Taraji P. Henson Honors Katherine Johnson in Alberta Ferretti & Jimmy Choo “Minny” Sandals

When Taraji P. Henson arrived at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for the 89th Annual Academy Awards on February 26, 2017, she wasn’t just there as a nominee for the record-breaking Hidden Figures; she was there to honor a legacy.

Taraji P. Henson exuded Old Hollywood glamour at the 89th Academy Awards in a custom midnight-blue velvet Alberta Ferretti gown, its off-the-shoulder neckline and thigh-high slit perfectly framing her black Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals, while a dazzling Nirav Modi diamond bib necklace and emerald ring added high-impact brilliance to the sleek, sculpted silhouette in Los Angeles on February 26, 2017 (Credit: Apega / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

To prepare for her role as NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, Henson had spent time with the then-98-year-old pioneer, studying the sharp, meticulous mind that helped put a man into orbit.

Katherine Johnson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama in 2015 (Credit: Ron Sachs / Startraksphoto)

By the time the film swept the 2017 awards season, Johnson—the last surviving member of the central “Hidden Figures” trio—had finally received her public due, including a Presidential Medal of Freedom.

On this particular Hollywood night, the connection between the actor and the icon was on full display, bridging the gap between 1960s science and modern-day cinema.

NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson (C) and director Ezra Edelman (R), and producer Caroline Waterlow (L), winners of Best Documentary Feature for ‘O.J.: Made in America’ pose in the press room during the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)

Henson has a reputation for commanding a red carpet with ease. For the 2017 Oscars, she joined co-stars Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monáe in a midnight blue velvet gown by Alberta Ferretti.

The look served as a sartorial nod to the film’s early 1960s era, blending Old Hollywood glamour with a modern, structured silhouette.

Taraji P. Henson showcased her dramatic range as an actress on the Oscars red carpet, donning a custom midnight blue velvet gown by Alberta Ferretti that exuded strength, brilliance, and a nod to the glamour of Old Hollywood (Credit: Apega / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

As the evening turned from red-carpet spectacle to a deeply personal moment, Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe took the stage together—shifting the spotlight from Hollywood glamour to the real-life brilliance of Katherine Johnson, whose legacy they honored with a moving introduction that bridged cinematic storytelling and history-making achievement.

At the 89th Academy Awards, Taraji P. Henson paired her midnight-blue Alberta Ferretti velvet gown with black Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals, while Octavia Spencer complemented her feathered Marchesa gown with silver Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” heels and Janelle Monáe grounded her elaborate Elie Saab couture look with Brian Atwood platforms, each ensemble elevated by statement diamonds and meticulously chosen accessories (Credit: Aaron Poole / ©A.M.P.A.S.)

As Johnson, then 98 years old, made her way to the podium, the audience rose in a standing ovation, recognizing her immense contributions and impact.

The actress came to support her “Hidden Figures” team, which garnered nominations for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Writing Adapted Screenplay. The film ultimately won no Oscars but was still a critical and commercial success.

Taraji P. Henson’s foot peeks from beneath the velvet train, revealing her black Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals with delicate ankle straps, slim stiletto heels, and minimalist barely-there design that perfectly complements the gown’s sleek, Old Hollywood silhouette (Credit: Apega / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Taraji showed off a lot of cleavage in her off-shoulder velvet dress by Alberta Ferretti. The dress also featured a thigh-high slit, which completed the ’60s red carpet bombshell look.

Taraji P. Henson is a velvet bombshell in an Alberta Ferretti gown and accessories from Jimmy Choo

The Empire actress went minimal on the dress but all-out on the bling. Taraji accessorized her look with royalty-worthy diamonds from Nirav Modi, a clutch, and gorgeous “Minny” sandals from Jimmy Choo.

Taraji P. Henson with her “Hidden Figures” co-stars Janelle Monáe and Octavia Spencer (Credit: Apega / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Why Jimmy Choo’s “Minny” Sandals Remain a Red Carpet Go-To

Taraji P. Henson’s Oscars look is a perfect reminder of why the Jimmy Choo “Minny” has earned lasting red carpet status.

With its barely-there straps, elegant stiletto heel, and ability to disappear seamlessly into both dramatic gowns and high-impact eveningwear, the silhouette continues to appeal to stylists and celebrities alike.

For a broader look at how the minimalist sandal has been reimagined across premieres, award shows, and fashion events, explore more standout Jimmy Choo “Minny” moments below.

The Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals showcase a timeless barely-there silhouette, crafted in smooth black leather with a slim toe strap, delicate ankle strap with adjustable buckle, and a sleek stiletto heel that delivers effortless elegance and leg-lengthening appeal