Rita Ora's Oscars Party Hat Drama: A Fashion Statement That Hindered Mingling
Rita Ora was compelled to remove her striking fashion-statement hat merely minutes after entering the Vanity Fair Oscars party on Sunday, as the dramatically oversized headwear obstructed her ability to socialise with fellow celebrities. The 35-year-old singer ensured she left a lasting impression upon arrival at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art for the star-studded bash, donning a bold feather hat with an expansive brim that nearly obscured her face from view.
An Attention-Grabbing Ensemble
She paired the hat with an equally eye-catching dress, flaunting her impressive figure in a corseted sheer gown from Tamara Ralph's SS26 Couture collection. The daring garment featured intricate floral embroidery adorned with gems, while a black satin skirt was tied into a substantial bow at the back, cascading into a dramatic train. However, it was Rita's captivating headwear that particularly delighted fans, with many applauding her striking appearance on social media.
Comments included praises such as 'that hat is doing the most and i’m here for it', 'Rita Ora at the #Oscarsparty looking like she owns every camera in the room', and 'Okay but she really ate this look.' Others humorously noted, 'When you want to attend the party but also be the only thing people can see in a 5 mile radius', and 'She’s carrying that outfit harder than the stylist did.' One fan exclaimed, 'Rita Ora slaying with that massive feather hat at the Vanity Fair Oscars party!'
The Practical Dilemma
Nevertheless, once inside the glittering event, Rita swiftly discovered that her hat made conversing with other attendees somewhat challenging, prompting her to take it off. She was observed in the star-filled lounge carrying the feathered accessory in her hand, unveiling her curly blonde pixie-cut hairstyle underneath. With the hat removed, the pop star could comfortably engage in chats with actor Chris Evans and Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner.
Rita was later seen smiling broadly and waving as she departed the party, hat in hand, accompanied by Rocketman star Taron Egerton. Chris Evans, 44, attended the Academy Awards with his wife Alba Baptista, 28, less than five months after the couple welcomed their first child. Meanwhile, Kris Jenner looked elegant in a black ballgown and an up-do, joining the afterparty with three of her daughters: Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, and Kim Kardashian.
Support and Celebrations
Kylie Jenner, 28, was present to support her boyfriend Timothée Chalamet following his disappointing loss at the awards ceremony. The 30-year-old actor had been an early favourite to win Best Actor for his role in Marty Supreme, a Josh Safdie film based on a real underground ping-pong player in 1950s New York. However, he was surpassed by Michael B. Jordan, who triumphed for his dual performances in Ryan Coogler's Sinners.
Timothée also faced ridicule during the event, as host Conan O'Brien joked about his controversial remarks regarding opera and ballet in a Variety interview. Conan quipped about security concerns from 'the opera and ballet communities', with the camera panning to Timothée, who smiled nervously beside Kylie. Despite attempts to reconcile, the actor's response was not audible.
Oscars 2026 Highlights
The 2026 Academy Awards saw significant victories, with One Battle After Another winning Best Picture and Paul Thomas Anderson earning Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. Jessie Buckley secured Best Actress for Hamnet, becoming the first Irish star to achieve this honour. Sean Penn won Best Supporting Actor for One Battle After Another, though he was absent from the ceremony.
Amy Madigan claimed Best Supporting Actress for Weapons, marking her first win in 40 years. Ryan Coogler received Best Original Screenplay for Sinners, while Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman to win Best Cinematography for the same film. KPop Demon Hunters won Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for Golden, adding to the night's memorable moments.
Overall, the event blended high fashion with celebrity interactions, underscored by Rita Ora's brief hat dilemma and the broader Oscars celebrations.
