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
Inside Lenny Kravitz’s Jaw-Dropping Paris Mansion

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

The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

From Jay-Z and Jill Scott—a lot our music faves are hitting the road for some amazing tours. Let’s check out who and when! …
These Black Leading Men Aren't Just Paving the Way, They're Building New Roads

These Black Leading Men Aren’t Just Paving the Way, They’re Building New Roads

After Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler’s Oscar wins last weekend, we’re looking at more Black men who are leading in their respective fields …
Jay-Z is Up to Something Big, Now We Have an Idea What it is

Jay-Z is Up to Something Big, Now We Have an Idea What it is

After nearly a decade since Jay-Z’s last album, rumors about new music are circulating from fans gearing up for his first performance in years …
Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand 'Uncle Nearest' Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand ‘Uncle Nearest’ Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

The Black-owned brand was cemented as the fastest growing whiskey company in the U.S. Now, the legacy is at risk …
Solange's Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s only child Julez Smith is opening up about his sexuality and sparking some discourse online! …
As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

Gasoline prices are up in every state since the Iran war begin and they’re expected to rise …
News of Chuck Norris' Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

News of Chuck Norris’ Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ star Chuck Norris’ shocking death is sparking some interesting responses from Black folks online. We’ll tell you why! …
How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

Fifty years prior to rumors of fascism circling President Trump, activist and philosopher Angela Davis made a spooky prediction about dictatorship in the U.S …
Black Woman Has a Multi-Million Dollar Victory in Discrimination Case Against City of Fresno

Black Woman Has a Multi-Million Dollar Victory in Discrimination Case Against City of Fresno

La-Kebbia “Kiki” Wilson sued the city of Fresno after she became the subject of horrific discrimination from her supervisor …
What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

Usher was Justin Bieber’s mentor early on in his career, but now it seems like the two may not be in good-standing with each other. Let’s get into it! …
Why Postal Leaders Warn They Could Run Out of Money

Why Postal Leaders Warn They Could Run Out of Money

Millions of Americans depend on USPS to receive medicines, cast mail in ballots and even pay bills. Now, that’s all at risk …
New Development After Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted Out of Rival Morehouse Game

New Development After Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted Out of Rival Morehouse Game

Clips of a Tuskegee University coach handcuffed at Morehouse shocked the sports world; now, he’s making a move that could change everything …
5 Things You Didn't Know About Spike Lee & Denzel Washington's Films Over the Years

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Spike Lee & Denzel Washington’s Films Over the Years

In honor of Spike Lee’s birthday, let’s take a look at a few fun facts about him and frequent collaborator Denzel Washington that you may not have heard about! …
New Development in Miss Jamaica Health Status After Scary Fall at Miss Universe Pageant

New Development in Miss Jamaica Health Status After Scary Fall at Miss Universe Pageant

Gabrielle Henry, knowns as Miss Jamaica, suffered a frightening fall at the Miss Universe pageant in November 2025. And now we have major news on her condition …
Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is letting it be known she’s not here for Nicki Minaj’s alleged spread of misinformation. Now, the Barbz are responding! …
Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

After Shyne and Ma$e reminisce about 90s romance on the “It Is What It Is” podcast, Brandy shuts down the rumors and distances herself from her brother’s erratic behavior …
New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

First, Southwest took away free checked bags and open seating. Now, Black women are speaking out on a new seating policy that allegedly causes more harm than good …
States Seeking Refund for 330,000 Businesses After Billions Lost to Trump's 'Illegal' Tariffs

States Seeking Refund for 330,000 Businesses After Billions Lost to Trump’s ‘Illegal’ Tariffs

Over 15 states penned a letter to Congress demanding they receive compensation following Trump’s “illegal” tariffs …
Former Magic City Dancer Enters the Conversation After NBA Cancels Collab With Atlanta Hawks

Former Magic City Dancer Enters the Conversation After NBA Cancels Collab With Atlanta Hawks

A former Magic City dancer just gave her two cents amid ongoing fallout from the Hawks’ collaboration with the popular strip club …
Olivia Pope and President Grant's Sexiest ‘Scandal’ Moments of All Time

Olivia Pope and President Grant’s Sexiest ‘Scandal’ Moments of All Time

Kerry Washington and her ‘Scandal’ costar Tony Goldwyn are looking back at some of their steamiest moments. But there are some they’ve missed, let’s take a look! …