The biggest breakout beauty trend of the 2020 Academy Awards was also the most subtle and easily copied: black nail polish.
The classic dark mani proved to be the accessory of choice for the Oscars, complementing the night’s best fashion moments, from Billie Eilish‘s ivory Chanel suit to Janelle Monae’s hooded rhinestone-encrusted Ralph Lauren gown — and, of course, Lucy Boynton’s dreamy watercolor pastel Miu Miu dress at the Vanity Fair afterparty.
Ahead, all the proof you need that a black mani was the night’s top trend. Consider it the most affordable Oscars accessory — and ample inspiration to whip out your bottle of Essie Licorice.
Zazie Beetz
The Joker star complemented her sequined strapless Thom Browne gown with a matching mani: the jet-black French.Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic.
Billie Eilish
Of course, the 18-year-old “Bad Guy” singer went all-out for her first Oscars appearance. She wore head-to-toe Chanel and upgraded her squared acrylic nails with a glossy black finish. Photo: Steve Granitz/WireImage.
Lucy Boynton
The Bohemian Rhapsody star’s choice to style her romantic pastel tulle Miu Miu gown with black nail polish made the entire ensemble that much cooler.Photo: Jon Kopaloff/WireImage.
Janelle Monae
There was no denying that Janelle Monae’s hooded and sequined Ralph Lauren gown won the red carpet, though it was the more subtle details — like the red lip and black mani — that centered her entire look.Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
Diane Keaton
We all love a Diane Keaton fashion moment, and her Oscars look was no exception. What we didn’t expect from the actress was killer manicure inspiration. But just peek at those long, shapely nails glossed with black polish — so chic.Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images.
Gal Gadot
The Wonder Woman star was the picture of elegance at the Oscars, pairing her baby-pink and black lace-lined Givenchy gown with the classic beauty staples: a low chignon, red lip, and black nails. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images.
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