In the glittering constellation of Hollywood’s red carpet events, few occasions blend cinematic history with contemporary glamour quite like the Academy Museum Gala. Held annually at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, this fundraiser celebrates the art of filmmaking while raising millions for preservation and education initiatives. The 2025 edition, which took place on October 19, proved no exception, drawing a constellation of stars from across generations. Yet, amid the sea of elegant gowns and tailored tuxedos, one young actress emerged as the undeniable showstopper: Jenna Ortega. At just 23 years old, the breakout star of Wednesday and Scream turned heads with an ensemble that was equal parts daring, artistic, and unapologetically futuristic. Styled by her longtime collaborator Enrique Melendez, Ortega’s look—a burgundy silk slip skirt paired with a metallic sculptural leaf breastplate—cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most fearless fashion risk-takers, sparking instant buzz across social media and fashion circles.

The Academy Museum Gala has always been a playground for bold sartorial choices, where celebrities pay homage to cinema’s legacy while pushing boundaries. This year’s event honored luminaries like Paul Mescal, Rita Moreno, and Quentin Tarantino, with attendees including powerhouses such as Selena Gomez in a sleek black halter gown, Kim Kardashian channeling old Hollywood in a vintage Mugler piece, and Ariana Grande opting for a ethereal Loewe design. But Ortega’s arrival on the blue carpet—flanked by photographers’ flashes and fans’ cheers—shifted the narrative. Her outfit, a custom creation from New York-based designer Grace Ling, wasn’t just clothing; it was wearable art. The top, a silver metallic breastplate shaped like a floating leaf, curved elegantly across her chest, leaving her midriff and back exposed in a display of confident minimalism. Suspended by delicate straps, the piece evoked a sense of organic futurism, as if a metallic vine had grown across her torso. Paired with a deep burgundy silk slip skirt that pooled gracefully at her feet, the look balanced sensuality with structure, the skirt’s fluid drape contrasting the top’s rigid shine.

Grace Ling, the visionary behind this striking design, is no stranger to innovative fashion. A graduate of Parsons School of Design, Ling has built her brand on the intersection of technology and nature, often incorporating 3D printing and sustainable materials into her collections. Her Spring/Summer 2026 line, from which Ortega’s piece was adapted, drew inspiration from botanical forms reimagined in a sci-fi lens—leaves, petals, and vines rendered in chrome and resin. For Ortega, Ling customized the breastplate to hug her frame perfectly, its polished surface reflecting the gala’s lights like a mirror. The backless aspect added an element of surprise; from behind, the skirt’s low dip revealed smooth skin, with the leaf’s tendrils wrapping around like protective armor. Ortega completed the ensemble with minimal accessories—a simple ring and earrings—to let the outfit speak for itself. Her footwear, barely visible beneath the skirt’s hem, consisted of sleek black platform heels that added height and edge without overwhelming the design.

Beauty-wise, Ortega’s choices amplified the outfit’s dramatic flair. Her hair, pulled into a sleek low ponytail with a deep side part, evoked a retro-futuristic vibe reminiscent of 1960s icons like Audrey Hepburn but with a modern twist. The ponytail’s glossy finish, achieved with high-shine products, mirrored the metallic top’s sheen. Makeup artist Melanie Inglessis crafted a sultry smokey eye using deep charcoals and silvers, framing Ortega’s striking brown eyes with intensity. The bleached brows—a bold departure from her natural dark arches—added an otherworldly touch, lightening her features and drawing attention to her sharp cheekbones and full lips, painted in a neutral mauve. This combination of elements transformed Ortega from the goth-chic teen of Wednesday into a sophisticated siren, proving her versatility extends far beyond the screen.

Ortega’s appearance at the gala wasn’t just a fashion moment; it was a statement of evolution. Rising to fame as a child actress in shows like Jane the Virgin and Stuck in the Middle, she has since carved a niche in horror and dark comedy with roles in X, Scream VI, and the Tim Burton-directed Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Her red carpet history reflects this trajectory—from youthful, whimsical dresses at early premieres to edgier, method-dressing inspired looks during the Wednesday press tour, where she channeled Addams Family aesthetics with black veils and corsets. Collaborating with Melendez since 2022, Ortega has embraced experimental fashion, often favoring emerging designers like Ling over established houses. This choice aligns with her vocal support for sustainable and inclusive brands; Ling’s use of eco-friendly metals and digital fabrication resonates with Ortega’s advocacy for environmental causes. At the gala, her outfit symbolized a shedding of past personas, the leaf perhaps metaphorically representing growth and renewal in her career.

Social media erupted in real time as images of Ortega circulated. Fans on platforms like X praised her “futuristic gothic-glam” vibe, with one viral post declaring, “Jenna Ortega’s fashion reign continues—pure art on the red carpet.” Comparisons abounded: some likened the breastplate to Zendaya’s armor-inspired Loewe gown at the Dune: Part Two premiere, while others saw echoes of Lady Gaga’s boundary-pushing style. Hashtags like #JennaOrtegaGala and #GraceLing trended, amassing thousands of shares within hours. Critics from outlets like Vogue and Page Six lauded the look’s innovation, noting how it revived the breastplate trend—popularized in recent years by stars like Sydney Sweeney and Emma Corrin—but with a fresh, sculptural twist. One commentator highlighted the outfit’s nod to cinematic history, evoking the metallic costumes in films like Blade Runner or The Fifth Element, fitting for an event tied to the Academy.

The gala itself provided a fitting backdrop for such audacity. Established in 2021, the Academy Museum Gala has quickly become a must-attend affair, blending philanthropy with star power. This year’s theme subtly honored “cinematic innovation,” with installations showcasing props from groundbreaking films and interactive exhibits on visual effects. Ortega, fresh off her role in the upcoming Death of a Unicorn alongside Paul Rudd, mingled with honorees and peers, her outfit sparking conversations about fashion’s role in storytelling. She posed alongside fellow young talents like Kaia Gerber, who wore a minimalist Celine slip, and Barry Keoghan in a sharp Louis Vuitton suit, creating memorable photo ops that flooded Instagram feeds.

Beyond the surface glamour, Ortega’s choice speaks to broader trends in celebrity fashion. In an era where red carpets are battlegrounds for cultural relevance, stars like her are ditching safe ballgowns for pieces that challenge norms. The backless, skin-baring elements push against traditional modesty, embracing body positivity and self-expression. At 5’1″, Ortega’s petite frame often inspires discussions on representation; her confident stride in the daring ensemble empowers fans who see themselves in her. Melendez, her stylist, has been instrumental in this shift, drawing from Ortega’s Mexican-Puerto Rican heritage and personal tastes to curate looks that feel authentic. In interviews, Ortega has shared her love for fashion as an extension of character-building, much like her acting process.

As the night unfolded, Ortega’s look continued to dominate discussions. Inside the museum, amid cocktails and auctions, guests buzzed about the “floating leaf” top, with some speculating on its construction—rumored to involve lightweight alloys for comfort during the long evening. The skirt’s burgundy hue, a deep plum that shifted under lights, complemented the gala’s autumnal palette, tying into seasonal trends of rich, velvety tones. By morning, fashion blogs dissected every angle: the side profile revealing the breastplate’s asymmetry, the back view showcasing flawless skin prep, and close-ups of her manicure—short, square nails in a matching burgundy polish.

This wasn’t Ortega’s first gala appearance; she attended in 2023 in a floral Dior gown that paid tribute to Lina Wertmüller’s films. But 2025 marked a maturation, aligning with her expanding filmography. Upcoming projects include a Wednesday Season 2, where she’ll reprise her role as the morbid teen, and a collaboration with Burton on Beetlejuice sequels. Her fashion choices mirror this ascent, from ingenue to icon. Critics predict this look will influence awards season, inspiring metallic accents and sculptural silhouettes.

In a industry often criticized for conformity, Ortega’s boldness refreshes the narrative. Her gala ensemble wasn’t just about turning heads—it was about owning the spotlight, leaf by metallic leaf. As Hollywood evolves, so does she, proving that true style isn’t worn; it’s wielded.

The event also highlighted Ortega’s growing influence beyond acting. As a Gen Z trailblazer, she uses her platform for activism, supporting causes like immigrant rights and mental health. Her fashion risks often carry subtle messages; the leaf motif could symbolize resilience in a changing world. Fans appreciate this authenticity, evident in the outpouring of support online.

Looking ahead, Ortega’s style trajectory promises more surprises. With Melendez at her side, expect continued collaborations with avant-garde designers. Whether at future galas or film festivals, her presence guarantees innovation.

In retrospect, the 2025 Academy Museum Gala will be remembered for many moments, but Ortega’s metallic masterpiece stands out—a bold leaf in Hollywood’s ever-turning book of fashion history.