"Supermodel" Nails Were All Over the Oscars Red Carpet

Celebrities in attendance at the 2023 Oscars on March 12 went all out with their red-carpet looks [1]. Laverne Cox's blue french manicure [2] perfectly complemented her gown, Florence Pugh gave the illusion [3] of swooped side bangs with her ponytail, and Vanessa Hudgens debuted "tuxedo" nails [4] — just to name a few. While many stars were bold in their beauty choices, there was one subtler detail that popped up again and again: "supermodel" nails [5].

You could say "supermodel" nails were made for red carpets, having been coined by celebrity manicurist Tom Backik [6] a few years back at the 93rd Academy Awards. They're minimal and understated, allowing them to go with everything. Yet many celebrities figured out ways to put their own personal flair on the basic manicure.

At the 95th Academy Awards, Lady Gaga [7], Sofia Carson, and Mindy Kaling stayed true to the trend in every way, coating their nails in a sheer, neutral polish and nothing else. Kate Hudson [8], however, used the supermodel nail trend as her base for a glitter top coat in varied swirl designs. Singer-songwriter Tems also went for an experimental take on the look, adding accents in glitter and crystals on top of her nude nails. The range only further proves the versatility of the "supermodel" manicure — the trend looks good on all nail shapes [9] and lengths; with nail art or without.

Judging by the Oscars, as well as the 2023 SAG Awards in February, it appears that minimal nail looks [10] are still on the rise this season. "Rich girl" nails [11], a similarly understated yet chic manicure trend dominated at the SAGs [12].

Ahead, take a look at some of the best demonstrations of the "supermodel" nail trend at the Oscars.