“Manchester by the Sea” actress Michelle Williams is no stranger to the Oscars. She has earned five Oscar nominations without a win, for Brokeback Mountain (2005, Best Supporting Actress), Blue Valentine (2010, Best Actress), My Week with Marilyn (2011, Best Actress), Manchester by the Sea (2016, Best Supporting Actress), and The Fabelmans (2022, Best Actress).
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Oscar Night Sparkle: Michelle Williams in Chanel Couture and Crystal-Caped Elegance
In 2023, Michelle Williams was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film, The Fabelmans. This was her fifth Oscar nomination, but she lost again, this time to Michelle Yeoh for Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Michelle Williams stuns in a white Chanel Couture gown adorned with sequins, crystals, and pearls, complete with a sheer embroidered cape that shimmered like stardust at the 95th Oscars on March 12, 2023 (Credit: Kyusung Gong / ©A.M.P.A.S)
Nominated for Best Actress for her haunting portrayal in Blue Valentine, Michelle Williams brought understated glamour to the 83rd Academy Awards.
Though her Jimmy Choo “Cosmic” platform pumps remained hidden beneath her floor-length Chanel Spring 2011 Haute Couture gown, they subtly elevated her petite frame. She completed the look with sparkling Harry Winston jewels, adding a refined touch of old-Hollywood elegance to her red carpet moment.
Michelle Williams glows in a delicate pearl-embellished Chanel Spring 2011 Couture gown at the 83rd Academy Awards on February 27, 2011 (Credit: Ivan Vejar / ©A.M.P.A.S.)
After kicking off her acting career with a love-to-hate character in “Dawson’s Creek,” Michelle has grown in depth as an actress.
Michelle Williams donned a stunning strapless dress from the Louis Vuitton Spring 2017 collection, which perfectly accentuated her elegance and sophistication at the London Film Festival screening of “Manchester by the Sea” at the Odeon Leicester Square, London, on October 8, 2016 (Credit: Mario Mitsis / WENN)
Louis Vuitton Glam at the London Premiere of Manchester by the Sea
At the 2016 London Film Festival in October 2016, the then-36-year-old opened up about preparing for her short-but-deep role in Kenneth Lonergan’s 2016 American drama film Manchester by the Sea.
Manchester by the Sea was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its acting, writing, directing, and cinematography. The film won several awards, including two Oscars, two Golden Globes, and six BAFTA Awards.
At the 89th Academy Awards, Manchester by the Sea won Best Actor for Casey Affleck and Best Original Screenplay awards. It was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Hedges), and Best Supporting Actress (Williams).
Michelle Williams shows off her feet in yellow reptile print-embossed leather sandals by Louis Vuitton (Credit: Mario Mitsis / WENN)
As one of Louis Vuitton’s endorsers, it would only follow that the high-end fashion brand would clothe her in its finest items — and lucky for us, they did.
The Prozac Nation actress stepped out on the London red carpet in head-to-toe Louis Vuitton, including a multi-colored gradient dress with a sweetheart bustier and an A-line skirt.
Bold in Yellow: Michelle Williams Elevates Her Look with Reptile-Print Sandals
Michelle finished her look with the petite ‘Malle’ clutch and a pair of yellow reptile print-embossed sandals that subtly boosted her 5ft 3¾ (161.9 cm) frame. Known to wear a US shoe size 8, she used the added height of the heels to enhance the elegance and elongation of her silhouette.
Perks of the job: Louis Vuitton endorser Michelle Williams shows off the brand’s finest items from head-to-toe (Credit: Mario Mitsis / WENN)
Immersive Preparation: Michelle Williams’s Dedication Behind the Role
Michelle is the type of actress who boldly goes into dark places to connect to her character. The actress said she was free when she shot “Manchester by the Sea,” so she often visited the story’s location to observe the people and culture.
Michelle Williams understood the significance of every moment she had on screen in Kenneth Lonergan’s “Manchester by the Sea.” Although the film’s production schedule was not unusually rushed, Williams recognized the importance of maximizing the impact of her limited screen time in Lonergan’s poignant and beautiful tragedy.
Casey Affleck played Lee Chandler, a janitor in Boston who is called to his hometown of Manchester-by-the-Sea to take care of his teenage nephew Patrick, while Michelle Williams played his former wife Randi (Credit: Amazon Studios / Roadside Attractions)
Making Every Scene Count: Williams’s Transformative Approach to Tragedy
Portraying a layered character entangled in a tender yet emotionally fraught relationship, Williams had only a handful of scenes to convey the full depth of her role, making each moment onscreen all the more powerful and poignant.
Furthermore, she had to convey the struggles of a woman grappling with an immense loss. Williams acknowledged that in this particular role, she couldn’t rely on gradually unfolding her character’s story throughout the movie. Instead, she had to make each moment count and leave a lasting impression on the audience.
Michelle Williams’s dedication to her role in Manchester by the Sea is truly inspiring. She spent months preparing for the role, even before being sure she would be cast. She visited Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusetts, to get a sense of the place and the people. She also observed people in malls, trying to understand their mannerisms and speech patterns.
Michelle Williams keeps cozy in a plaid toggle coat with faux fur trim, capturing a quiet moment in Manchester by the Sea (Credit: Amazon Studios / Roadside Attractions)
On the first day of filming, Williams only wore a nightgown in the 30-degree weather. This was a deliberate choice, as she wanted to convey the cold and discomfort her character would experience.
It was a bold move, but it paid off. Williams’s performance in Manchester by the Sea is one of the most heartbreaking and powerful performances in recent memory.
Timeless in Chanel: Michelle Williams’s Elegant Oscar Nominees Luncheon Look
In February 2011, Prozac Nation actress Michelle Williams had much to be happy about. The “Blue Valentine” star was among the Oscar nominees for Best Actress, though she lost to Natalie Portman of Black Swan.
Michelle Williams pairs a classic black silk blouse and tweed skirt with sleek black Sergio Rossi pumps, subtly enhancing her 5ft 3¾ (161.9 cm) frame with timeless elegance (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
For the Nominations Luncheon, Michelle wore a classic outfit from Chanel’s Spring 2011 Collection: a black silk blouse and tweed skirt. It was effortless but also understatedly elegant. Michelle capped off the look with a pair of Sergio Rossi pumps.
Actress Michelle Williams in Chanel at the 83rd Academy Awards nominations luncheon held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 7, 2011, in Beverly Hills, California (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN)
Perhaps if I were to nitpick, I would say a pair of pearl earrings would have brightened up that beautiful face a little more. Nonetheless, I do think she looked terrific.
Plaid & Pastels: Michelle Williams’s Fashion Flashback in Prozac Nation
In 2001, Michelle Williams starred with Christina Ricci in the drama film Prozac Nation. Portraying Ruby, a Harvard roommate of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Wurtzel (Christina Ricci), she only had a few lines in the movie.
Christina Ricci and Michelle Williams, both 20, share a candid moment on the set of Prozac Nation—Ricci in edgy cuffed jeans and a leather cuff, Williams in preppy plaid and pastels (Credit: Miramax / WENN)
Michelle Williams’s Most Iconic Shoe Moments: Heels, Sandals, and Red Carpet Glam
From the red carpet to fashion week, Michelle Williams has consistently impressed with her sophisticated footwear choices. Here are some of her most memorable looks:
Paris Fashion Week: Ashi Studio Elegance
- Event: Ashi Studio Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2024–2025 Show
- Outfit: Michelle donned a sleek black high-low dress by Ashi Studio, embodying modern sophistication.
- Footwear: She paired the ensemble with black pointed-toe pumps featuring a contemporary square topline and slim ankle straps.
- Read more: Michelle Williams’ Timeless Fashion at Paris Fashion Week
Oscars 2012: Louis Vuitton and Louboutin Glamour
- Event: 84th Annual Academy Awards
- Outfit: Michelle stunned in a custom red-orange Louis Vuitton gown complemented by a blush crocodile knot clutch.
- Footwear: She completed her look with Christian Louboutin ‘Lady Peep’ platform pumps, adding a touch of sparkle beneath her gown.
- Discover more: Michelle Williams’ Timeless Oscars Look
Michelle Williams embraced a regal, festive vibe in a red silk chiffon Dior Fall 2022 Haute Couture gown, intricately embroidered with botanical motifs and styled by Kate Young at the Academys 13th Governors Awards held at the Fairmont Century Plaza on November 19, 2022 in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Blaine Ohigashi / ©A.M.P.A.S.)
BAFTAs 2017: Strappy Louis Vuitton Sandals
- Event: British Academy Film Awards
- Outfit: Michelle wore a glittering Louis Vuitton mini dress, showcasing her chic style.
- Footwear: She paired the dress with strappy black sandals from Louis Vuitton, blending elegance with edge.
- See her look: Strappy Pumps Take Over the 2025 BAFTAs
BET Awards 2011: Giuseppe Zanotti Mirror Sandals
- Event: BET Awards
- Outfit: Michelle captivated in a chic ensemble that highlighted her fashion-forward sensibility.
- Footwear: She wore Giuseppe Zanotti mirror panel sandals, adding a dazzling touch to her look.
- Explore more: Michelle Williams’ Glaring Mirror Panel Sandals
Oz Premiere: Jimmy Choo ‘Kalpa’ Sandals
- Event: Oz: The Great and Powerful UK Premiere
- Outfit: Michelle graced the red carpet in a feathered Burberry dress, exuding elegance.
- Footwear: She completed her look with black ankle-strap ‘Kalpa’ sandals by Jimmy Choo.
- Read more: Hot Feet & Sexy Shoes at Oz: The Great and Powerful Premiere
These moments highlight Michelle Williams’ impeccable taste in footwear, showcasing her ability to blend classic elegance with modern trends.