2023 Oscars: Best Dressed Black Men at The Academy Awards

From Michael Jackson to Wesley Snipes, Black men have shut down the red carpet for years

Photo: Getty Images Ian West - PA Images / Contributor

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
‘Origin’ Star Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor: Ava DuVernay Is “A Freedom Fighter Posing As A Director”

2022: Wesley Snipes

Photo: Getty Images Jay L. Clendenin / Contributor

Wesley Snipes wore this burgundy shorts suit from Bogard by MikeB to the 2022 Oscars ceremony. We love when people step out of the box!

2017: Aldis Hodge

Photo: Getty Images Kevork Djansezian / Stringer

Aldis Hodge wore this beautiful dark blue suit by Armani to the 2017 Academy Awards. The jewelry hanging on the jacket was the perfect touch.

2016: Michael Strahan

Photo: Getty Images Jeff Kravitz / Contributor

Good Morning America’s Michael Strahan looked dapper wearing this blue two-toned tuxedo to the 2016 Oscars.

2018: Daniel Kaluuya

Photo: Getty Images Neilson Barnard / Staff

Daniel Kaluuya’s mustardy brown suit coat was the perfect color against his skin tone. Bravo to his stylist!

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

Black Actresses Under 35 and Up Next In Hollywood

Black Actresses Under 35 and Up Next In Hollywood

From Keke Palmer to Chase Infiniti, these are the young Black actresses who are absolutely taking over in Hollywood! …
13 Inventions We Would Not Have Without Pioneering Black Women

13 Inventions We Would Not Have Without Pioneering Black Women

As we continue our celebration of Women’s History Month, here are some life-changing inventions brought to us by Black women …
What Will Happen to Rep. Al Green Now That He Is Forced into a Runoff Against Rep. Christian Menefee?

What Will Happen to Rep. Al Green Now That He Is Forced into a Runoff Against Rep. Christian Menefee?

Rep. Al Green up against Rep. Christian Menefee– the new kid on the block– in the upcoming Texas runoff election …
Teyana Taylor Wants 'One Battle After Another' Sequel, But Fans Aren't Feeling It

Teyana Taylor Wants ‘One Battle After Another’ Sequel, But Fans Aren’t Feeling It

Though Teyana Taylor’s role in ‘One Battle After Another’ earned her an Oscar nomination, it looks like fans aren’t so hyped to see a spinoff of her character …
Black ‘Klan Whisperer’ Has Led Hundreds Away From White Supremacy —And Has the Robes to Prove It

Black ‘Klan Whisperer’ Has Led Hundreds Away From White Supremacy —And Has the Robes to Prove It

Daryl Davis has used open conversation and music to persuade hundreds to leave hate behind, collecting their Klan regalia as symbols of change …
5 Times That Stephen A. Smith Crossed The Line

5 Times That Stephen A. Smith Crossed The Line

The controversial host of ESPN’s “First Take” has a track record of being a habitual linestepper …
They Wanted Tendernism. Just Not The Black Man Who Created It.

They Wanted Tendernism. Just Not The Black Man Who Created It.

Walter “Mr. Tendernism” Johnson made a restaurant famous. Then the fight over his creation began …
T.I Tells Us What He Really Thinks About His Sons Jumping in Beef With 50 Cent

T.I Tells Us What He Really Thinks About His Sons Jumping in Beef With 50 Cent

After Domani and King Harris released jaw-dropping diss tracks against 50 Cent, T.I. shares his thoughts on the whole ordeal …
Memphis Cemetery Sued for Allegedly Segregating Bathrooms and Forcing Black Workers to Use Gas Station Toilets—But it Gets Worse

Memphis Cemetery Sued for Allegedly Segregating Bathrooms and Forcing Black Workers to Use Gas Station Toilets—But it Gets Worse

A federal lawsuit claims a Memphis cemetery resurrected segregated facilities, then axed a manager for refusing to silence his Black crew …
See Oprah Stepping Out Looking Fit and Fly at Paris Fashion Week

See Oprah Stepping Out Looking Fit and Fly at Paris Fashion Week

Oprah Winfrey has been spotted with bestie Gayle King at Paris Fashion Week. Now, one red carpet look has the internet talking …
Billy Porter Details the Shocking Health Emergency That Left Him 'Dead for Three Days'

Billy Porter Details the Shocking Health Emergency That Left Him ‘Dead for Three Days’

In September 2025, Billy Porter had to leave a Broadway production due to a health emergency. Now, he’s opening up about the scary time …
Beware: The Real Version of Your Partner May Be Hiding in Their Phone

Beware: The Real Version of Your Partner May Be Hiding in Their Phone

One TikTok creator is stirring up conversation online after claiming that if you really want to know your partner — their phone might tell the real story …
Texas Teen Messed Around, Found Out After Depicting Black Student Athlete as Kunta Kinte Online

Texas Teen Messed Around, Found Out After Depicting Black Student Athlete as Kunta Kinte Online

A Texas teen is facing severe consequences after a school district says he depicted a Black high schooler as Kunta Kinte on Instagram …
After Tough Win Against Crockett, James Talarico's Fiery Victory Speech Is Something We Need to Hear

After Tough Win Against Crockett, James Talarico’s Fiery Victory Speech Is Something We Need to Hear

James Talarico says he plans to usher in a new wave of politics after beating Jasmine Crockett in the Texas primary …
If You Think  Michael B. Jordan Was Good in 'Sinners,' You Got to See Him in 'Fruitvale Station'

If You Think Michael B. Jordan Was Good in ‘Sinners,’ You Got to See Him in ‘Fruitvale Station’

Thanks to a viral clip from his 2013 film, fans are pointing to ‘Fruitvale Station’ as Michael B. Jordan’s earliest and finest work. And there’s good reason why! …
10 Essential Tracks Engineered by Bob Power, The White Man Who Helped Define the Sound of 90s Hip Hop

10 Essential Tracks Engineered by Bob Power, The White Man Who Helped Define the Sound of 90s Hip Hop

The renowned music engineer and producer who passed away on March 1 was a force behind numerous hip-hop and R&B cuts …
Black U.S. Tourists Trapped in Dubai After Iran Attacks Share Their Terrifying Experiences on TikTok 

Black U.S. Tourists Trapped in Dubai After Iran Attacks Share Their Terrifying Experiences on TikTok 

American tourists are taking to TikTok to share the terrifying reality of being stranded in the Middle East following the attacks on Iran …
Ex-NBA Star Iman Shumpert Reveals Love of ‘Spirituality’ Behind Kountry Wayne’s Comedy After Viral Skit

Ex-NBA Star Iman Shumpert Reveals Love of ‘Spirituality’ Behind Kountry Wayne’s Comedy After Viral Skit

Former NBA star Iman Shumpert explains why collaborating with Kountry Wayne goes beyond skits, from big paydays to the comedian incorporating faith, family, consistency, and generosity into his work …
Rapper Monaleo Reveals The Heartbreaking Health Emergency That Interrupted Her Tour

Rapper Monaleo Reveals The Heartbreaking Health Emergency That Interrupted Her Tour

Rapper Monaleo recently had to abruptly cancel shows on her tour stop. But the reason why is something no one expected …
Take a Look Inside Barack Obama's Former White House Man Cave

Take a Look Inside Barack Obama’s Former White House Man Cave

The impecabbly-decorated Treaty Room was where former President Barack Obama did most of his late night work, and watched a lot of basketball games! …