Danielle Brooks made a powerful statement at the 96th Academy Awards with her stunning manicure, which held a deep significance. The 34-year-old actress, nominated for Best Supporting Actress, adorned her baby-pink nails with intricate crystal details, including bedazzled french tips and a crystalline “26” on one nail.
Speaking with Laverne Cox on E!’s red carpet pre-show, Brooks revealed the symbolism behind the number. “I have 26 on my nail because I’m the 26th Black woman to be nominated for Best Supporting Actress,” she explained. “So I had to at least honor that.”
Brooks emphasized the importance of her nomination, stating, “Whether I go home with an award or not, I will forever be the 26th Black woman to be nominated for supporting actress.”
Her manicure complemented her elegant Dolce & Gabbana ensemble, featuring a corset top with bedazzled boning details and a satin skirt with a thigh-high slit. Brooks accessorized with diamond jewelry, adding even more glamour to her look.
Nominated for her role in “The Color Purple,” Brooks is not only the 26th Black woman to receive this honor but also the second Black woman in history to land both an Oscar nomination and a Tony nomination for the same role, following in the footsteps of Viola Davis.
Reflecting on her journey during the filming of “The Color Purple,” Brooks expressed her joy and gratitude, emphasizing the significance of the moment. As she takes center stage at the Oscars, Brooks’s manicure serves as a poignant tribute to the legacy of Black excellence in cinema.
The 96th Oscars ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre, marking a historic moment in Brooks’s illustrious career.
