Charlize Theron’s Best Red Carpet Shoes: From Dior Leather Boots to Studded McQueen Sandals

Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates from Your Next Shoes. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more details.

Charlize Theron has long been a powerhouse of both cinema and style, boasting an accolade count that includes a 2004 Academy Award for Best Actress.

In November 2019, the South African star reached a historic milestone at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, further cementing her legacy in the industry.

During this high-profile week, Theron became the 33rd recipient—and the first South African—to receive the American Cinematheque Award. From edgy custom Dior leather to crystal-embellished Alexander McQueen, her footwear and fashion choices for these ceremonies remain a masterclass in modern red-carpet styling.

Edgy Elegance at the American Cinematheque Awards: Charlize Theron in Custom Dior Leather & Black Ankle Boots

Charlize Theron accepts the 33rd American Cinematheque Award at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills on November 8, 2019, wearing a custom black leather Christian Dior gown styled with sleek black ankle bootsCharlize Theron accepts the 33rd American Cinematheque Award at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills on November 8, 2019, wearing a custom black leather Christian Dior gown styled with sleek black ankle boots (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza/Instar / WENN)

She was dressed for success in a custom Christian Dior Spring 2020 black leather dress featuring delicate embroidery and mesh cutout detailing.

The edgy sleeveless number also had racer-back straps, black leather lining for coverage, a waist-cinching belt, and a sheer skirt that gave a glimpse of Charlize’s legs.

Charlize Theron reveals the striking racer-back and mesh cutout detailing of her custom Christian Dior Spring 2020 black leather dress at the American Cinematheque Awards in Beverly HillsCharlize Theron reveals the striking racer-back and mesh cutout detailing of her custom Christian Dior Spring 2020 black leather dress at the American Cinematheque Awards in Beverly Hills

Adding an edgier touch to the look, the Monster actress debuted a new hair color by Tracey Cunningham, while celebrity hairstylist Adir Abergel swept her pixie cut back.

“Always love changing up this human’s hair. New color. Swept back. New vibe,” Abergel captioned his Instagram post introducing Theron’s modern pixie cut hairstyle.

Make-up artist Kate Lee finished Charlize’s beauty look with simple makeup, including defined eyebrows, pink lipstick, and soft blush.

Charlize Theron keeps her beauty look minimal with a swept-back pixie cut and soft makeup, letting the mesh neckline of her Christian Dior Spring 2020 leather dress take center stageCharlize Theron keeps her beauty look minimal with a swept-back pixie cut and soft makeup, letting the mesh neckline of her Christian Dior Spring 2020 leather dress take center stage

The award-winning actress accessorized with Ana Khouri jewels and black ankle booties, masterminded by stylist Leslie Fremar.

A closer look at Charlize Theron’s sleek black pointed-toe ankle boots peeking out beneath the sheer embroidered hem of her custom Dior leather gown on the red carpetA closer look at Charlize Theron’s sleek black pointed-toe ankle boots peeking out beneath the sheer embroidered hem of her custom Dior leather gown on the red carpet

Crystal Cool at the Hollywood Film Awards: Charlize Theron’s Alexander McQueen Look with Studded Platform Sandals

Just a few days before receiving the American Cinematheque Award, Charlize was presented with the Hollywood Career Achievement Award by Nicole Kidman at the 23rd Annual Hollywood Film Awards in Beverly Hills.

Other A-listers at the event included Renée Zellweger, Sienna Miller, and Olivia Wilde.

Charlize Theron accepts the Hollywood Career Achievement Award at the 23rd Annual Hollywood Film Awards on November 3, 2019, wearing a crystal-embellished Alexander McQueen tunic layered over tailored black trousersCharlize Theron accepts the Hollywood Career Achievement Award at the 23rd Annual Hollywood Film Awards on November 3, 2019, wearing a crystal-embellished Alexander McQueen tunic layered over tailored black trousers

For the occasion, the actress opted for head-to-toe Alexander McQueen. She wore a crystal-embellished sheer tunic dress with side splits, layered over a black tank for coverage, and black trousers.

Charlize Theron attends the 23rd Annual Hollywood Film Awards in a crystal-embellished Alexander McQueen tunic layered over sleek black trousers at the Beverly HiltonCharlize Theron attends the 23rd Annual Hollywood Film Awards in a crystal-embellished Alexander McQueen tunic layered over sleek black trousers at the Beverly Hilton

She wore her short hair with a sleek side part and sported minimal makeup, with glittery pink eyeshadow, peach blush, and a peachy lip shade.

A closer look at Charlize Theron’s softly styled pixie cut and understated makeup, paired with the intricate jewel detailing of her Alexander McQueen tunicA closer look at Charlize Theron’s softly styled pixie cut and understated makeup, paired with the intricate jewel detailing of her Alexander McQueen tunic

The actress teamed her Fall 2019 look with Harry Kotlar stud earrings and rings by Ame, Djula, and Le Vian. She also accessorized with a McQueen signature clutch featuring the same embellishments as on her dress.

A pair of studded heels from the luxury fashion house’s Fall 2019 collection rounded out her look.

Charlize Theron finishes the look with studded Alexander McQueen platform sandals, showing off her emerald green pedicure against the red carpetCharlize Theron finishes the look with studded Alexander McQueen platform sandals, showing off her emerald green pedicure against the red carpet

Her emerald green pedicure was on display in these sandals. They feature thick ankle straps with buckle fastenings, 1.5-inch metal-studded platforms, and 5-inch chunky block heels.

Alexander McQueen studded leather sandals from the Fall 2019 runway, featuring chunky block heels, metal-studded platforms, and sleek ankle straps crafted in ItalyAlexander McQueen studded leather sandals from the Fall 2019 runway, featuring chunky block heels, metal-studded platforms, and sleek ankle straps crafted in Italy

How Charlize Theron’s Red-Carpet Shoes Cement Her Modern Style Legacy

From sculptural ankle boots to studded platform sandals, Charlize Theron’s 2019 red-carpet appearances underscore how footwear plays a defining role in her fashion narrative.

Whether grounding edgy couture or elevating crystal-embellished silhouettes, her shoe choices consistently balance strength, elegance, and modernity—making them as memorable as the awards themselves. Explore more of her most iconic footwear moments below.

👠 Explore Charlize Theron’s Best Shoe & Style Moments: