The recent Academy Awards ceremony captivated audiences worldwide, not just for its cinematic triumphs, but also for the dazzling array of timepieces adorning the wrists of Hollywood's elite. This year, the red carpet transformed into a sophisticated runway for horological artistry, demonstrating a bold departure from conventional dress watch norms. Celebrities showcased a remarkable diversity of designs, embracing personal expression through intricate complications, vintage charm, and even gender-fluid styles, turning heads and setting new trends in luxury watch collecting.
A Star-Studded Parade of Precision and Panache at the Oscars
On the evening of March 16, 2026, at the prestigious Academy Awards, luminaries from the film industry made a grand entrance, with their chosen timepieces often stealing the spotlight. Esteemed director Ryan Coogler, known for his innovative cinematic vision, sported a distinctive Cartier Tank à Guichets, an archival design reimagined with a modern twist. This limited-edition platinum piece, with its unique ticket-window aperture, perfectly complemented Coogler's unconventional style and celebrated his box office success with “Sinners.”
Joining him in a display of horological excellence, actor Timothée Chalamet, the star of “Marty Supreme,” concluded his awards season with a notable Urban Jürgensen UJ-2. Crafted by master independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen, this piece, featuring a double-wheel natural escapement, was paired elegantly with an all-white tuxedo, underscoring his refined taste.
Best Actor winner Michael B. Jordan continued his affinity for vintage timepieces, gracing the event with a Piaget Protocole from the 1970s. This elegant watch, characterized by a pavé diamond dial and a black leather strap, echoed his previous choices, like the Audemars Piguet Bamboo he showcased earlier.
Comedian and actor Kumail Nanjiani, renowned for his discerning watch collection, selected a Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton in rose gold. Its ultra-slim profile, measuring just 5.65 millimeters, and tourbillon cage inspired by the brand’s Maltese cross logo, epitomized sophisticated engineering.
Singer Josh Groban opted for a Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5726/1A-014. This classic model, with its annual calendar, day, date, month apertures, moon phase, and sweep seconds, solidified its status as a coveted collector’s item, seamlessly blending with both formal and casual attire.
Actor Hudson Williams, known for “Heated Rivalry,” pushed fashion boundaries with a Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas. This iconic, flexible coiled watch, traditionally considered a women’s piece, made a bold statement when paired with his Balenciaga ensemble, sparking conversations among watch enthusiasts.
Austrian actor Felix Kammerer chose a Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin, a serious and elegant selection that added depth to his chocolate suiting. Kieran Culkin and Miles Caton both favored Hublot Classic Fusion chronographs, with Culkin's King Gold model accentuating his bold suiting and Caton's titanium version complementing his burgundy tuxedo.
Music artist Raphael Saadiq showcased an Audemars Piguet Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Openworked, a groundbreaking timepiece from the brand's 2019 collection. Wagner Moura, star of “Secret Agent,” kept it classic with an Omega De Ville in stainless steel, proving the enduring appeal of a simple dress watch.
Entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary made a striking appearance with two watches: a diamond-encrusted Rolex Daytona Ref. 116509 and a platinum Cartier Crash Skeleton, highlighting his opulent style. Lewis Pullman's Omega De Ville Prestige stood out with its domed PVD dark blue dial, while Nigerian-American singer Shaboozey confidently wore a fully diamond-set Chopard L’Heure du Diamant, a women's watch that perfectly matched his diamond lapel pins and pearl earrings.
Pedro Pascal from “The Mandalorian” sported a Chanel Boy-Friend watch in gold with a quilted calfskin strap, showcasing his flair for fashion by embracing pieces from a brand not typically associated with men's wear. Finally, Usher presented a Jaeger-LeCoultre Rendez-Vous Classic Night & Day, an elegant piece with stylized black numerals and a subtle diamond bezel, capturing his signature blend of glamour and sophistication.
This year’s red carpet truly underscored a dynamic shift in celebrity horology, where personal taste and sophisticated craftsmanship take precedence over rigid traditions. The diverse choices made by these influential figures not only provided a captivating spectacle but also offered valuable insights into emerging trends in luxury watch collecting.