Misty Copeland traded her tutu for a tuxedo.
The retired American Ballet Theatre principal dancer arrived on the Oscars 2026 red carpet Sunday in a custom David Koma ensemble that nodded to her ballet roots — a black structured blazer with a plunging V-neckline and billowing white tulle at the cuffs and hem, paired with a flowing white skirt. Stylist Karla Welch assembled the look.
Copeland, 43, accessorized with nearly $2 million in Jared natural diamonds, totaling roughly 30 carats. The anchor piece was a 27-carat emerald-cut ring known as the Jared Mpho Diamond, valued at $1.8 million, per a press release from the brand.
Copeland’s appearance came days after she fired back at best actor nominee Timothée Chalamet, who drew widespread backlash for declaring that “no one cares” about ballet and opera during a February town hall with Matthew McConaughey.
Chalamet has lost more than 100,000 Instagram followers since the remarks, which have been denounced by the Royal Ballet, the Opera and Steven Spielberg, among others.
“He wouldn’t be an actor and have the opportunities he has as a movie star if it weren’t for opera and ballet,” Copeland said during a panel last week. She also noted it was “very interesting” that the “Marty Supreme” star had previously invited her to help promote his film.
The two are set to cross paths inside the Dolby Theatre on Sunday, with Copeland slated to perform during a tribute to the best picture-nominated “Sinners,” dancing to “I Lied to You” alongside vocalists Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq.
Her Oscars 2026 red carpet moment also doubled as a comeback story. The dancer underwent total hip replacement surgery in December, just weeks after taking her final bow with ABT in October.
She’ll always be on point.