Reese Witherspoon was one of the A-list celebrities who paid tribute to Nicole Kidman on Saturday as she received the Life Achievement Award from the American Film Institute (AFI). Not surprisingly, Witherspoon dressed in black for the occasion.
Reese Witherspoon attends the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute to Nicole Kidman at The Dolby Theater on April 27, 2024 (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
It’s no secret that the 48-year-old Sweet Home Alabama actress has gone through several different styles over the years. Remember her Legally Blonde era? She used to embrace a feminine, delicate style but now prefers a more mature, glamorous look that fits her age.
Reese is known for her love of timeless black dresses, which, although polished and elegant, can often become boring—like the outfit she wore to the PaleyFest LA. I’m glad her recent red carpet appearance wasn’t as dull as expected.
Embracing Understated Elegance
Though I would love to see her wear anything other than black, I think the Your Place or Mine star made the right decision to opt for quiet luxury for such a prestigious occasion.
Putting on a busty display, Reese donned a black sleeveless Elie Saab dress featuring a wide, V-neck plunging neckline, which added allure to the otherwise classic black dress design.
Reese Witherspoon looks elegant in a black Elie Saab dress featuring a cleavage-baring plunging neckline and a wraparound skirt with a thigh-high front slit (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
It had a wide tonal waistband that drew attention to her figure and a velvety wrap-style maxi skirt that split at the thighs, revealing the actress’s legs.
For some reason, I find the dress classy, even with its daring cuts. I don’t mean to be biased, but maybe because Reese Witherspoon is wearing it, I’ve always found her elegant and refined.
Dazzling Accents
Reese Witherspoon’s ensemble was put together by stylist Petra Flannery, whose clients include Zoe Saldana, Emma Stone, and Emilia Clarke.
She paired her all-black ensemble with minimalist Jimmy Choo heels to create a sleek, monochromatic black look. Witherspoon showcased her red pedicure in the open-toe sandals crafted from black suede with thin toe straps, ankle straps, and high heels, boosting her 5’1” height.
Reese Witherspoon showcases her red pedicure in Jimmy Choo’s Minny open-toe sandals (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
I love the addition of David Webb jewelry to give the head-to-toe black look a dash of sparkle. Reese wore the “Lane” Hammered 18k Gold Bracelet and the Diamond Crossover Hammered 18k Gold Bangle with brilliant-cut diamonds on one wrist and added the Park Avenue Crossover Ring.
For a pop of color, she selected a pair of statement earrings encrusted with emeralds, diamonds, rubies, and pearl drops.
Reese Witherspoon adds sparkles to her head-to-toe black ensemble with statement jewelry by David Webb (Credit: Media Punch / INSTARimages)
Minimalist Beauty Look
The Fear actress, who seldom wears a lot of makeup, enhanced her natural beauty with the help of makeup artist Kelsey Deenihan Fisher. She highlighted Reese’s blue eyes with shimmering bronze eyeshadow and mascara, then completed the look with a peach blush and a sheer pink lip gloss.
Lona Maria Vigi, meanwhile, straightened Reese’s blonde tresses, parted them in the middle, and tucked them behind her ears.
Reese Witherspoon styles her blonde hair straight and wears neutral makeup with bronzed eyeshadow, peachy blush, and sheer pink lip gloss (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Paying Tribute to Nicole Kidman
Taking to the stage to honor her friend and Big Little Lies co-star Nicole Kidman, Reese revealed in her speech that she was a fan of Kidman, whom she described as “every bit as talented and gorgeous and sophisticated and elegant as you can possibly imagine.”
“I love you so much. Before I ever met you, I was your biggest fan, so this is such a fun night.”
“When you’re sitting opposite her watching her work, it is literally mesmerizing. I would have to stop myself sometimes and go, ‘Oh my God, that’s Nicole Kidman. Oh my God, be profesh, be profesh.’ Because I was that blown away.”
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She also discussed Kidman’s accomplishments and how they teamed up in Big Little Lies, adding that they shared a desire to adapt the Liane Moriarty novel.
“But instead of fighting it out in court or in some sort of televised boxing match in Las Vegas, we decided to team up. Because there’s one thing that Nicole knows very, very well, that there’s power in collaboration, and there’s even more power in sisterhood.”
“And that’s why I’m here tonight, sister. And I want to thank you for being a friend and being the best colleague ever.”