Jenna Ortega made a striking red-carpet entrance at the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday, appearing in a revealing ensemble that drew comparisons to Isabella Rossellini’s look in the 1992 film Death Becomes Her.
Ortega, 22, wore a barely-there top composed entirely of jewels paired with a floor-length black skirt featuring a high slit. She styled her hair in a slicked, wet-look and finished the look with blood-red lipstick and towering platform heels. Ortega, who stars in the Netflix series Wednesday and was not an Emmy nominee this year, presented an award during the live broadcast.
Observers and commentators drew a line between Ortega’s outfit and a memorable costume worn by Rossellini in the dark comedy Death Becomes Her, in which Rossellini played the scene-stealing socialite Lisle von Rhuman. In the 1992 film, Lisle’s look included minimal coverage under a sarong and elaborate necklaces; Ortega’s jeweled top and styling prompted immediate comparisons on social media and in coverage on the red carpet.
At the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, Ortega walked onstage hand in hand with her Wednesday co-star Catherine Zeta-Jones to present the Emmy for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series. The prize went to Katherine LaNasa for her work in The Pitt. The ceremony was broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+; Nate Bargatze made his Emmy-hosting debut after rising to prominence as a stand-up comedian and repeat guest on Saturday Night Live.
The 2025 Emmys spotlighted several series that dominated nominations this year. Apple TV+’s Severance led the field with 27 nods, including multiple drama acting and series categories. HBO’s The Penguin followed with 24 nominations. Other frequently nominated programs included The Studio and The White Lotus season three, each with 23 nominations, and The Last of Us with 16.
The televised event featured a mix of established and film actors serving as presenters, reflecting a continuing convergence of film and television talent. Filmmakers and directors have recently crossed into television work; the nominations list this year included high-profile names such as Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard for guest-acting roles, and veteran directors and actors receiving first-time Emmy acting nods.
Ortega’s red-carpet choice continued a pattern of bold fashion statements from young stars at awards shows and generated widespread attention as coverage of the Emmys focused on both creative honors and celebrity appearances. Her appearance followed a year in which streaming platforms and prestige cable programs dominated awards-season conversation, with networks and streamers competing for visibility during the industry’s awards cycle.
The ceremony also showcased a variety of winners and contenders across genres, from drama series and limited series to comedy and variety programming, underscoring the breadth of contemporary television production. With live television broadcast and streaming options, the Emmys continue to serve as a major industry showcase for both established and emerging talent.
Ortega’s presentation and red-carpet look were among the most-discussed moments of the night, alongside the shows and performers vying for the evening’s top honors. The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards concluded after a three-hour program that combined awards presentation with monologue and performances, reflecting ongoing trends in awards-show production and the entertainment industry’s attention to fashion and celebrity moments as part of the evening’s coverage.