Danielle Brooks' 2024 Oscar Manicure Includes a Meaningful Nod to the 25 Previous Black Nominees in Her Category

Mar. 15, 2025

Danielle Brooks’Oscarsmanicure held a very special meaning.

At the96th Academy Awardson Sunday, Brooks, 34, wore a black Dolce & Gabbana look complete with crystal details down to her mani, which included a numeric nod to the Black best supporting actress nominees that came before her.

Danielle Brooks' manicure at the 2024 Oscars.Aliah Anderson/Getty

Aliah Anderson/Getty

While speaking with the host ofE!’s red carpet pre-show, herOrange Is the New BlackcostarLaverne Cox, Brooks shared that the digit represents the total number of Black supporting actress nominees in the history of the Academy Awards.

“I have 26 on my nail, because I’m the 26th Black woman to be nominated for best supporting actress,” Brooks said. “So I had to at least honor that.”

“Whether I go home with an award or not, I will forever be the 26th Black woman to be nominated for supporting actress,” she added.

Danielle Brooks at the 2024 Oscars.FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty; Aliah Anderson/Gett

FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty; Aliah Anderson/Gett

Brooks’ manicure was the cherry on top of her sparkling Oscars look — a Dolce & Gabbana corset top with bedazzled boning details and a satin skirt with a thigh-high slit.

Danielle Brooks at the 2024 Oscars.Kevin Mazur/Getty

Kevin Mazur/Getty

The star accessorized the eye-catching ensemble with De Beers jewelry, including a diamond necklace, drop earrings and several rings.

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For her performance inThe Color Purple, Brooks is nominated for best supporting actress against Emily Blunt forOppenheimer, America Ferrera forBarbie, Jodie Foster forNyadand Da’Vine Joy Randolph forThe Holdovers.

And she is not only the 26th Black woman to be up for the honor, but also the second Black woman in history to land both an Oscar nomination and Tony nomination for the same role. (The first is EGOT honoreeViola Davis!)

“The most difficult thing about filming it… I mean it was so much,” Brooks told Cox, adding, “I think I’m so happy right now that I can’t even think about what’s been difficult, because this moment is so major.”

source: people.com