, completed his look with custom Cufflinks Depot cufflinks. Inspired by his family crest, the design team leaned into the western-motif that has defined his style this awards season. It was a fitting choice for a night celebrating one of the most respected performances of his career.
Jacob Elordi in Bottega Veneta
Jacob Elordi arrived at the 2026 Oscars in a sharply tailored tuxedo from Bottega Veneta, delivering one of the evening’s cleanest examples of modern black-tie dressing. The look leaned classic but with subtle proportions that made it feel current: a structured tuxedo jacket paired with pleated, straight-leg trousers and polished brown shoes. Elordi’s styling emphasized simplicity and tailoring over flash. The header-turners of the ensemble were the Cartier Héritage onyx cufflinks in 18k white gold and housing 1.6 carats or brilliant-cut diamonds. The result felt timeless, almost reminiscent of the old Hollywood leading-man uniform.
Pedro Pascal in Chanel
Pedro Pascal delivered one of the night’s boldest menswear moments in a custom look from Chanel—and he did it without a jacket. Instead of the traditional tuxedo silhouette, Pascal wore a crisp poplin tuxedo shirt with classic tuxedo trousers and a cummerbund. The look was punctuated by an oversized floral brooch made from silk and feathers, instantly drawing attention to the chest and replacing the visual weight a jacket would normally provide. This also allows the custom Chanel pearl cufflinks to have their moment in the spotlight. The styling was completed with patent-leather shoes and a Chanel Boyfriend watch with an 18-karat gold case. It was also a signal of how luxury houses traditionally associated with womenswear are beginning to shape modern menswear red-carpet style.
Chris Evans in Giorgio Armani
Chris Evans opted for classic Hollywood polish in a navy double-breasted tuxedo by Giorgio Armani. The tuxedo featured peaked lapels and a structured double-breasted closure, paired with a crisp white shirt and black bow tie. The deep navy tone added a subtle twist to traditional black tie, catching light differently on the red carpet and creating more depth in photographs. Evans’ look was understated but impeccably executed. His Chopard Rose Gold cufflinks and watch added a polished touched to the ensemble. The double-breasted silhouette gave the tuxedo a slightly more formal, authoritative feel compared to the single-button styles worn by many other attendees.
