Renée Zellweger’s Triumphant Oscars Comeback: Armani Privé Elegance, Jimmy Choo Heels, and a Career-Defining Win

Renée Zellweger’s triumphant return to the Oscars culminated in her first Best Actress win for her transformative portrayal of Judy Garland in Judy at the 92nd Academy Awards. It was a full-circle moment more than a decade in the making, marking the veteran actress’s most celebrated performance since her early-2000s awards-season run.

Her victory was widely anticipated. After sweeping the BAFTAs, Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice, and SAG Awards, Zellweger arrived at the Dolby Theatre as the season’s undeniable frontrunner, even amid a powerhouse lineup that included Cynthia Erivo (Harriet), Scarlett Johansson (Marriage Story), Charlize Theron (Bombshell), and Saoirse Ronan (Little Women).

The win also carried meaningful retrospective weight. While it was her first Oscar for a leading role, it became the second Academy Award of her career, following her 2004 Best Supporting Actress win for Cold Mountain. Longtime fans will remember she had already earned consecutive Best Actress nominations for Bridget Jones’s Diary (2002) and Chicago (2003), securing her place as one of the defining talents of early-2000s cinema.

With Judy, Zellweger not only reaffirmed her dramatic range but also completed a remarkable awards-season comeback, reminding audiences why she has remained one of Hollywood’s most enduring and respected performers.

Renée Zellweger wins her first Oscar Best Actress trophy during the 2020 Academy Awards on February 9, 2020 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

A Minimalist Masterpiece: Renée’s Armani Privé Oscars Look

It had been 16 years since Renée Zellweger last walked the Oscars red carpet as a nominee, and her return was nothing short of a masterclass in modern Hollywood glamour. Stepping back into the spotlight with the confidence of a seasoned awards veteran, the Best Actress winner delivered one of the evening’s most quietly breathtaking looks.

Zellweger chose a sculpted white Armani Privé gown—a sleek, floor-length silhouette that celebrated her statuesque figure with understated precision. The design’s single long sleeve and asymmetrical neckline gave the classic column shape a subtle architectural edge. At the same time, the clear sequin embroidery, brushed with soft blue and pink diagonal accents, added dimension without overwhelming the minimalist palette.

The result was a look that felt both timeless and distinctly Renée: refined, unfussy, and elegant in its restraint.

Renée Zellweger embodies pure, understated glamour in her sculpted, one-shoulder Armani Privé gown, a minimalist white column covered in soft, shimmering sequins (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Completing the Look With Classic White Jimmy Choo Pumps

Stylist Petra Flannery kept Renee’s look timeless and elegant with just a statement ring by David Webb. For her feet, she chose a pair of white Jimmy Choo pointed-toe pumps to complete her elegant all-white look.

Renée Zellweger accepts her Best Actress Oscar in a shimmering one-shoulder Armani Privé gown, finishing the look with sleek white Jimmy Choo pointed-toe pumps that echoed the gown’s minimalist, high-glamour silhouette (Credit: Richard Harbaugh / ©A.M.P.A.S.)

Renée Zellweger revealed that she literally “walked to the Oscars” in her white Jimmy Choo stilettos, telling Jimmy Fallon that she turned down a private car and trekked nearly half a mile in the rain because the ritual helps her feel grounded before the chaos of the red carpet.

I have a couple of rituals I like to do before I go. I like to walk, I don’t like the long limo ride. ‘Cause I don’t like getting out. It’s all crazy and people are screaming. So, I sneak in. I walk to the Oscars. I come in behind all the people (at the red carpet),” she shared. “This time, the only hotel room that was available was half a mile away… I don’t recommend it, but it is a good exercise for keeping you grounded. It was raining that night, so I was extra grounded.

Sleek white Jimmy Choo pointed-toe pumps grounded Zellweger’s look, their clean satin finish and sculpted stiletto heel echoing the gown’s refined, minimalist sparkle (Credit: Richard Harbaugh / ©A.M.P.A.S.)

Renée’s Signature Pink-Toned Glam and Polished Updo

Makeup artist Dana Michelle Hamel created Renee’s signature soft makeup look using Pat McGrath. She applied pink blush, pink lipstick, and mascara to accentuate her eyes. Hairstylist Richard Marin gave her a simple but chic center-parted updo.

Renée Zellweger wears a chic center-parted updo and her signature soft pink makeup look (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

Renée’s Emotional Reflection on Judy Garland and Everyday Heroes

In her acceptance speech, Renee thanked a list of people, including director Rupert Gould and producer David Livingstone. She then told the audience how heroic figures unite people.

“I have to say that this past year of conversations celebrating Judy Garland across genders and … I’m sorry, it’s across generations and across cultures has been a really cool reminder that our heroes unite us. No, the best among us who inspire us to find the best in ourselves. They unite us. When we look to our heroes, we agree, and that matters.”

Renée Zellweger thanked everyday heroes and other famous figures in her acceptance speech

She then mentioned a list of famous figures, including astronaut Neil Armstrong and Sally Ride, tennis players Venus and Serena Williams, political activist Harriet Tubman, film director Martin Scorsese, entertainer Fred Rogers, and singers Bob Dylan and Selena. In addition, she also thanked our everyday heroes, including firefighters and first responders.

She also paid tribute to the late Judy Garland, saying, “Judy Garland did not receive this honor in her time. I am certain that this moment is an extension of the celebration of her legacy that began on our film set. It’s also representative of the fact that her legacy of unique exceptionalism and inclusivity and generosity of spirit transcends any one artistic achievement.” “Miss Garland, you are certainly among the heroes who unite and define us, and this is certainly for you,” she continued.

After the show, Renee posed together with her co-winners, Best Actor Joaquin Phoenix and Best Supporting Actor Brad Pitt.

Academy Awards winners Joaquin Phoenix, Renée Zellweger, and Brad Pitt pose together with their Oscar trophies

Renée Zellweger’s Signature Shoe Choices and Style Legacy

Before we wrap, it’s worth looking beyond this single Oscars moment to the broader fashion story that has shaped Renée Zellweger’s red-carpet identity.

From sculptural Louboutins to sleek Jimmy Choos and minimalist Armani Privé silhouettes, her style history offers a consistent through-line of elegance, precision, and quietly confident glamour. Below, we’ve gathered some of her most memorable shoe and fashion moments across the years.