Daring Cut-Outs and Plunging V-Necks Steal the Show at Olivier Awards 2026
The 2026 Olivier Awards celebrated its landmark 50th anniversary with a spectacular display of bold fashion on the green carpet at London's Royal Albert Hall. While the ceremony honoured the very best of British theatre, the clear sartorial trend of the evening was an embrace of daring cut-outs and dramatically plunging V-necklines, creating body-contouring silhouettes that captivated onlookers.
Celebrity Style Statements Define the Evening
Nominees and presenters alike leaned into these audacious trends. Cate Blanchett, nominated for her role in The Seagull, set a powerful tone in a sophisticated black Lanvin gown. The dress featured elegant cold shoulders and striking diamond-shaped cut-outs at the hips, perfectly balancing structure with strategic exposure.
Best Actress winner Rosamund Pike, honoured for her performance in Inter Alia, interpreted the trend through the lens of the scarf dress. She wore a stunning midnight-blue silk Christian Dior creation, complete with a gracefully draped V-neckline and a delicate fringed hem that added movement to her ensemble.
Variations on a Theme Across the Carpet
The V-neck motif appeared in numerous creative iterations. Elizabeth Hurley made a grand entrance in a pristine white Zuhair Murad gown, featuring a deep plunging neckline and a sharply cinched waist. She was accompanied by her son Damian, who wore a silk trouser suit, and partner Billy Ray Cyrus, who maintained his signature all-black aesthetic.
Television presenter Anita Rani opted for a sheer brown gown by London-based label ASAR. This design incorporated a V-neck cut-out and a feather-trimmed skirt that fluttered elegantly as she walked. Meanwhile, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, attending with co-star Bryan Cranston, chose a classic black V-neck gown accented with subtle silver stud detailing and complemented by exquisite Chaumet jewellery.
Bold Interpretations and Tailored Takes
Zawe Ashton, arriving with nominee Tom Hiddleston, injected volume and drama into the trend with a vibrant red-tiered tulle gown featuring a deep plunging neckline. In a nod to fashion history, Rachel Zegler—winner for Best Actress in a Musical for Evita—wore a black chain-embellished Tamara Ralph gown with a sharply plunging neckline and intricate gold detailing, reminiscent of Elizabeth Hurley's iconic Versace safety-pin dress.
Not all interpretations were strictly gown-based. Ambika Mod offered a sharp, tailored take on the trend, wearing a double-breasted Paul Smith suit styled with a spotted tie and a Tasaki pearl brooch, effectively reinterpreting the V-neck through the medium of suiting. Monica Barbaro's cream and black Roberto Cavalli gown presented a softer approach with a zig-zag drop waist and a gently draped neckline.
Elegant Simplicity and Ceremonial Highlights
Other notable appearances included writer Jessica Swale, who shimmered in a gold V-neck gown, and the legendary Dame Helen Mirren. Mirren opted for a refined V-neck shirt dress by Patrick McDowell as she presented awards alongside Sir Ian McKellen, demonstrating that the trend could be executed with sophisticated simplicity.
Hosted by Nick Mohammed, the evening was a triumphant celebration of theatre excellence. However, the unanimous fashion choice among celebrities was a decisive return to cut-outs and plunging necklines, effectively refreshing classic red carpet silhouettes for this milestone ceremony. The green carpet served as a dynamic runway where theatrical glamour met contemporary daring, defining the visual narrative of the 50th Olivier Awards.
