Inside Cynthia Erivo’s Regal Oscar Night Experience

Even before the Oscars began, Cynthia Erivo was a winner. Nominated in the best actress category for her performance in Harriet, and best original song for the anthemic “Stand Up,” Erivo was among the event’s MVPs. Though she’s shined all awards season, from the moment she stepped into the Dolby Theatre, she felt the magnitude of the Academy experience. “Last night was proof that dreams do come true,” she shared with Vogue post-show. “I felt like a queen.”

That regal vibe was enhanced by a truly epic red carpet look. Styled by Jason Bolden in an ethereal Atelier Versace look, Erivo was a vision. The perfection was achieved with help from Donatella herself; the designer was on hand during the final fitting of the grand ballgown. A pair of second and third looks—a golden high collar Vera Wang for her performance, then pastel Versace for a slew of after-parties—only enhanced the evening. “Of course, to attend the Oscars in a custom Versace dress and perform in a custom Vera Wang dress was the icing on the cake,” says Erivo.

With her hair dyed a special shade of pearl blonde by hairstylist Coree Moreno, and makeup artist Terrell Mullin providing a sultry smokey eye, Erivo stole the show as she posed for the throngs of photographers, turning a single night into an opportunity for multiple fashion breakthroughs. Still, her most meaningful experience came when she took the stage and brought the audience to its feet. “To have the opportunity to stand on that stage and perform a song that had such incredible meaning to me was priceless,” she says. “Just being in that room was a gift, but to get a standing ovation from a group of people that I have long admired was a moment I will never forget.”