'This dress had an extra special meaning': Aunjanue Ellis tells us the story behind her Oscars look
Sunday's Academy Awards were not lacking in beautiful looks, but our eyes were stuck on Oscar nominee Aunjanue Ellis.
The "King Richard" star, who was vying for best supporting actress, graced the red carpet wearing a custom orange Versace gown that included a special tribute to her late mother embroidered on the sleeve.
After finding out she was nominated for an Oscar (despite turning off her phone to avoid the news), Ellis told USA TODAY she always imagined that these types of accolades wouldn't happen for her. But after the Academy nod, she decided to take in the fun of it all.
"I'm enjoying the moment and trying not to freak out about the clothes and that kind of thing, and working with some good people on that," she said weeks prior to the show. "I hate this expression, but it is what it is. I'm going to show up, I'm going to have a dress on. And my family's going to be coming in soon to attend. That's the most important thing."
More: 'King Richard' star Aunjanue Ellis ditched her phone to avoid Oscar news. She got nominated anyway.
Here's a behind-the-scenes peek at how she achieved her glamorous look.
10:45 a.m.: "Final touches with the amazing (hair stylist) Tanya Melendez! I couldn’t do it without my incredible glam team – (makeup artist) Camille Arianne and Tanya Melendez. They make the magic happen."
11:30 a.m.: "It takes a village! Thank you thank you to my incredible stylists Wayman and Micah. I have never felt more glamorous than in this custom Atelier Versace gown. Talk about a pinch me moment! Donatella is a visionary and to be able to represent her in the carpet was such an honor."
12:00 p.m. "This dress had an extra special meaning to me. I had 'Jax Baby' embroidered on my dress a special shout out to my mom. Her name is Jacqueline and I’m Jax’s baby. It made this look all the more special to be able to represent her last night. A special thank you to Donatella for accommodating this wish for me."
12:15 p.m. "Finishing touches! My incredible team putting the last touches on my look before I made my way to the carpet."
12:30 p.m. "But not before I get some of my own glam shots! Last night was so special. Thank you to everyone who helped get me there!"
With the help of her team, Ellis made it on the red carpet looking fabulous as ever. Though the "King Richard" star didn't go home with an Oscar (that honor went to Ariana DeBose), Ellis was still "living the dream."
"Never in a million years did I think I would be here and I really feel like I am living the dream tonight!" Ellis says of how she felt on the Academy Awards red carpet.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aunjanue Ellis and the 'special meaning' behind her Oscars look