Octavia Spencer has won many awards for her acting (read: Oscar, Golden Globe, and SAG), but we’d love to give her a trophy for something else entirely: her classically elegant red carpet style. Whether she's giving off Disney princess vibes in a light blue off-the-shoulder gown, daring to do yellow in a ruched head-turner, or turning up the heat in a bold red dress brighter than the carpet itself, this Academy Award winner has never shied away from color. Pairing the looks with either a classic updo or simple soft curls and sticking to one piece of statement jewelry (hello, diamond drop earrings), Spencer strikes the perfect mix of fearless and classic.
Though she snagged a Golden Globe win for best supporting actress in 2012 for her role as Minny Jackson in The Help, the actress was also vocal about finding a gown for the star-studded awards show.
"I'm just a short chubby girl," Spencer reportedly told reporters at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, per The Hollywood Reporter. "It's hard for me to find a dress to wear to something like this! It's a lot of pressure, I'll tell ya. No designers are coming to me! Maybe I should have sworn off peanut butter last year instead of this year."
In 2013, she discussed her consistency on the red carpet and loyalty to designer Tadashi Shoji.
"I love a classic look, which is why I love Tadashi," she reportedly said, according to Us Weekly. "I gravitate to whatever looks good on me and whatever makes me feel sexy. I can't say that that has changed because of weight loss."
Ahead, Octavia Spencer's best and boldest red carpet moments.
Octavia Spencer in a black sequin dress at the 'Spirited' New York City premiere in 2022
At the N.Y.C. premiere of the 2022 holiday film Spirited, Spencer wore her go-to hue: black. The sheer and sequin dress with animal print embossing added just the right amount of festivity to the carpet.
Octavia Spencer in a black A-line midi dress at CinemaCon in 2019
One of Spencer's favorite silhouettes is off-the-shoulder. This black midi dress featured floral embroidery, which she paired with gorgeous gold and diamond earrings from Maxior Joias.
Octavia Spencer in a sheer lace peplum top and cropped pants at the 'Ma' L.A. screening in 2019
For a special screening of the 2019 psychological thriller Ma, the actress stepped out in cropped pants and an off-the-shoulder top with a lace peplum and sleeves, paired with a Tyler Ellis clutch.
Octavia Spencer in a Christian Siriano gown at the Oscars in 2019
Christian Siriano designed this romantic navy blue glitter gown for the 2019 Oscars with Spencer's go-to silhouette in mind — off the shoulder.
Octavia Spencer in a red lace gown at the BAFTA Awards in 2019
Spencer wore a rich scarlet red gown with a glittery lace bodice for the 2019 BAFTAs. The two-texture dress featured a strapless top with a ribbon-belted waist.
Octavia Spencer in a Christian Siriano gown at the Golden Globes in 2019
For the 2019 Golden Globes, the actress donned an incredible glittering black gown by Christian Siriano. The sequined texture and draped strapless top made for a stunning combination.
Octavia Spencer in a Brandon Maxwell gown at the Oscars in 2018
Another off-the-shoulder look for the 2018 Oscars, Spencer wore a custom emerald green gown by Brandon Maxwell with coordinating emerald jewelry.
Octavia Spencer in a Sachin & Babi gown at the BAFTA Awards in 2018
The BAFTA Awards brought out Spencer's signature glam, wearing a black and glitter embroidered gown by Sachin & Babi. The sheer top and tulle sleeves added just the right amount of oomph.
Octavia Spencer in a Tadashi Shoji dress at the Golden Globes in 2018
At the 2018 Golden Globes, the actress wore a shimmering sequin A-line midi dress by the Japanese designer.
Octavia Spencer in a red chiffon dress at 'The Shape Of Water' Los Angeles premiere in 2017
At the L.A. premiere of the 2017 film The Shape Of Water, Spencer wore a cold-shoulder bright red chiffon dress complete with matching red platforms and a satin clutch.
Octavia Spencer in a Marchesa gown at the Oscars in 2017
Spencer slayed in a lavender off-the-shoulder gown with a satin top and feather-covered skirt by Marchesa at the 2017 Academy Awards. She polished the look with a chic, asymmetrical bob and drop earrings.
Octavia Spencer in an Eliza J ensemble at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Film Awards gala in 2017
The actress paired an Eliza J tailored white button-up with a pleated maxiskirt in a gorgeous red and black brocade fabric for the annual gala.
Octavia Spencer in a Tadashi Shoji dress at the SAG Awards in 2017
At the 2017 SAG Awards, Spencer updated the classic black dress with a peplum-style top in a crochet knit fabric. The texture of the custom Shoji dress added depth and character, something Spencer is used to.
Octavia Spencer in a Tadashi Shoji gown at the Emmys in 2014
At the 2014 Emmys, the Insurgent star was red hot in another Shoji gown. She complemented the dress's ruched detail with a matching clutch.
Octavia Spencer in a Tadashi Shoji gown at the Golden Globes in 2012
At the 2012 Golden Globes, Spencer stunned in a V-neck lavender gown with ruched detailing from her go-to designer, Shoji. Her elegant updo and silver clutch were perfect for the formal red carpet.