2026 Olivier Awards: 6 Standout Shoe Moments from Cate Blanchett’s Lanvin Mules to Rosamund Pike’s Bow Heels

The 2026 Laurence Olivier Awards brought together a star-studded lineup, with Cate Blanchett, Rosamund Pike, Elizabeth Hurley, and more stepping out in elegant designer gowns and bold silhouettes, paired with standout heels.

Marking its 50th anniversary, the event celebrates excellence in professional theatre in London, honoring the year’s best performances and productions.

Cate Blanchett, Rosamund Pike, Rachel Zegler, Vanessa Williams, Elizabeth Hurley, and Julie Hesmondhalgh showcase a mix of sculptural heels, classic pumps, and statement sandals on the red carpet at the 50th anniversary Olivier Awards, held at the Royal Albert Hall on April 12, 2026, in London, England (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images / Ian West / PA Images / Doug Peters / INSTARimages)

Among the big winners, Punch by James Graham took home Best New Play, while Paddington won Best New Musical. All My Sons earned Best Revival, and Into the Woods secured Best Musical Revival.

On the acting side, Rosamund Pike won Best Actress for Inter Alia, Rachel Zegler took home Best Actress in a Musical for Evita, and Julie Hesmondhalgh won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Punch.

Beyond the awards, the red carpet definitely delivered plenty of fashion moments, especially in footwear. From classic pumps to bold statement heels, let’s take a closer look at the standout styles!

Cate Blanchett Brings Sculptural Drama in Lanvin Mules and a Crystal-Trimmed Black Cutout Gown

Cate Blanchett, nominated for Best Actress for The Seagull, stepped out serving effortless drama, balancing elegance with a bit of edge. She slipped into the Lanvin “Midnight Step” peep-toe mules in black satin, and they were far from your typical heels.

They were sleek and contemporary, with a silhouette that echoed the lines of a daring neckline, giving the shoes a sculptural, almost architectural shape. Adding a hint of sparkle, the clear crystal trim along the topline elevated the design.

They also featured a sharp peep-toe that added to the sculptural feel, and with 4.5-inch curved heels, they gave Blanchett extra height while enhancing the modern look.

Cate Blanchett wears the sleek Lanvin “Midnight Step” mules in black satin with pointed peep toes, crystal trims, and curved heels (Credit: Ian West / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Blanchett paired the pumps with an equally striking black gown from Lanvin’s Fall 2026 collection. It featured a high neckline, with fabric draping from the neck to form a soft, gathered effect across the bodice, while the cold-shoulder cutouts and long sleeves added a modern, slightly daring touch.

The real standout was the waist, where diamond-shaped lattice cutouts were framed with delicate crystals, showing just a hint of midriff while keeping it classy.

The gown flowed into a sweeping skirt with a slit that revealed glimpses of her heels as she moved. She wore her blonde bob slightly wavy, paired with simple makeup and Louis Vuitton LV Diamond Double Stud earrings, keeping the whole look chic and effortless.

Cate Blanchett pairs her crystal-trimmed Lanvin mules with a slightly daring Lanvin dress with a halter neck, cold shoulders, and latticework cutouts with crystal trims (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Rosamund Pike Softens the Red Carpet in House of Atana Bow Heels and a Navy Burberry Drape Dress

Rosamund Pike, who took home Best Actress for her role as Jessica Parks in Inter Alia, looked feminine and elegant in a satin navy blue Burberry ensemble paired with black pumps by House of Atana. I have to say, though the dress carried a subtle sultry vibe, her shoes stood out to me more.

She wore the House of Atana Bow Slipper, handcrafted from Italian leather with a soft mesh bow sculpted in 3D at the front. The double bow had that bold, chunky look but still came across as delicate and feminine.

They also featured pointed toes and slim crisscrossing straps that traditionally wrap at the back heel, but Rosamund switched it up and styled them across the front, giving the look a slightly edgy twist. Adding a luxe finishing touch, the pair sat on 3-inch heels and even featured a 24k-gilded logo detail on the outsole.

Rosamund Pike opts for the feminine House of Atana pumps with soft mesh 3D double mesh bows, slim crisscrossing straps, pointed toes, and high heels (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

Pike paired the standout shoes with a navy dress from Burberry’s Fall 2026 collection. The satin fabric draped smoothly over her frame, giving the look of soft, fluid movement with a hint of sensuality.

It featured a draped halter cowl neckline with fabric falling naturally at the front, a cinched waist that defined her figure, and a tassel belt. The skirt then flowed into an asymmetrical hem with tassel fringe trim, adding movement as she walked.

The dress was given a regal finish with a tonal scarf-like tie around her neck, elevating the whole look. Rosamund kept her accessories minimal with Tiffany and Co. Schlumberger Leaves earrings and a ring, while her half-up hairstyle and soft pink makeup kept everything polished and fresh.

Rosamund Pike pairs the bow pumps with a navy blue Burberry drape dress with tassel fringe trims and a tonal scarf (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

Rachel Zegler Keeps It Classic in Jimmy Choo Pumps and a Gold-Chain Tamara Ralph Couture Gown

Rachel Zegler, Best Actress in a Musical winner for her role as Eva Peron in Evita, kept her footwear classic and let her gown do most of the talking. I honestly loved the balance she created here.

Zegler wore the Jimmy Choo “Love” pumps in glossy black patent leather, a clean take on modern elegance. The high-shine finish alone already made an impact, giving the shoes a sleek, polished look. Add to that the sharp pointed toe and a higher-cut vamp that offered more coverage on the foot, adding to that refined feel.

They were set on 4-inch stiletto heels and finished with a JC emblem at the rear. These Italian-made pumps are currently on sale for $605 at Farfetch, down from $795.

The Jimmy Choo “Love” pump is widely considered a modern house icon. At the 2026 Golden Globes, Jessie Buckley styled the silhouette in a cool-toned satin finish with a softly draped Dior gown, using the shoe’s sharp point and slim stiletto to bring structure to the fluid look. The contrast felt intentional—clean, precise pumps grounding a more romantic, movement-driven dress.

Rachel Zegler slips into the Jimmy Choo “Love” pumps in glossy black patent leather with pointed toes, high heels, and a JC emblem at the rear (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

Zegler paired the classic pumps with a much more elaborate Tamara Ralph Spring 2026 Couture gown, creating a strong contrast. The black velvet dress hugged her frame, featuring a fitted bodice and a plunging V-neckline covered with gold crystal chains. Those multi-sized chains draped across her chest, then extended outward into off-the-shoulder straps. Another set of gold chains cascaded along her waist and hips, creating a sculpted effect that added depth and dimension to the look. The gown then flowed into a sleek column skirt that skimmed the grass as she moved.

Zegler added extra sparkle with the Cartier Juste Un Clou ring, the Cartier Panthere de Cartier ring, and the Cartier Gold and Diamond Juste Un Clou earrings. She rounded out the look with soft curls and smoky glam, keeping everything clean but still striking.

Rachel Zegler pairs her classic-contemporary Jimmy Choos with a black Tamara Ralph column dress featuring rows of multisized embellished gold-tone chains at the plunging neckline, waist, and off shoulders (Credit: Ian West / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Vanessa Williams Goes Bold in Rene Caovilla Cleo Sandals and a Crystal-Striped Mary Katrantzou Dress

Vanessa Williams embraced a bold, wild moment, stepping out in a colorful zebra-striped look by Mary Katrantzou paired with snake-heel sandals by René Caovilla.

She slipped into the classic “Cleo” sandals in black satin, featuring a strappy upper adorned with tiny crystals. The front was minimal with slim bands over the toes and arch, while a coiled strap wrapped around her leg like a snake. I liked how it slithered its way up, giving the shoes a bold edge.

The pair was finished with platforms and towering heels, adding extra inches to Vanessa’s 5’6” (167.6 cm) frame. The sandals tied in with the overall wild theme of her outfit, though a simpler heel could have worked as well if she wanted more contrast.

That sense of drama is exactly what makes the René Caovilla “Cleo” a recurring red-carpet choice. Thandiwe Newton, for example, styled the same coiled silhouette with a metallic gown, letting the spiral straps mirror the shine and extend the look, while Keke Palmer leaned into its leg-lengthening effect in a mini dress, using the wraparound design to draw the eye upward.

Even in broader red-carpet moments, the Cleo’s signature coil continues to emphasize height and movement—making it less of a supporting shoe and more of a statement in its own right.

Vanessa Williams steps into the wild side in the René Caovilla “Cleo” platform sandals in black satin with crystal-embellished straps and a coiled strap wrapped around her ankles (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

Vanessa Williams paired the sandals with the $9,390 Mary Katrantzou “Karlowe” black velvet dress from the Resort 2026 collection. It had a timeless design with a strapless neckline and a fitted silhouette that hugged her curves in all the right places.

What really made it stand out was the intricate crystal work. Hand-applied colorful beads and gems were arranged in zebra-like stripes across the velvet, giving it a bold, eye-catching finish. The Splendesco design mixed warm and cool tones that moved across the dress, adding depth against the dark fabric.

As if the dress wasn’t enough, Vanessa added Vicki Sarge x Karina Bond “Nimbus” spike earrings. She finished the look with tight curls, dramatic eye makeup, and nude lipstick, keeping everything bold and cohesive.

Vanessa Williams teams her strappy platform sandals with the Mary Katrantzou “Karlowe” black velvet dress adorned with multicolored zebra stripes (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Elizabeth Hurley Shines in Silver Platform Heels and a Plunging White Zuhair Murad Gown

Elizabeth Hurley presented Best New Musical and easily stole the spotlight in a clean, elegant white and silver look. I have to say, everything about this felt polished but still eye-catching!

She slipped into a pair of metallic silver sandals with a liquid high-shine finish, giving them a sleek, mirror effect. The sandals featured a strap across the toes and a thinner ankle strap with a small buckle, keeping the design secure.

They were set on double platforms and towering stiletto heels, adding serious height while still looking balanced. The open sides gave the shoes a lighter feel, showing more of her foot and keeping the overall look from feeling too heavy.

Elizabeth Hurley showcases her pedicured feet in a pair of metallic silver sandals with double platforms, ankle straps, and high stiletto heels (Credit: Ian West / PA Images / INSTARimages)

To match her silver sandals, Hurley wore an equally gorgeous white dress from Zuhair Murad’s Spring Summer 2026 collection. I liked how the deep plunging neckline added a bit of boldness, while the long sleeves and strong shoulders kept everything looking sharp and put together.

The waist had soft draping that helped define her figure and gave that flattering, cinched effect. From there, the dress flowed into a long skirt that skimmed the floor, finished with a daring hip-high slit and cascading ruffles that added movement and a bit of drama.

To elevate the look even more, Hurley added a Bulgari Serpenti necklace and chandelier earrings. Her brunette hair was styled in soft waves that fell over her shoulders, and her smoky makeup pulled everything together for an elegant, striking look.

Elizabeth Hurley teams her silver heels with a stunning white Zuhair Murad plunging dress with a draped waist, strong shoulders, and a thigh-high slit (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

Julie Hesmondhalgh Wins in Retro Metallic Esska Heels and Elegant COS Separates

Julie Hesmondhalgh, who took home Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Punch, opted for a look that felt understated but thoughtfully put together. Standing at around 5’3″ (160 cm), she leaned into proportion rather than excess—letting her shoes do just enough of the work.

She appeared to be wearing the Esska “Chaza” pumps in metallic leather, finished with fine horizontal ridges that create a subtle, lizard-like texture.

The platform base and mid-height block heel offered a gentle lift without overwhelming her frame, while the T-strap and ankle fastening kept the silhouette secure and balanced. It’s the kind of heel that adds presence without heaviness—an easy, flattering choice for a more petite build.

The metallic gold finish worked really well with her outfit, adding just the right amount of shine.

Julie Hesmondhalgh shines in the Esska “Chaza” pumps in textured metallic leather with platforms, a T-bar strap, and block heels (Credit: Ian West / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Julie paired the shoes with a white COS draped cotton top, featuring a soft, folded neckline and relaxed sleeves, tucked into a navy satin midi skirt. The skirt had inverted box pleats that added structure and volume, creating a nice balance.

She skipped heavy accessories and went with a bold red lip, which added just the right pop of color.

Julie Hesmondhalgh pairs metallic platform pumps with a crisp white COS draped top and a voluminous navy satin midi skirt, using the structured silhouette and subtle lift of the heels to balance the skirt’s fullness at the Olivier Awards (Credit: Ian West / PA Images / INSTARimages)

From Sculptural Heels to Sharp Pumps: The Trends Defining Red-Carpet Footwear Right Now

From Cate Blanchett’s architectural Lanvin mules to the return of sharply cut pumps and high-shine platforms, this year’s red carpet is less about excess and more about precision. Silhouettes feel cleaner, lines sharper, and details—whether crystal trims, metallic finishes, or sculptural heels—are doing the heavy lifting. It’s a shift toward footwear that doesn’t just complement a look, but quietly defines it.

If you’re drawn to these refined, statement-making styles, the wider 2026 landscape offers even more to explore—from emerging hybrid silhouettes to runway-driven updates on classic evening shoes.