Viola Davis, standing 5ft 6 (167.6 cm) tall and wearing a US shoe size 8, has long captivated audiences with her commanding screen presence and equally striking red-carpet style.
At the 89th Academy Awards on February 26, 2017, Viola Davis accepted her Oscar for Fences in a custom red Armani Privé vermillion silk gown paired with striking platform high heels that peeked through the hem as she took the stage (Credit: Phil McCarten / ©A.M.P.A.S.)
Best known for her performances in The Help, Far From Heaven, and Doubt, the American actress consistently brings elegance and individuality to every appearance—whether in bold gowns or eye-catching footwear.
Oscars 2018: Viola Davis in Barbie-Pink Michael Kors Gown With Hidden Heels
Following her Best Supporting Actress win in 2017, Viola Davis returned to the Oscars with wavy curls in March 2018.
The red carpet royalty was joined by her husband, Julius Tennon, Emma Stone, Whoopi Goldberg, Gal Gadot, Saoirse Ronan, Jennifer Lawrence, Blanca Blanco, Allison Williams, and Sofia Carson.
Viola Davis complemented her wavy curls with sparkling hoop earrings, adding a touch of glamour to her vibrant Oscars look
Viola Davis collaborated with stylist Elizabeth Stewart on her Barbie-pink Michael Kors Collection gown, a matching Roger Vivier clutch, and Norman Silverman jewelry, completing the look with the high heels she almost always wears on the red carpet—even though they were hidden beneath the hem.
Several years later, in discussing her 2025 American action thriller film G20, she questioned the societal pressure for women to wear heels, saying, “Why do I have to wear heels? …Because they do, because men like heels. Women like heels, yeah, but I don’t like them.”
Viola Davis lit up the 2018 Oscars red carpet in a jaw-dropping hot pink Michael Kors gown, styled with a Roger Vivier clutch, while her sweeping hemline concealed the heels that undoubtedly completed her glamorous look
Fashion commentators for E! News reviewed Davis’ look, with one saying, “She never, never, never, never lets me down.” We couldn’t agree more!
Viola Davis and her husband Julius Tennon at the 2018 Oscars, where Tennon looked sharp in a classic black tuxedo styled with glossy black sneakers featuring bold white soles, complementing Davis’s vibrant pink Michael Kors gown on March 4, 2018 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN / Adriana M. Barraza)
While Viola’s floor-length gown left us guessing about her footwear choice, it’s clear that pairing pink dresses with standout heels is a red-carpet tradition many stars embrace. Let’s take a closer look at other celebrities who have perfected the art of styling pink gowns with statement shoes.
👠 Examples of “Pink Dress + Shoes / Fashion” on Your Next Shoes:
- 📏 Amanda Holden styled a pink sequined David Koma midi dress with Christian Louboutin “Iriza” pumps — an example of mixing sparkling pink dress with white heels for contrast.
- 📏 Paris Hilton in a soft pink lace Self-Portrait dress with white Aquazzura pumps — soft romantic lace + crisp footwear.
- 📏 Alison Brie in a pink silk dress from Magda Butrym + silver Jimmy Choo sandals at the Lego Movie 2 premiere.
- 📏 Taraji P. Henson in a shocking pink Cynthia Rowley dress with floral-fans embellished Dolce & Gabbana sandals — bold color + ornate shoes.
🎥 Celebrating Women in Film: Viola Shines in Sheer BCBG Max Azria Gown
A few days earlier, Viola also attended an event presented by Women in Film at Crustacean in Los Angeles.
Viola Davis radiated elegance in silver Gwendolyn McCann-Mulamba earrings, which added a bold, sculptural accent to her glamorous look
The then-52-year-old American actress and producer turned heads in an ultra-sheer BCBG Max Azria gown styled by Elizabeth Stewart, accessorized with silver Gwendolyn McCann-Mulamba earrings. Working with hairstylist Jamika Wilson and makeup artist Sergio Lopez-Rivera, Davis brought her signature polish to the look.
She has also been candid about the hidden toll of red-carpet glamour—at the 2017 SAG Awards, Davis revealed that she relies on a spray called Still Standing to numb the pain from wearing heels and even keeps slippers in her purse as a backstage survival trick.
Viola Davis wearing an ultra-sheer black BCBG Max Azria gown styled with silver statement earrings and high heels just peeking out at the 11th Annual Celebration of the 2018 Female Oscar Nominees presented by Women In Film in Beverly Hills, California, on March 2, 2018
Viola Davis often opts for high heels to enhance her presence on the red carpet. As seen frequently on Your Next Shoes, the award-winning actress knows how to use stylish footwear to add height and improve her powerful looks.
Viola Davis’s Best Red-Carpet Shoe Moments, From Creepers to Couture Heels
Viola Davis has consistently impressed with her elegant footwear choices. Here are some of her most notable shoe moments:
Viola Davis Rocks Halston at Tribeca—And Sparks Shoe Fit Talk
- Event: 2016 Tribeca Film Festival
- Outfit: Viola graced the red carpet in a sleek black cut-out Halston dress.
- Footwear: She paired her ensemble with silver ankle-strap sandals, sparking discussions about fit and style.
- More Details: Viola Davis Rocks Halston at Tribeca—And Sparks Shoe Fit Talk
From Oscars to Takeout: Viola Davis’ Love for Gold Creepers
- Event: 2017 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
- Outfit: Viola wore a crisp, white, tailored pantsuit.
- Footwear: She complemented her look with gold Stella McCartney ‘Elyse’ platform oxfords, showcasing her penchant for standout footwear.
- More Details: From Oscars to Takeout: Viola Davis’ Love for These Gold Creepers
At the premiere of Monster during the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2023, Viola Davis wore a custom white one-shoulder Valentino Haute Couture gown with a voluminous feathered coat, styled with Chopard jewelry, Valentino platform shoes, and satin heels, while her husband Julius Tennon complemented her in a classic black double-breasted tuxedo (Credit: IPA / INSTARimages)
Viola Davis Enjoys Making Tom Blyth Squirm as Villain in The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes
- Event: Los Angeles premiere of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
- Outfit: Viola dazzles in a striking green cape-effect dress by Oscar de la Renta adorned with sequin embellishments.
- Footwear: She completed her ensemble with sharp black pointed-toe pumps, adding a classic touch to her vibrant outfit.
- More Details: Viola Davis Enjoys Making Tom Blyth Squirm as Villain in The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes
These moments highlight Viola Davis’s impeccable taste in footwear, seamlessly blending style and comfort on various occasions.