The Breakthrough Prize Ceremony Awards, aka the “Oscars of Science,” honors top scientists for their outstanding achievements and innovations in life sciences, fundamental physics, and mathematics.
This year’s celebration, however, took an interesting turn. The focus shifted from the scientists’ accomplishments to the glitz and glamour provided by the presence of Hollywood stars dressed to the nines.
Breakthrough Prize 2025: Celebrity Shoe & Red Carpet Fashion Guide
- Olivia Wilde in Aquazzura Passions Pumps and Erdem Gown
- Jessica Chastain in Silver Gucci Heels and White Crystal Gown
- Lily Collins in Armani Mesh Pumps and Velvet-Pearl Gown
- Paris Hilton in Betsey Johnson Floral Mesh Pumps and Sequin Cape Dress
- Gal Gadot in Prada Slingback Heels and Fringed Dress
- Zoe Saldana in Saint Laurent Pumps and Brown Schiaparelli Gown
- Kate Hudson in Gold Jimmy Choo Platforms and Sheer Elie Saab Gown
A host of A-listers graced the red carpet, including Olivia Wilde, Lily Collins, Paris Hilton, and Gal Gadot, who all chose to wear black, and Jessica Chastain, who opted for white. On the other end of the spectrum, Kate Hudson shone in a gold dress, while Zoe Saldana added some neutral flair in a brown one. But no red carpet look would be complete without stunning heels, and these stars did not disappoint.
Olivia Wilde, Jessica Chastain, Lily Collins, Paris Hilton, Gal Gadot, Zoe Saldana, and Kate Hudson bring star power to the 11th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony red carpet at Barker Hangar on April 5, 2025, in Santa Monica, California (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages / Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Each star brought a distinct sense of style, turning the red carpet into a dazzling fashion showcase.
1. Olivia Wilde Turns Heads in Aquazzura Passions Pumps and Sculptural Black Erdem Gown
Olivia Wilde made her way to the venue in Aquazzura’s “Passions” pumps, which showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of the Florence-based label’s Italian artisans.
These exquisitely designed heels combine refinement and sensual appeal. They wrap the foot in strips of luxurious black suede material arranged in a cage-like effect, giving them a sense of bold structure. Sheer mesh inserts juxtapose them for a feminine look that offers ventilation and support for all-day wear.
These pumps, with pin-thin heels and pointy toes, accentuate Olivia’s height and elegance. They cost $925 at Net-a-Porter.
Olivia’s shoes are already a chic and striking option, but pairing them with a dramatic black gown adds an extra wow factor to the look.
Olivia Wilde makes her way to the Barker Hangar in Aquazzura’s Passions Pumps featuring luxurious black suede and nude mesh inserts, creating a caged effect (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Olivia’s $5,995 cocktail gown hails from Erdem’s Fall/Winter 2025 collaborative collection with British artist Kaye Donachie. The collection draws inspiration from Donachie’s ethereal artworks combined with the timeless feminine and romantic silhouettes Erdem is known for.
Olivia’s breathtaking dress has a low, off-the-shoulder neckline highlighting her slender frame and a flattering fitted bodice that gives way to a voluminous ankle-length skirt with a sculpted poof at the hip, creating the illusion of a pannier underneath.
I love how the textured cloque material creates a luxurious jacquard effect. An ivory floral ribbon work motif inspired by Kaye Donachie’s muted drawings adds a subtle touch of femininity.
Olivia is accessorized with long dangling earrings, their soft lines complementing her gown’s clean, elegant silhouette. Her fingers are adorned with a thick band and two delicate rings, but her neck is bare—something I like because it makes the garment the focal point.
Wilde styled her hair in glamorous waves, enhancing her sophisticated aura. She completed her look with perfectly executed smokey eye makeup, highlighting her cat-like eyes. Rounding out her glam was a soft, neutral palette with nude lips and peachy blush.
Olivia Wilde pairs her caged-effect pumps with a black textured cloque dress with an ivory ribbon motif from Erdem’s Fall/Winter 2025 collaborative collection with British artist Kaye Donachie (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
2. Jessica Chastain Shines in Silver Gucci Heels and White Crystal-Trimmed Gucci Gown
As an ambassador for Gucci, Jessica Chastain’s choice of a head-to-toe look from the Italian fashion house didn’t surprise me.
She shimmered on the red carpet with her mirror metallic silver sandals by Gucci, which reflected light and made her stand out.
These sandals added a touch of glitz and glamour to her look, with their chunky platforms and high-block heels providing height and elegance. I love the simplicity of the design, featuring a thin ankle strap and a wider strap across the peep toes.
These sandals added extra inches to Chastain’s petite 5’3 3/4” frame and an effortlessly glamorous element to her look. They were a brilliant addition as they allowed her custom Gucci floor-length dress to pool perfectly to the floor.
Jessica Chastain shines in reflective silver Gucci sandals featuring thick platforms and block heels (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Chastain, who turned 48 a few weeks ago, looked sensational in a form-fitting, pristine white sleeveless gown that showcased her slender frame.
The dress has an understated hint of seduction with its backless design and tiny waist cutout. On top of the flattering silhouette, the gown is adorned with crystal trimmings along the high neckline and right below the bust towards the shoulder straps, making this piece stand out.
Taking things up a notch are the clear teardrop-shaped gemstones and tiny crystal-embellished pattern cascading from her waist down. I love how these subtle yet striking decorations add sparkle and glamour without overpowering the overall appearance.
Looking like the epitome of elegance and grace, Jessica accessorized her dress with minimal jewelry, including a pair of dangling diamond earrings from Damiani and a couple of diamond rings. Her silver Gucci Bamboo turn-lock clutch, with a reflective finish, complements her high heels.
The look was completed with her signature red locks styled in loose waves and soft makeup with glittery eyeshadow, pink blush, and pink lipstick.
Jessica Chastain elegantly pairs her silver heels with a white Gucci dress featuring a backless design and a cutout midriff with crystal trims and a crystal-adorned skirt (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Lily Collins made quite an impression at the event in black d’Orsay pumps that were anything but ordinary. She wore a pair from Armani, exquisitely crafted in Italy from mesh fabric and intricately embroidered with clusters of sparkling sequins, creating a stunning flower-like pattern.
They are secured to the foot with adjustable satin ankle straps and complemented with a sophisticated pointed toe. The 3.7-inch slanted heels add a sleek, modern touch to their design.
Lily Collins opts for romantic black mesh d’Orsay pumps by Armani featuring clusters of sparkling sequins, creating a stunning flower-like pattern (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Lily Collins has consistently showcased her unique and sophisticated style in various public appearances, and this one was no different.
She looks stunning in a black Armani gown with a strapless velvet bodice that fits her figure flawlessly and an opulent tulle skirt with a ruffle accent cascading on one side. I adore the delicate embellishment of pearls throughout the skirt, creating a stunning, starry effect.
I love how Lily contrasted the romantic vibe of the dress with modern, edgy accessories from Cartier. She wore the Cartier Panthere De Cartier White Gold Diamond and Onyx drop earrings and the Cartier Les Berlingots De Cartier ring.
Her flawlessly styled brunette bob was tucked behind her ears, highlighting her earrings. She then chose delicate pink makeup to accentuate her features and balance the overall look.
Lily Collins looks stunning in a black Armani gown with a fitted velvet bodice and a pearl-embellished tulle skirt with a ruffle accent cascading on one side (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
4. Paris Hilton Radiates Glamour in Betsey Johnson Floral Mesh Pumps and Sequin Cape Dress
Paris Hilton’s shoes were partially hidden beneath her black gown but caught my attention. They were simply too striking to ignore!
She wore the $139 Betsey Johnson “Nash” pumps, crafted from see-through mesh in a half d’Orsay silhouette. What caught my eye were the sparkling paillettes arranged into clusters of florals, adding a touch of feminine elegance to the design.
The pointed fabric toes were a subtle nod to classic sophistication, while the 4-inch shiny sculpted heels added a touch of modernity to the ensemble.
Paris Hilton enhances her height with the Betsey Johnson Nash pumps made of mesh with floral paillettes and sculpted heels (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Paris paired her Betsey Johnson pumps with a floor-length black gown entirely embellished with sequins and rhinestones, radiating glamour and sophistication. The dress’s straightforward cut perfectly hugged her figure, accentuating her slender curves.
Sheer panels cascaded from her shoulders, creating airy, whimsical sleeves that resembled a cape. Although Hilton’s sheer opera gloves enhanced the ensemble’s regal vibe, I don’t think they were necessary, as the dress already exuded elegance and sophistication.
Paris Hilton amped up the regality by accessorizing with a $30,000.00 Joseph Saidian & Sons Diamond and Pearl choker set in 18-karat white gold with a Center Old Mine Diamond of yellowish tint. She also wore an exquisite 4,000 vintage pearl and diamond ring and the captivating Anayah “Anwara” pearl stud earrings with an American diamond border.
Paris styled her blonde tresses into a chic bun with face-framing tendrils. Her signature pink makeup and fluttery eyelashes completed her look.
Paris Hilton looks regal in her black crystal-embellished dress with airy sheer cape sleeves and opera gloves (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
5. Gal Gadot Glows in Minimalist Prada Slingbacks and Fringe-Trimmed Black Dress
Gal Gadot wore an all-black Prada outfit, striking the perfect balance between understatement and intrigue. She chose the Prada slingback pumps, which feature a chic, sleek, pointed-toe silhouette, a slim slingback strap, and the Italian luxury house’s puffy triangle logo on the vamps.
Their clean and simple style pays homage to the house’s minimalist design philosophy. Crafted from lustrous brushed leather, they sit atop a mid-height heel, enough to add extra inches to Gadot’s tall 5’10” (178 cm) frame. The design exudes understated elegance and sophistication while skillfully fusing comfort and style.
Gal Gadot’s Prada slingback pumps are available for $1,200 at Mytheresa.
Gal Gadot opts for the basic, wearing Prada’s classic slingback pumps with a puffy triangle logo on the vamp (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Gal Gadot perfectly elevated her understated pumps with an eye-catching black dress adorned with sparkling fringed paillettes, adding a hint of fun and movement to her overall style. The spaghetti straps held the dress’s low sweetheart neckline in place, allowing Gal’s form to be fully displayed without being overly revealing.
The bodice was form-fitting around her waist and hips, accentuating her figure before cascading into a sleek floor-length skirt. I love the choice of black paillettes, as they kept the look sophisticated and chic rather than loud or cheap.
Her accessories were also on point! Gal Gadot took her look to the next level with a stunning selection of Tiffany & Co. accessories. She wore diamond stud earrings highlighted by her sleek bun and the iconic Tiffany & Co. Victoria Mixed Cluster collar necklace, enhancing her look’s elegance and glitz.
Gal Gadot shines in a black Prada dress made of fringed paillettes, giving the look a sense of movement (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
6. Zoe Saldana Keeps It Classic in Saint Laurent Heels and Brown Schiaparelli Gown
Zoe Saldana showed her penchant for classic yet bold styles, wearing the same Saint Laurent pumps she wore to the Vanity Fair Oscars Party last month.
She slipped her tattooed feet into these opulent satin pumps. The design featured a pointed toe and a low-cut vamp, radiating a sensual aura. They were secured to her ankle with a unique combination of a slingback and a T-strap, accentuated by a crystal buckle, adding a touch of glitz to the design.
These pumps are finished with slim high heels, boosting Saldana’s 5’6” stature.
Zoe Saldana wears her favorite Saint Laurent pumps featuring elongated vamps, pointed toes, and chic ankle straps (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Zoe teamed her black pumps with a dark brown dress from Schiaparelli’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection. The dress is undeniably chic with its long sleeves, side pockets, and off-the-shoulder neckline. However, it doesn’t quite fit the event’s vibe.
The silhouette suits her nicely, highlighting her figure and showing a hint of her legs through the front slit, but if I’m being honest, the look is somewhat dull and forgettable. The dark brown color is ordinary and lacks excitement, in my opinion.
While Zoe Saldana’s ensemble was underwhelming compared to the other guests, it did have one intriguing element: a trompe l’oeil tulle bodysuit with a rose motif in the middle. Many, including me, were taken aback as it appeared like a rose tattoo on Zoe’s chest.
Zoe wore her hair down in curls and accessorized her manicured hands with two diamond rings to complete her ensemble.
Zoe Saldana teams her black pumps with a brown Schiaparelli off-the-shoulder dress and a trompe l’oeil tulle bodysuit with a tattoo-like rose motif in the middle (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
7. Kate Hudson Brings Boho Glam in Gold Jimmy Choo Heels and Sheer Elie Saab Gown
Kate Hudson dazzled in an all-gold ensemble and made a statement on the red carpet in Jimmy Choo Max platform sandals.
The shoes boast a clean, minimalist design with thick toe straps, slender ankle straps secured by buckles, and open almond-shaped toes. Despite the simplicity of the uppers, the addition of thick platforms and towering heels elevate them to new heights, boosting Kate’s already tall 5’6” frame while giving her ensemble a modern, edgy touch.
Kate Hudson dazzles in gold Jimmy Choo Max platform sandals, perfectly complementing her sheer gown (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Kate embraced her love of bohemian style, opting for a free-flowing dress from Elie Saab’s Spring 2024 Couture collection.
Kate exuded a radiant glow in her off-the-shoulder gold gown made of see-through sheer material. The gown gracefully draped over her figure while giving onlookers a glimpse of her flesh. The billowing sleeves added a 1970s hippie vibe, emphasizing the dress’s bohemian allure.
The elaborate bead and sequin appliques, artfully arranged in a striped motif, give the dress a beautiful contrast and eye-catching charm. Additionally, the ethereal feel of the dress is enhanced by the way it floats effortlessly around Kate’s figure, making her look like a vision straight out of a dream.
Kate Hudson brings 1970s bohemian glamour to the red carpet with her sheer gold Elie Saab gown embellished with glittering beads and sequins (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Finally, mismatched earrings and a few rings added extra glamour while leaving her neck bare. Her hair was brushed away from her face, giving her a vintage, retro appearance that complemented the overall bohemian aesthetic.
Red Carpet Shoe Highlights from Past Breakthrough Prize Ceremonies
Jessica Chastain Sparkles in Elie Saab Jumpsuit
- Event: 10th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony
- Outfit: Jessica Chastain dazzled in a royal purple sequined jumpsuit by Elie Saab, exuding disco-era glamour.
- Footwear: While her heels were concealed, it’s speculated she wore metallic strappy sandals to complement the ensemble.
- More Details: Jessica Chastain’s Elie Saab look at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony
Olivia Wilde Turns Heads in Galvan Cutout Dress
- Event: 10th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony
- Outfit: Olivia Wilde made a bold statement in a sideless black Galvan Twist Cindy dress, showcasing modern elegance.
- Footwear: The dress’s design highlighted her choice of minimalist black heels, adding to the sleek aesthetic.
- More Details: Olivia Wilde’s daring Galvan ensemble
Gal Gadot Shines in Saint Laurent Ensemble
- Event: 9th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony
- Outfit: Gal Gadot exuded sophistication in an all-black Saint Laurent outfit, featuring a silk blouse with a dramatic train and high-waisted pants.
- Footwear: She completed the look with classic black pumps, epitomizing timeless elegance.
- More Details: Gal Gadot’s sleek Saint Laurent appearance
Brie Larson Blooms in Floral Chanel Gown
- Event: 10th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony
- Outfit: Brie Larson embraced spring in a pastel floral Chanel gown, radiating grace and femininity.
- Footwear: She paired the gown with blue Christian Louboutin leather mules, adding a pop of color to her ensemble.
- More Details: Brie Larson’s floral Chanel look
Christina Aguilera Stuns in Sheer Versace Jumpsuit
- Event: 9th Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony
- Outfit: Christina Aguilera captivated in a sheer black Versace jumpsuit with jagged tiger-stripe cut-out detailing.
- Footwear: She elevated the look with Gianvito Rossi Metropolis PVC slingback sandals, showcasing her edgy style.
- More Details: Christina Aguilera’s bold Versace ensemble