At The Lovely Bones premiere in New York City on December 3, 2009, Saoirse Ronan wore a youthful and fashion-forward Alexander Wang outfit, which was stylish enough to make Susan Sarandon exclaim, “I didn’t even recognize you!”
Her stacked wooden-heel ankle boots subtly elongated her 5ft 5¾ (167 cm) frame. The angled block heel and all-black styling create a sleek, uninterrupted leg line when paired with black tights.
Saoirse Ronan sparkles in a long-sleeved metallic Alexander Wang mini dress, paired with black tights and sleek black ankle boots at The Lovely Bones screening in New York City on December 2, 2009 (Credit: Roger Wong / INFevents)
Later that month, the co-stars continued their international press tour with a vibrant stop in Australia. Susan Sarandon embraced bold color in a cerise pink Diane von Furstenberg dress, pairing it with metallic silver flats—an unconventional red carpet choice that prioritized comfort while maintaining elegance.
Although the quote came from another occasion, Sarandon’s attitude reflected her famous words: “I look forward to being older, when what you look like becomes less and less an issue and what you are is the point.”
Standing beside her, 15-year-old Saoirse Ronan looked radiant in a sleeveless raspberry-red dress and black lace-up mesh heels, which subtly boosted her height and made her appear taller than Sarandon.
Saoirse Ronan adds a playful edge to her hot pink halter dress with black lace-up mesh heels, standing alongside Susan Sarandon in metallic pointed-toe pumps at The Lovely Bones premiere in Sydney on December 10, 2009 (Credit: Picture Media / INFphoto)
Breakout Role: Saoirse Ronan Shines as Susie Salmon in The Lovely Bones
Only a few years after her acting debut in 2003 on the Irish medical drama series The Clinic, Saoirse Ronan was offered the role of Susie Salmon in The Lovely Bones, a 2009 supernatural thriller film directed by Peter Jackson.
Saoirse Ronan as Susie Salmon in The Lovely Bones, capturing a poignant moment as she looks towards the afterlife (Credit: Paramount Pictures)
According to The Los Angeles Times, her parents were hesitant to accept the part because of the rape and murder content in the film based on Alice Sebold’s award-winning and bestselling 2002 novel of the same name.
Filming Challenges and Saoirse’s Maturity Beyond Her Years
Production for the movie commenced in October 2007, filming in Pennsylvania, USA, and New Zealand. Saoirse was just 13 years old during the shoot, celebrating her 14th birthday on April 12, 2008.
Saoirse Ronan looks elegant in a textured black sleeveless dress as she poses with her father, Paul Ronan, at the Irish premiere of The Lovely Bones at the Savoy Cinema in Dublin on January 26, 2010 (Credit: Apega / Nicky Nelson / FayesVision / WENN)
“She was only 13 years old when we filmed,” said co-star Stanley Tucci, who plays the neighbor George Harvey who murders Susie in the film.
“How someone acquires that kind of maturity as an actress at such a young age is remarkable. I can’t imagine it. She handles herself as well as any seasoned actor. I wouldn’t even be able to finish a sentence at her age. She’s a real actress. Bottom line. And she is Susie Salmon. No one else could play her.”
Saoirse Ronan exudes vintage elegance in a champagne-hued puff-sleeve dress as she poses with director Peter Jackson at The Lovely Bones premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on December 7, 2009 (Credit: Apega / Nicky Nelson / FayesVision / WENN)
Critical Acclaim and Recognition at the Irish Film & Television Awards
When the film was released in North America in December 2009, Saoirse had turned 15. She won the Best Actress award for her performance at the 7th Irish Film & Television Awards.
Saoirse Ronan steps out in a striking pair of intricate lace-up peep-toe heels featuring mesh panels, black suede trim, and delicate cutout detailing at The Lovely Bones premiere (Credit: Apega / Nicky Nelson / FayesVision / WENN)
Saoirse Ronan’s Evolution: From Hanna to Brooklyn
In January 2016, Saoirse Ronan was no longer the little girl Cate Blanchett once worked with on “Hanna,” a 2011 action thriller directed by Joe Wright.
The then-21-year-old was focusing on her acting work. Might Cate feel threatened by her former co-star?
Red Carpet Style: Duro Olowu and Pierre Hardy at the Palm Springs International Film Festival
Saoirse Ronan wears her hair back at the 27th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival held January 2, 2016, in California (Credit: Apega / Nicky Nelson / FayesVision / WENN)
Saoirse, whose Irish name is pronounced Sur-sha, graced the red carpet of the 2016 Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards.
Saoirse Ronan brightens the red carpet in a bold Duro Olowu dress, paired with striking orange Pierre Hardy ankle-strap heels that add a modern pop of color (Credit: Apega / Nicky Nelson / FayesVision / WENN)
The actress wore a multi-printed dress from Duro Olowu, which she paired with orange ankle strap “Skinissimo” pumps from Pierre Hardy.
Saoirse Ronan makes a vibrant statement on the red carpet in bold orange ankle-strap heels (Credit: Apega / Nicky Nelson / FayesVision / WENN)
While some might have considered the look a bit mature for a 21-year-old, it struck a refined balance between youthful freshness and poised elegance.
During her acceptance speech, Cate Blanchett—who was honored with the Achievement Award—took a moment to acknowledge Saoirse Ronan, praising her remarkable transformation from Hanna to Brooklyn and highlighting her growing influence in the industry.
The actress also told Saoirse to get off the stage because she was “too young, and talented, and gorgeous.”
Saoirse Ronan poses with actor Paul Dano at the 2016 Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards (Credit: Apega / Nicky Nelson / FayesVision / WENN)
Stepping Out in Style: Saoirse Ronan’s Most Memorable Red Carpet Looks
Saoirse Ronan has consistently impressed with her fashion choices on the red carpet. Here are some of her most notable appearances:
Oscar Nominee Luncheon in Calvin Klein
- Event: 88th Annual Academy Awards Nominee Luncheon
- Outfit: Saoirse wore a chic Calvin Klein ensemble, exuding modern elegance.
- Footwear: She paired her outfit with classic black pumps, completing the sophisticated look.
- Read more: Saoirse Ronan’s journey from ‘City of Ember’ to Oscar nominee
BAFTA Tea Party in Alexandre Birman Sandals
- Event: BAFTA Awards Season Tea Party
- Outfit: She donned a peach Lela Rose dress, showcasing her refined style.
- Footwear: The look was elevated with two-toned Alexandre Birman ‘Lolita’ bow sandals.
- See more: Saoirse Ronan’s BAFTA Tea Party ensemble
A Star Is Born: Saoirse Ronan’s First Oscar Red Carpet
Long before The Lovely Bones and Lady Bird, Saoirse Ronan made her red carpet debut at just 13, earning an Academy Award nomination that would mark the beginning of a remarkable career.
Saoirse Ronan, just 13 years old and a Best Supporting Actress nominee for Atonement, pairs her emerald Alberta Ferretti gown with delicate silver strappy heels at the 80th Annual Academy Awards on February 24, 2008 (Credit: Richard Harbaugh / ©A.M.P.A.S.)
Golden Globe Awards in Gucci
- Event: 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards
- Outfit: Saoirse stunned in a silver Gucci gown with intricate detailing.
- Footwear: She completed the look with matching silver heels, adding to the glamour.
- Discover more: Saoirse Ronan’s red carpet choices at the Golden Globes
Directors Guild Awards in Christian Louboutin
- Event: 2018 Directors Guild of America Awards
- Outfit: She wore a metallic blue Calvin Klein dress, reflecting a retro-inspired aesthetic.
- Footwear: The ensemble was paired with Christian Louboutin ‘Galeria’ ornament sandals.
- See her look: Saoirse Ronan’s standout appearance at the DGA Awards
Mary Queen of Scots Premiere in Dior
- Event: ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ Premiere in Edinburgh
- Outfit: She opted for a soft pink Christian Dior Haute Couture strapless dress.
- Footwear: The look was complemented by Christian Louboutin ‘Nosy’ gold-satin pumps.
- Explore her style: Saoirse Ronan’s daring Dior ensemble at the premiere
These appearances highlight Saoirse Ronan’s versatility and elegance, solidifying her status as a fashion icon on the red carpet.