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
Could the New Pope Be Black?

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

Inside ‘Godfather of Soul’ James Brown's Luxurious South Carolina Home

Inside ‘Godfather of Soul’ James Brown’s Luxurious South Carolina Home

In recognition of the 60th anniversary of ‘Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,’ let’s take a look inside James Brown’s legendary home …
The Oscars Biggest Black History Moments Over the Years

The Oscars Biggest Black History Moments Over the Years

With the 2026 Oscars just days away, let’s take a look at some of the best Black, history-making moments at the Academy Awards over the years! …
Ex-DOGE Staffers Admit Using AI to Gut Diversity Programs, Federal Grants

Ex-DOGE Staffers Admit Using AI to Gut Diversity Programs, Federal Grants

DOGE staffers’ shocking depositions about their efforts to bring efficiency to government revealed that a former employee couldn’t even define DEI …
Yale Scholar Warns Worst Is Yet to Come After Predicting Iran War and Trump Election Win Years Ago

Yale Scholar Warns Worst Is Yet to Come After Predicting Iran War and Trump Election Win Years Ago

‘China’s Nostradamus,’ who foresaw Trump’s win and Iran war, issued predictions about America’s future in 2024, and many are starting to believe him …
Jasmine Crockett Just Reminded Us What Black Women's Leadership Looks Like

Jasmine Crockett Just Reminded Us What Black Women’s Leadership Looks Like

Jasmine Crockett’s Senate campaign reminds us that real political change is never built in a single race …
Black America Divided Over ‘End’ of Target Boycott As Big Debates Ignite Across the Internet

Black America Divided Over ‘End’ of Target Boycott As Big Debates Ignite Across the Internet

Black folks online are divided on whether the national Target boycott is actually over and who has the authority to call a quits …
This Political Odd Couple Reached Across the Aisle to Pass a Historic Housing Bill in the Senate

This Political Odd Couple Reached Across the Aisle to Pass a Historic Housing Bill in the Senate

Republican Tim Scott and Democrat Elizabeth Warren have teamed up to make housing more affordable for Americans …
Family Claims Black Man Left Bleeding Out While EMS Treated White Cop’s ‘Anxiety Attack’

Family Claims Black Man Left Bleeding Out While EMS Treated White Cop’s ‘Anxiety Attack’

A Black man who was shot by Bridgeport police and later died had to wait 10 extra minutes for an ambulance after a cop took the first one to treat her anxiety …
Ray J's Mom Says She Knows ‘The Truth’ About the Kardashians in Attack Over Latest Legal Fight

Ray J’s Mom Says She Knows ‘The Truth’ About the Kardashians in Attack Over Latest Legal Fight

As the legal back and forth between Ray J, Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner rages on, his mother is entering the chat and speaking her peace! …
Rappers Try to Stop a Black Texas Man's Execution Based on His Song Lyrics

Rappers Try to Stop a Black Texas Man’s Execution Based on His Song Lyrics

Rappers are banding together to advocate for a Texas man set to be executed next month largely due to his incriminating song lyrics …
After the 'End' of the Target Boycott, Organizer Nina Turner Says CVS is Next

After the ‘End’ of the Target Boycott, Organizer Nina Turner Says CVS is Next

Former Ohio Sen. Nina Turner is calling on Black folks to stop spending at another billion-dollar corporation after a Tennessee Senate bill is causing a stir …
A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd's Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas' Death

A Full Timeline Of Singer D4vd’s Mysterious Case of Celeste Rivas’ Death

D4vd was named a “target” in the investigation into the death of Celeste Rivas. Now, we’re catching you up on everything you might’ve missed until now …
We Loved "Sinners," But Ryan Coogler, We Need You to Answer These Questions

We Loved “Sinners,” But Ryan Coogler, We Need You to Answer These Questions

While ‘Sinners’ prepares to make potential Oscars history on Sunday, there a still some fun questions that the film doesn’t answer. Let’s get into it! …
The Friendship Between These NYC Besties Will Make Youou Cry

The Friendship Between These NYC Besties Will Make Youou Cry

The TikTok page @NYC_Besties has been capturing the stories of best friends in New York City, but their most recent post will touch your heart …
The Best Black Celeb Looks at 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood

The Best Black Celeb Looks at 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood

From Teyana Taylor and Ryan Destiny to Chloe Bailey and more, these Black women shined bright at ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood celebration. Let’s get into their looks! …
SC Rep. Jim Clyburn's Run for an 18th Congressional Term Has Black America Divided

SC Rep. Jim Clyburn’s Run for an 18th Congressional Term Has Black America Divided

After 85-year-old Rep. Jim Clyburn announced his run for an 18th term, Black folks online shared plenty of thoughts …
Why Oscar-Nominated Film 'The Alabama Solution' Is More Than Just a Prison Documentary

Why Oscar-Nominated Film ‘The Alabama Solution’ Is More Than Just a Prison Documentary

“The Alabama Solution” is what happens when you let inmates tell the unapologetic truth about their living conditions and the abuse allegedly at the hands of correctional officers …
Pastor Goes Viral for Demanding Congregants’ Tax Returns—And The Internet Is Gagging

Pastor Goes Viral for Demanding Congregants’ Tax Returns—And The Internet Is Gagging

The viral pastor told church members to bring copies of their tax returns, saying he’s tired of congregants “playing in his face” when it comes time for tithes and offerings …
Psychology Behind the Internet's Obsession With Punch, the Abandoned Monkey While Immigrant Kids Are Stripped From Their Parents

Psychology Behind the Internet’s Obsession With Punch, the Abandoned Monkey While Immigrant Kids Are Stripped From Their Parents

We explore the dark truth of why the internet rallies more around a zoo monkey than detained kids separated from their immigrant parents …
Professor: Why Black Men Are Upset By Black Boys Wearing Bonnets

Professor: Why Black Men Are Upset By Black Boys Wearing Bonnets

Black boys are not trying to look feminine. They are just taking care of the hair they actually have …