2023 Oscars: Best Dressed Black Men at The Academy Awards

From Sammy Davis Jr. to Billy Porter, Black men have shut down the red carpet for years

Photo: Getty Images Michael Ochs Archives / Stringer

The Academy Awards are Sunday, March 12 and we can’t wait to see what everybody wears to the ceremony! While oftentimes men wear boring outfits on the red carpet, these men took a step outside of the box! Here are the best Black dressed men over time for the Oscars.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

2019: Mahershala Ali

Photo: Getty Images Future Publishing / Contributor

Mahershala Ali won his second Academy Award wearing this Ermenegildo Zegna XXX paisley print suit with a kufi hat.

2019: Billy Porter

Photo: Getty Images Frazer Harrison / Staff

Billy Porter’s black Christian Siriano tuxedo gown will go down in Oscars fashion history! He wore a magenta version of the same gown to the 2023 Golden Globe Awards.

2014: Michael B. Jordan

Photo: Getty Images WWD / Contributor

Michael B. Jordan wore an all-Givenchy look to the 2014 Academy Awards ceremony. The highlight of the outfit was his gold-plated dress shoes.

1991: Michael Jackson

Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella / Contributor

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, arrived at the 1991 Oscars as Madonna’s date. MJ wore a bedazzled white suit coat, black gloves, black snakeskin textured pants, and a chunky metallic belt around his hips.

2000: Samuel L. Jackson

Photo: Getty Images Steven D Starr / Contributor

Samuel L. Jackson wore this purple velvet suit coat that went down to his knees to the 2000 Oscars.

1970: Sammy Davis Jr.

Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella / Contributor

One of the greatest entertainers in history, Sammy Davis Jr., wore this iconic oversized popped collar and sparkly vest combo to the 1970 Academy Awards. He is seated next to singer and actress Lola Falana.

2015: David Oyelowo

Photo: Getty Images Jeff Vespa / Contributor

Selma actor, David Oyelowo, wore this perfectly fitted red Dolce and Gabbana tuxedo and brooch to match the 2015 Academy Awards red carpet.

2020: Spike Lee

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Winter / Staff

Spike Lee paid tribute to the late Kobe Bryant in this custom purple and gold lined suit. Bryant’s jersey number, 24, was sewn on the front and back of the coat. He also added purple accessories and orange basketball sneakers.

1996: Will Smith

Photo: Getty Images Jim Smeal / Contributor

Will Smith was arm–in–arm with Jada Pinkett (before they were married) at the 1996 Academy Awards wearing the popular style at the time, oversized suits.

2018: Chadwick Boseman

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Mazur / Contributor

Black Panther’s Chadwick Boseman wore a black Givenchy couture topcoat, fitting the aesthetic of the newly released at the time Marvel blockbuster.

2021: Lakeith Stanfield

Photo: Getty Images Pool / Pool

Lakeith Stanfield wore this women’s Saint Laurent jumpsuit to the 2021 Oscars, even though he hilariously left the event early because it was a dry bar. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 2021.

1990: Spike Lee

Photo: Getty Images Ron Galella, Ltd. / Contributor

Filmmaker Spike Lee was nominated for the 1990 Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. He wore this black suit, white shirt, printed cloth, black hat, and gold framed glasses.

2022: David Oleyowo

Photo: Getty Images Mike Coppola / Staff

David Oyelowo wore this yellow and green floral printed suit on the 2022 Oscars red carpet.

2018: Miguel

Photo: Getty Images Dan MacMedan / Contributor

Singer Miguel arrived on the 2018 red carpet with Nazanin Mandi wearing a polka dot patterned suit jacket, and classic black shirt and pants, heeled dress shoes, and another black coat hanging on his shoulders.

2021: Colman Domingo

Photo: Getty Images Pool / Pool

Actor Colman Domingo wore this nearly neon pink Atelier Versace suit and gold jewelry and shiny black dress shoes.

2004: Prince

Photo: Getty Images L. Cohen / Contributor

Prince wore this cropped black jacket, high-waisted and wide-legged dress pants, an asymmetrical collared white shirt, and a purple flower in the pocket.

2021: Travon Free

Photo: Getty Images Handout / Handout

Comedian and actor Travon Free walked the red carpet wearing this custom suit jacket and shoes with the names of Black people who have been wrongfully killed by police.

2014: Pharrell Williams

Photo: Getty Images Dan MacMedan / Contributor

Pharrell Williams shocked fans by wearing a Lanvin Paris tuxedo with shorts instead of pants! He was nominated for Best Original song at the 2014 Oscars.

2017: Mahershala Ali

Photo: Getty Images Steve Granitz / Contributor

Actor Mahershala Ali became a father for the first time only days before the 2017 Academy Awards ceremony. As a Best Supporting Actor nominee, he walked the red carpet in a beautiful black Ermenegildo Zegna.

2018: Jordan Peele

Photo: Getty Images FREDERIC J. BROWN / Contributor

Jordan Peele accepted the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay wearing this Calvin Klein suit. Perfect fit for a winner!

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Steve Harvey's Gorgeous $15 Million Once Owned by Tyler Perry

Steve Harvey’s Gorgeous $15 Million Once Owned by Tyler Perry

With a 70,000 gallon infinity pool to a home theater and wine cellar, Steve Harvey's mansion is one of the most expensive properties in Atlanta, Ga ...
The Best, Black TV Shows, Movies to Stream on AppleTV+

The Best, Black TV Shows, Movies to Stream on AppleTV+

From Brian Tyree Henry getting down and dirty to David Oyelowo searching for a fresh start: we've got what you need to watch! ...

Tupac Associate Young Noble's Death Illuminates Alarming Fact About Suicide Rates Among Black Men

Tupac Associate Young Noble’s Death Illuminates Alarming Fact About Suicide Rates Among Black Men

On July 4, 2025, emcee Young Noble-- member of Outlawz and Tupac affiliate-- died of an apparent suicide ...
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's Recent Dissent Proves She's Unafraid to Challenge Her Colleagues—Unlike Clarence Thomas

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Recent Dissent Proves She’s Unafraid to Challenge Her Colleagues—Unlike Clarence Thomas

Compared to Thomas, Jackson is a breath of fresh air. As one of the youngest members on the court, she often uses her platform to connect with all Americans ...
After Three Open-Heart Surgeries, This Black Father Discovered an Unusual Cure

After Three Open-Heart Surgeries, This Black Father Discovered an Unusual Cure

Donnie Seals, Sr. and his son, Eric share a transformational trip in a PBS documentary they hope will help other Black people ...
Tory Lanez's Dad Just Shared This Surprising Message About His Son's Prison Sentence

Tory Lanez’s Dad Just Shared This Surprising Message About His Son’s Prison Sentence

Lanez and his camp have been relatively quiet following the shocking stabbing he endured back in May ...
Skip Bayless' Says Has 'White Guilt' Over 'Sinners,' But Black Internet Has Questions

Skip Bayless’ Says Has ‘White Guilt’ Over ‘Sinners,’ But Black Internet Has Questions

The longtime sports commentator took a detour from hot takes to share his emotional reckoning and social media wasn't feeling it ...
Black America Reacts To Elon Musk's Plans to Start a Third Political Party

Black America Reacts To Elon Musk’s Plans to Start a Third Political Party

Despite Black folks' overwhelming criticism towards President Trump, they weren't too happy about Elon Musk's America Party either ...
Why The Black Guy Who Severely Beat A Man on Frontier Airlines Wasn't The One Arrested

Why The Black Guy Who Severely Beat A Man on Frontier Airlines Wasn’t The One Arrested

During a flight from Philadelphia to Miami, the man was allegedly minding his business until he noticed something sinister happening right behind him ...
Why Many Believe Trump Suggested Slavery to Farmers Who Want to Keep Their Long-term Undocumented Workers

Why Many Believe Trump Suggested Slavery to Farmers Who Want to Keep Their Long-term Undocumented Workers

The President accidentally (?) said what was exactly on his mind when talking about illegal immigrants ...
Rapper Threatens to 'Blow Somebody Up' With July 4 Fireworks. Prepare Your Stomach For What Happened Next

Rapper Threatens to ‘Blow Somebody Up’ With July 4 Fireworks. Prepare Your Stomach For What Happened Next

Rapper and podcast host 4extra learned a painful lesson after posting a now-viral July 4 video ...
Indiana Dad Learns His Fate After Drowning His 3-Month-Old Son in a Bucket of Laundry Detergent

Indiana Dad Learns His Fate After Drowning His 3-Month-Old Son in a Bucket of Laundry Detergent

During an initial search of the family home, police could not locate the infant child, but the following day, they made an unthinkable discovery ...
You'll Never Believe How Diddy's Jail Inmates Reacted to His Verdict

You’ll Never Believe How Diddy’s Jail Inmates Reacted to His Verdict

It looks like the celebration over Diddy's not guilty verdict carried over in the most unexpected place. We've got the tea! ...
New AI TikTok Trend Has Gorillas Posing as Black Women, and Folks are <i>Pissed</i>

New AI TikTok Trend Has Gorillas Posing as Black Women, and Folks are Pissed

Yes, it's exactly what you think it is. And yes, you should be offended ...
Rumi Carter's Funniest Moment Even Made Beyoncé Stop Singing and Giggle

Rumi Carter’s Funniest Moment Even Made Beyoncé Stop Singing and Giggle

Rumi's latest moment on the Cowboy Carter World Tour was her most adorable yet ...
Why Diddy, Young Thug Attorney Brian Steel Is The White Johnnie Cochran

Why Diddy, Young Thug Attorney Brian Steel Is The White Johnnie Cochran

If you are rich, Black and get caught up, there is only one number you should call ...
'Sinners' Releases in Black American Sign Language. Here's What That Means

‘Sinners’ Releases in Black American Sign Language. Here’s What That Means

The deaf community was plagued by racial segregation, so Black Americans decided to create their own rendition of the language to serve their communities ...
A Burger King Employee Throws a Drink on a Child in Viral Video, and Black TikTok Goes Nuts

A Burger King Employee Throws a Drink on a Child in Viral Video, and Black TikTok Goes Nuts

The video of the volatile incident is making rounds on the internet and has everyone talking ...
Why NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Tried To Play The Black Card...Literally

Why NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Tried To Play The Black Card…Literally

Mamdani appears to have an interesting past when it comes to how he identifies racially, but what's it really all about? ...
If Poor Black, White People Unite, They'd Be An Unstoppable Force, But Here's Why The Powers That Be Won't Let Them

If Poor Black, White People Unite, They’d Be An Unstoppable Force, But Here’s Why The Powers That Be Won’t Let Them

We need to understand that America's current racial political divisions did not happen naturally. People in power did not want Black and white people to work together ...