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19 celebrity couples who met their soulmates when they were just teenagers

6 de Junho de 2026, 11:05
Jalen Brunson and Ali Brunson at the Moet & Chandon clubhouse suite at Arthur Ashe Stadium on September 07, 2025 in New York City.
Knicks star Jalen Brunson met his wife, Ali, when they were in high school.

Michael Simon/Getty Images for Moet & Chandon

  • Neither high school relationships nor Hollywood relationships are known for longevity.
  • But these 19 celebrity couples met as teens, and many of them are still together today.
  • Knicks star Jalen Brunson met his wife, Ali, when they were in high school.

Even in the most stable environment, it's hard to maintain a relationship that moves from high school to the real world.

Now imagine doing it as a celebrity.

Nevertheless, these 19 couples all met as high schoolers (or in some cases, even earlier), and made it work for years after, even if not all of them are still together today.

Here are 19 celebrity couples who met back when they were just regular teenagers.

Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks
Jalen Brunson (L) and Ali Marks attend Haute Living Jalen Brunson Cover Celebration with JP Morgan Wealth Management and Mijenta Tequila at Avra Rockefeller on October 26, 2024 in New York City.
Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks in 2024.

Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Haute Living

The Knicks superstar has been dating his wife, Ali Marks, since high school — their 2015 prom photo is still on his Instagram, captioned, "Went to prom with the best date anyone could ask for."

They got engaged in 2022 and married in 2023.

"She's always been by my side and I'm lucky to have her," Brunson told People after the big day.

In a nod to their long relationship, Marks wore her prom dress as her second look at the wedding.

They welcomed their first child, Jordyn, in 2024.

Patrick and Brittany Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Mahomes at the Sports Illustrated Swim Issue Launch Party held at the Hard Rock Hotel on May 16, 2024 in New York, New York
Patrick and Brittany Mahomes in 2024.

Lexie Moreland/WWD/Getty Images

The 2023 Super Bowl champion has been with Brittany, his now-wife, since they were classmates in Tyler, Texas.

In 2020, Patrick proposed to Brittany, captioning an Instagram post with "#RingSZN." A few days later, the couple revealed they were expecting their first child together. Their daughter, Sterling, was born in February 2021.

They married in March 2022. Their second child, a boy named Patrick "Bronze" Lavon Mahomes III, was born in November 2022. Their third baby, Golden, was born in January 2025.

Brittany and Sterling were at the stadium to watch the Chiefs quarterback win his second Super Bowl in February 2023.

Snoop Dogg and Shante Broadus
Snoop Dogg and Shante Broadus attend the 2025 BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 09, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
Snoop Dogg and Shante Broadus in 2025.

Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BET

Their first son, Cordé, was born in 1994, and they were married three years later in 1997. Snoop even shared an adorable throwback shot of the two at prom on Instagram. The ups and downs of their marriage were all documented on their reality TV show, "Snoop Dogg's Father Hood."

The couple filed for divorce in 2004, but reconciled and renewed their vows in 2008.

According to VH1, Snoop told Queen Latifah in 2013 that "[he] had no understanding of how I was hurting her and how I was betraying myself, until I [realized] I need to love this woman who loves me and had my kids. [I needed to] put my life in perspective and let my music and my business become secondary."

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Vanessa Nadal
lin manuel miranda and vanessa nadal
Vanessa Nadal and Lin-Manuel Miranda attend The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating "In America: An Anthology of Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 02, 2022 in New York City

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Miranda and Nadal attended the same New York City high school, but they never actually spoke — though that didn't stop Miranda from developing a crush on his future wife.

"She was gorgeous and I'm famously bad at talking to women I find attractive. I have a total lack of game," Miranda told The New York Times in 2010.

They reconnected on Facebook years later, after they both graduated from college. They tied the knot in September 2010. They now have two sons.

Jeff Daniels and Kathleen Treado
jeff daniels wife
Actor Jeff Daniels, winner of Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Serie for 'The Newsroom,' and his wife Kathleen Treado attend HBO's Annual Primetime Emmy Awards Post Award Reception at The Plaza at the Pacific Design Center on September 22, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.

Michael Buckner/Getty Images

Daniels and Treado grew up in Chelsea, Michigan, and met in high school. They've been together ever since. Throughout his highly successful career, the couple still call Chelsea their home, and they raised their three kids there.

In 2014, Daniels told MLive about why he chose to stay close to home rather than move out to industry hubs Los Angeles or New York City, saying, "[Chelsea] was home. Kathleen and I had both been raised here; good enough for us, good enough for them."

LeBron James and Savannah Brinson
LeBron James and Savannah James, Hammer Gala Co-Chair, attend the 20th Annual Hammer Museum Gala In The Garden at Hammer Museum on May 17, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.
LeBron James and Savannah Brinson in 2025.

Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for the Hammer Museum

Brinson told Harper's Bazaar in 2010 about their first date at Outback, calling it "basic," but she shared that it was also when she knew he loved her.

"I knew he loved me when I left my leftovers from dinner in his car," Brinson said. "I'd totally forgotten about them, and he brought them to me. I think he just wanted another excuse to come and see me."

Brinson became pregnant with their first child, Bronny, while she was still in high school, and she was nervous that it would derail their lives, but James assured her that everything would be OK.

James finally proposed to his longtime girlfriend in 2011, after 10 years of dating, per the Los Angeles Times. They tied the knot in 2014. They also had two more kids.

LL Cool J and Simone Smith
Simone Smith (R) and LL Cool J (L) attend the 65th GRAMMY Awards on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
LL Cool J and Simone Smith in 2023.

Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

LL Cool J shared the story of how he met his wife during an interview on "Jimmy Kimmel Live."

The rapper told Kimmel in 2012 that he "was just 19, something like that," when he was driving down the block on Easter Sunday. His friend asked him if he wanted to meet one of his friend's cousins, and once he got a look at Smith, he told his friend, "Oh yeah, I'll meet your cousin."

Smith recalled she was 17 years old when they met. The pair married in 1995 after dating for 8 years, and they have 4 kids together.

Bono and Ali Hewson
Irish singer-Songwriter and executive producer Bono (R) and his spouse Irish activist and businesswoman Ali Hewson leave after the screening of the film "Bono: Stories of Surrender" at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 16, 2025. (
Ali Hewson and Bono in 2025.

VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images

Bono and Hewson met when they were teenagers at school. Hewson played hard to get, since she didn't want to be known as "just another of Bono's girls," but eventually his pursuit of her was successful.

Their first date culminated with him walking her to the bus stop, per the Huffington Post.

The U2 star has called their relationship "a magic carpet ride." She "sees me as a figure of amusement," said Bono while speaking to The Sun.

Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford
Rapper Kendrick Lamar (L) and Whitney Alford attend The 58th GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 15, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.
Kendrick Lamar and Whitney Alford in 2016.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images for NARAS

The "Not Like Us" rapper is pretty private about his personal life, but we know that he met his fiancée when they were both high schoolers in Compton, California, according to Billboard.

"She's been here since day one," Lamar said of Alford in a 2014 New York Times Magazine profile.

They got engaged in 2015 and have two children together. The entire family appears on the cover of his fifth album, "Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers" in 2022.

Steph and Ayesha Curry
Ayesha Curry (L) and Stephen Curry attend the 2026 Met Gala Celebrating "Costume Art" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026 in New York City.
Ayesha and Steph Curry in 2026.

TheStewartofNY/Getty Images

Even though they're basketball's golden couple, Ayesha had never even attended a game until she was 19 — five years after she met her future-husband Steph, ABC News reported.

The two met as teenagers in Charlotte, North Carolina. They never officially dated when they were that young, but according to Ayesha, they'd talk on the phone sometimes. "It was that shy middle school, high school stuff," she said.

When the basketball star was flown out to Los Angeles for the ESPY Awards, his first thought was of his childhood crush. They met up, saw the sights, and the rest is history.

Now, he's widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in the game, and she's turned herself into a brand. Ayesha has written cookbooks, opened a barbecue restaurant, hosted a cooking show on the Food Network called "Ayesha's Home Kitchen," and founded a skincare brand called Sweet July.

They welcomed their fourth child in 2024.

Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley
Dorothea Hurley and Jon Bon Jovi
Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley looked comfy at the Super Bowl.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation

People reported the couple met at Sayreville War Memorial High School in their New Jersey hometown, and have been together ever since. They have four kids together.

At the peak of Bon Jovi's fame in 1989, the couple decided to elope in Las Vegas and were married by an Elvis impersonator. And though Bon Jovi has die-hard fans, Hurley isn't concerned.

"I think it's great they love the music," she told People in 2016.

Ron Howard and Cheryl Alley
Cheryl Howard and Ron Howard attends the premiere of "Eden" during the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 07, 2024
Cheryl Alley and Ron Howard in 2024.

Emma McIntyre/WireImage/Getty Images

Even though getting married young (they were both 21) might seem like a risky endeavor, these two have beaten the odds, successfully navigating Hollywood and parenthood.

"I felt really lucky when we met. It's crazy — we were teenagers, it shouldn't have worked. We got married young, that shouldn't have worked either, and yet it really and truly has," Howard told the Huffington Post about his decades-long marriage to Alley in 2013.

And now their kids are famous, too — their daughter, Bryce Dallas Howard, starred in the "Jurassic World" franchise and regularly directs episodes of the "Star Wars" TV shows.

Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins
Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins attend the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026
Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins in 2026.

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Getty Images

While they had known each other since they were kids (since first grade, to be exact, according to Country Living), Rhett and Akins didn't start dating until they were teenagers — and it didn't stick at first. The two broke up soon after, and actually almost both married other people, according to People.

But thankfully (for Rhett), Akins broke up with her boyfriend, and Rhett "moved in for the kill." They dated for six months and married in 2013, when they were both 22. They now have four daughters and a son, born in 2026.

Ja Rule and Aisha Atkins
Aisha Atkins and Ja Rule attend Kenny "The Jet" Smith's FlyHouse Presented by Resorts World on February 13, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California.
Aisha Atkins and Ja Rule in 2026.

Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Kenny Smith

According to Ja Rule, the two have been together since middle school. He told Ebony magazine in 2002 that "the first time I met her I was getting off the school bus, and she was the new girl in school." 

The couple were married in 2001 and have three kids together.

Besides dealing with the normal issues that couples go through and constantly being scrutinized by the media, they also had to spend almost two years apart while Ja Rule was in prison for tax evasion and illegal gun possession. He was released in 2013, per TMZ.

Mariano and Clara Rivera
2019 National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee and former New York Yankee Mariano Rivera acknowledges the crowd as he stands with his wife Clara next to his Hall of Fame plaque during a ceremony in his honor before a game between the Yankees and the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium on August
Mariano and Clara Rivera in 2019.

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Famed baseball player Rivera met his wife in elementary school, and the pair have been together ever since, The New York Times reported.

They were married in Panama in 1991, and they lived there until 2000, when they moved to Westchester County, New York.

Eminem and Kim Scott
eminem kim

Christopher Polk and Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Their long and tumultuous relationship began when they were just kids.

Even if you have just cursory knowledge about Eminem, you know about Kim, the subject of many of the rapper's most disturbing songs, like "Kim," and "'97 Bonnie and Clyde."

The two met when they were just kids (she was 13 and he was 15). Kim and her twin, Dawn, had previously run away from an allegedly abusive home, and eventually began living with Eminem and his mother.

In 1995, they welcomed their daughter Hailie (the subject of more Eminem songs), and were married in 1999.

But things quickly went downhill — Eminem was accused of pistol-whipping a man he claimed he saw kissing his wife, according to NME. The charge was dropped in favor of a reduced charge of carrying a concealed weapon, and he was sentenced to two years' probation. The couple divorced in 2001.

Five years later, they shocked the world and remarried. But just three months after that, the rapper filed for divorce. Their second divorce was finalized in 2006, per People.

Though Eminem built his brand around graphic songs, he apologized to his former wife on the track "Bad Husband" from his 2017 album, "Revival."

Joey Fatone and Kelly Baldwin
joey fatone wife
Joey Fatone and Kelly Baldwin arrive at the mPowering ActionPre-GRAMMY Launch Event at The Conga Room at L.A. Live on February 8, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.

Valerie Macon/Getty Images)

Fatone and Baldwin had been dating for 10 years and had a daughter together in 2001 before they were married in 2004, per People. Their second daughter was born in 2010.

Their relationship was plagued with rumors of infidelity from outlets such as Page Six, reaching a high in 2013 after his appearances on two seasons of "Dancing with the Stars." At the time, when Baldwin was asked for a comment, she simply responded, "I don't really want to talk about this."

In 2020, Fatone confirmed to Us Weekly that they were getting divorced.

Robin Thicke and Paula Patton
robin thicke paula patton
Singer Robin Thicke and actress Paula Patton attend the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards at the Barclays Center on August 25, 2013 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City.

Larry Busacca/Getty Images

Thicke and Patton's 21-year-long relationship began when they were 16.

Thicke told Essence in 2011 that their relationship began when they were teenagers, and Patton was "the president of the Black student union and [Thicke] was just a silly white boy."

But they had actually met a year prior at a teen club where, according to Thicke, he serenaded his future wife with the Stevie Wonder song "Jungle Fever."

They were together for 21 years and married for nine before filing for divorce in 2014 and engaging in a particularly nasty custody battle for their son, Julian.

Misha Collins and Victoria Vantoch
misha collins
Misha Collins.

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Collins and Vantoch got married in 2001, though they met way back in high school — Collins was the only boy in one of Vantoch's English classes.

The two separated at some point before 2021. He acknowledged the split in the author's note in his poetry book, "Some Things I Still Can't Tell You."

Read the original article on Business Insider

I spent 2 nights in an Amtrak bedroom and tried both bunks. The smaller bed won me over.

31 de Maio de 2026, 09:24
The author lays in the top bunk of an Amtrak bedroom
The author booked a bedroom on Amtrak's California Zephyr and slept in both bunks.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

  • I spent two nights on Amtrak's California Zephyr train and booked a $2,200 bedroom with two bunks.
  • I spent the first night in the top bunk and the second in the lower cot.
  • I slept well in both, but I preferred the top bunk because it made the room feel bigger.

With two nights on the California Zephyr and two beds to choose from, I picked both.

In February 2026, I took the Amtrak sleeper train's full route from Chicago to Emeryville, California. For the 53-hour train journey, I booked a $2,200 bedroom with a foldout couch and an upper bunk. As a solo traveler in a room for two, I spent one night in each cot to see which I preferred.

I got roughly the same amount of sleep in each bunk, but some key differences led me to prefer the top one.

And honestly, you probably won't agree with me.

My Amtrak bedroom was 50 square feet and had two beds.
The author standing smiling in the Amtrak bedroom with a bunk bed in the background

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Inside the bedroom, there was a bathroom on the left, a foldout couch on the right, and a table and chair against the back window. Above the couch was a lever to pull the top bunk down from the ceiling.

Train attendants offer turndown service to set up both beds, but as an experienced overnight train traveler (I've spent 193 hours on them), I did it myself.

I spent my first night in the top bunk.
The top bunk in an Amtrak bedroom with blankets and pillows on top

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

When I pulled the top bunk down from the ceiling, I found a ladder, straps to hook to the ceiling, and bedding. I hooked the ladder to the end of the bed and climbed up to fix the straps. There was also a pair of pockets on the wall where I stored my water bottle and phone.

The shakiness of the train felt more prominent in the top bunk, but I didn't mind it.
The author relaxes in the top bunk in an Amtrak bedroom

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

If you're new to overnight train travel, I wouldn't recommend the top bunk. The shakes and rumbles of the rails felt more intense up there than on the couch below. But I've slept on so many trains that this motion rocks me to sleep now.

I slept for seven hours and woke up feeling well rested.

Sleeping up top made me feel like a kid again.
A composite image of the author taking a selfie with a camera in the mirror from the top bunk and the author sitting on the top bunk with her feet on the ladder

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I slept in the top bunk above my brother growing up. Back then, it felt like just another mundane detail of my day. But as an adult, lying up there in that Amtrak bed, I was overwhelmed with nostalgia. It was like traveling back in time and having the chance to appreciate something I never did as a kid.

The best part of the top bunk was that it made the room feel bigger.
The author lays in the top bunk of an Amtrak bedroom with her legs hanging over the ladder

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

With the couch still intact, adding the top bunk gave the tiny space another piece of furniture without taking up more square footage. I stored my belongings on the couch below and used the bunk as a loft throughout the next day.

On the second night, I slept in the bottom bunk.
An Amtrak couch pulled out into a bed with a pillow in the top left corner

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Beneath each corner of the couch was a pedal that read "Push for bed." With my foot on the pedal, I pulled the bar spanning each cushion to make the bed. I had easy access to the power outlets and a cupholder by the window.

The bottom bunk felt larger than the top bunk, but it made the room feel smaller.
A composite image of the author sitting smiling in the bottom bunk and the bunk with pillows and blankets on it

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The bottom bunk was wider than the top bunk, so I had more room to stretch out. At the same time, the lower bunk took up a lot of the floor space. I suddenly felt cramped. There was no longer space to stand in front of the sink, so I brushed my teeth in bed. I stuffed all of my belongings in the corner of the room.

I slept for eight hours in the bottom bunk and felt just as well rested as I did the day before.

In the bottom bunk, I woke up with a view.
The author lays in a lower bunk looking out the window in an Amtrak train bedroom

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The window in my room was only visible from the bottom bunk. So I appreciated waking up, opening the curtains, and seeing the sunrise without leaving my bed.

It may have been smaller and shakier, but the top bunk has my heart.
The author lays smiling in the top bunk in the Amtrak bedroom

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I'm sure most would prefer the bottom bunk for its size and slightly smoother ride, but on future overnight Amtrak trips, I'll always take the top bunk.

If I'm riding solo, it'll make the room feel bigger. But even if I'm not, I'll give my partner the bigger bed and enjoy feeling like a kid again.

Read the original article on Business Insider

I tried all the jarred pasta sauces I could find at Trader Joe's and ranked them from worst to best

10 Trader Joe's sauces arranged against a red background
I ranked every Trader Joe's pasta sauce I could find.

Isabel Fernandez Pujol/Business Insider Photo

  • I tried and ranked every jarred pasta sauce I could find at Trader Joe's.
  • The organic classic marinara was my least-favorite sauce because I thought it lacked flavor.
  • The creamy tomato-basil sauce and the roasted-garlic marinara were my top two picks.

My childhood is filled with memories of eating spaghetti with jarred marinara sauce. But now, as an adult, I realize how much of a difference a quality, flavorful sauce makes.

Fortunately, Trader Joe's sells an impressive variety of jarred pasta sauces to choose from, so I decided to try 12 options to see which would be worth purchasing again.

Here's how I'd rank them from worst to best.

Editor's note: This story was originally published on March 26, 2023, and most recently updated on May 26, 2026. Product availability may vary by location.

Trader Joe's organic marinara sauce was my least-favorite option.
A jar of Trader Joe's organic marinara sauce.

Savanna Swain-Wilson

Trader Joe's offers several types of marinara sauce, but the organic version seemed to be the most basic of them all. It had a mellow sweet-tomato flavor and a pretty red color, but other than that, there wasn't much going on.

The consistency, like most marinara sauces, reminded me of salsa because it was simultaneously chunky and watery. It poured easily with minimal effort.

This sauce was a bit too basic for my liking.
Penne pasta with Trader Joe's classic marinara sauce

Savanna Swain-Wilson

When I tried this sauce with penne, I wasn't a big fan. In my opinion, the meager amount of herbs made it taste like more like ketchup than a pasta sauce.

That said, I think it might work as a cocktail sauce with some added horseradish.

Because Trader Joe's sells several more flavorful marinara sauces, though, I personally wouldn't buy this one again.

I thought the tomato-basil marinara tasted a lot like the organic version.
A spoonful of marinara sauce in front of a jar of Trader Joe's tomato-basil marinara.
Trader Joe's tomato-basil marinara had a slightly chunky consistency.

Savanna Swain-Wilson

When I first tasted the tomato-basil marinara, I had to check the label on the sauce to make sure I didn't buy the organic marinara twice.

To be fair, there wasn't much of a difference between the ingredients in the two sauces, other than the fact that this one had more basil in it, which made it a touch brighter and more interesting.

I thought the tomato-basil marinara needed more flavor.
Trader Joe's tomato-basil marinara sauce on penne pasta

Savanna Swain-Wilson

Unfortunately, the basil flavor in this sauce was faint, so it still tasted like something was missing.

I think it could be vastly improved if you're willing to doctor it up with some extra herbs. But at that point, it might defeat the purpose of using jarred pasta sauce.

However, I think it would be good as a dip for breadsticks or pizza crust.

The cacio e pepe wasn't quite what I was expecting.
A hand holding a jar of Trader Joe's cacio e pepe sauce.

Savanna Swain-Wilson

Cacio e pepe is typically made with a few simple ingredients like butter, pepper, pasta water, and Parmesan. So, having a jarred version of such a simple sauce seemed a bit unnecessary to me.

Straight out of the jar, the sauce had a thick, creamy consistency, almost like a white gravy you'd put on biscuits.

For me, this sauce was too heavy on the pepper.
Trader Joe's cacio e pepe on penne pasta

Savanna Swain-Wilson

For me, Trader Joe's cacio e pepe sauce was too heavy on the salt and pepper.

I didn't like how the flavor lingered in my mouth even after washing it down with a glass of water. Plus, it seemed more oily than buttery.

In my opinion, this one tasted like a jarred Alfredo with a ton of black pepper mixed into it. It lacked the yummy, pure cheesiness I get when I make the dish from scratch, so I find it hard to justify buying it again.

Trader Joe's spicy chunky-tomato and pepper sauce was a standout.
A jar of Trader Joe's spicy chunky-tomato and pepper pasta sauce.

Savanna Swain-Wilson

In a sea of marinaras, Trader Joe's chunky-tomato and pepper sauce stood out for its spice.

In my experience, Trader Joe's items that are labeled as spicy can be pretty mild, so I was pleasantly by the mellow burn from this sauce.

It was a true standout with its layers of complex, spicy seasonings, bright-tomato flavor, and textured consistency. I'd buy it again, I just wouldn't pair it with pasta. In fact, I think it would be really good over some black beans and rice.

The Bolognese sauce was herby and meaty.
Trader Joe's bolognese sauce

Savanna Swain-Wilson

I'm not usually a huge fan of jarred meat sauces, but I was pleasantly surprised by Trader Joe's Bolognese.

For a premade Bolognese — especially one without wine or added sugar — it was quite good. The sauce contained a nice mix of dried herbs including thyme, oregano, fennel, and basil.

Texture-wise, Trader Joe's Bolognese sauce was thick but not as chunky as I expected. The beef is minced into such fine pieces that it felt inseparable from the sauce.

However, the sauce didn't have quite the same slow-cooked, full-bodied flavor as fresh Bolognese.

That said, a good Bolognese can be time-consuming to make from scratch, so Trader Joe's jarred version is a great substitute to make meaty pasta in record time.

I thought Trader Joe's Alfredo sauce was pretty good.
A jar of Trader Joe's Alfredo sauce.

Savanna Swain-Wilson

In my experience, most Alfredo sauces taste like under-seasoned cream. So, I was pleasantly surprised by the version from Trader Joe's.

Although the sauce was a bit too creamy for my liking, I think it's a solid premade option.
Trader Giotto's Alfredo on penne pasta

Savanna Swain-Wilson

I'm not a huge fan of Alfredo sauce, but I thought Trader Joe's version was pretty good. It wasn't overly seasoned and got most of its saltiness from the cheese.

Although the Alfredo was a bit too rich for my liking, fans of extra creamy, cheesy flavors would probably dig it. 

Overall, it tasted like a more mellow alternative to Trader Joe's cacio e pepe sauce.

The vegan Bolognese-style sauce surprised me.
Trader Joe's vegan bolognese pasta sauce

Savanna Swain-Wilson

Trader Joe's vegan Bolognese combines plant-based protein crumbles with tomatoes, vegetables, and other dried Italian herbs to form a concoction that captures the iconic beefy sauce without animal products.

I usually wouldn't seek out a vegan sauce, but this version of Bolognese hit the spot.
Trader Joe's vegan bolognese pasta sauce

Savanna Swain-Wilson

In my opinion, this is a really well-made, delicious sauce. It packed a pleasantly bright tomato flavor with basil and oregano.

The pea-protein crumbles did a nice job replicating that ground-beef texture and the subtle porcini-mushroom powder in the seasoning added a tasty layer of savory, meaty flavor.

I was still missing that wine taste typical of a Bolognese sauce, but then again, this flavor was also absent in Trader Joe's beefy Bolognese.

My only complaint was that it was very thin and watery — almost soup-like — so it didn't cling to the pasta as well as the other sauces.

Trader Joe's pesto rosso seemed more like a paste than a pasta sauce.
Trader Joe's pesto rosso

Savanna Swain-Wilson

Pesto rosso is a variation of the typical green pesto, made with sun-dried tomatoes.

The consistency of Trader Joe's version was thick, like tomato paste, so it seemed better suited for spreading on sandwiches than mixed into pasta. However, I tried it with penne.

With the pesto rosso, a little goes a long way.
Bowl of penne pasta with Trader Joe's pesto rosso

Savanna Swain-Wilson

The pesto rosso had a smooth, sweet-tomato flavor with a strong cheesy overtone. The balsamic gave the pesto rosso a sharp bite that made it distinct from other tomato-cheese sauces I tried.

Trader Joe's pesto rosso is one of those sauces where you need a just dollop to get the flavor you're looking for.

Overall, it's a great ingredient to have on hand when you need an extra boost of tomato flavor without using a full liquid sauce. I'd definitely buy it again.

The pesto alla Genovese seems like it would be good in a variety of dishes.
Trader Joe's pesto alla genovese with a spoon sticking out of jar

Savanna Swain-Wilson

There's a lot to love about Trader Joe's pesto alla Genovese, but my favorite part is that I could actually taste every ingredient that's supposed to be there.

In my experience, some store-bought pesto is overwhelmingly oily or drowning in so much salt that you can barely taste the basil.

On the contrary, Trader Joe's pesto alla Genovese had a pleasant basil flavor with a nice balance of nuttiness and salt. It was also surprisingly potent, so I think a little goes a long way.

The pesto alla Genovese was a solid option.
Trader Joe's pesto alla genovese on rotini pasta

Savanna Swain-Wilson

At first, the ultra-blended consistency and tiny jar made me think the pesto was more of a condiment than a sauce, but it tasted great on pasta.

However, I think it would also be great on top of chicken, grilled vegetables, paninis, and soups.

Though it's not as fresh tasting as the stuff in the refrigerated section, this sauce gets the job done when you're craving pesto. Plus, with the added convenience of a longer shelf life, you really get your bang for your buck here.

The three-cheese pomodoro sauce was my personal favorite.
Trader Joe's three-cheese pomodoro sauce

Savanna Swain-Wilson

"Pomodoro" translates to "tomato," which should serve as a reminder of who the star of this sauce is.

Trader Joe's three-cheese pomodoro sauce, which included Romano, Asiago, and Parmesan, was splendid. For me, the most notable quality was the delicate, yummy sweetness of the tomatoes that I didn't get from many of the other sauces.

I also loved that there were large chunks of tomato and that the sauce had a rustic, home-cooked feel to it. I'd buy this again to ladle over stuffed shells with even more cheese.

The pomodoro sauce is probably my personal favorite of the roundup, but because it might not be as versatile as Trader Joe's other options, I can't say it's the best sauce from the chain.

Trader Joe's creamy tomato-basil sauce was impressive.
Trader Joe's creamy tomato-basil sauce on a pile of spaghetti and bowtie noodles
Trader Joe's creamy tomato-basil sauce was simply delicious.

Isabel Fernandez Pujol/Business Insider Photo

Where the classic tomato-basil marinara left a lot to be desired, Trader Joe's creamy tomato-basil sauce had me wanting to lick the bottom of my plate.

This sauce was incredibly rich, flavorful, and delicious. I found it to be similar in consistency and taste to a tomato bisque because it was lusciously creamy with bits of the fruit popping up here and there.

The creamy tomato-basil sauce was rich and flavorful.
A bowl of farfalle pasta covered in Trader Joe's creamy tomato-basil sauce

Savanna Swain-Wilson

Though the sauce was creamy, it didn't feel heavy. It definitely tasted more decadent than a typical marinara, but it didn't stick to the sides of my mouth like other cream sauces do.

The Parmesan was more prominent than I anticipated, but I thought it added a much-needed layer of salt to round out the sauce. Add a sprig of fresh basil to bring out the herbs even more, and this stuff is pure gold straight out of the jar.

The roasted-garlic marinara was the best sauce I tried.
Trader Joe's roasted-garlic marinara

Savanna Swain-Wilson

Trader Joe's roasted-garlic sauce had the same consistency and, for the most part, the same ingredients as the other marinaras I tried.

However, the roasted garlic truly elevated this into a league of its own, adding an extra dimension of irresistible flavor. Even the smell of it warming up on the stove made my nostrils flare in anticipation.

The roasted-garlic marinara is a great pour-and-go sauce.
Roasted-garlic marinara on spaghetti with Parmesan cheese

Savanna Swain-Wilson

Though the flavor was prominent, it didn't overshadow the tomatoes or other herbs, so it tasted quite well-rounded.

It's not too sweet or salty, so unless you really hate garlic, I think this would be palatable to pretty much anyone.

Plus, this marinara earns high marks in my book for versatility. Sometimes, you just need a sauce that goes with everything to make your pasta nights easier.

Overall, I think Trader Joe's roasted-garlic sauce is a great-value, good-quality marinara you'll use over and over again.

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15 of the most daring looks Shania Twain has ever worn

21 de Maio de 2026, 14:18
Shania Twain at the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards.
Shania Twain at the 2026 ACM Awards.

David Becker/Getty Images

  • Shania Twain is no stranger to daring fashion; she's been rocking bold outfits since the '90s.
  • In the past, she's worn cutout dresses, plunging necklines, and see-through looks.
  • More recently, she's opted for floor-length gowns and statement accessories.

Who would Shania Twain be without her daring wardrobe?

The country musician has been rocking eye-catching, envelope-pushing outfits since her career began in the 1990s. And she's only continued to evolve her style over time.

These are the most daring looks she's worn, from the stage to red carpets.

Shania Twain has always been a fan of daring fashion. Just look at the velvet cutout dress she wore in 1998.
Shania Twain attends a VH-1 Divas event in New York City on April 14, 1998.
Shania Twain attends a VH-1 Divas event in New York City on April 14, 1998.

Evan Agostini/Getty Images

The black gown was asymmetrical with a single strap, an uneven cutout across her waist, and smaller slits down its skirt that extended the length of her leg.

There's also the corseted minidress she wore while performing at the 1998 Grammys.
Shania Twain performs at the Grammys in Los Angeles, California, on February 24, 1999.
Shania Twain performs at the Grammys in Los Angeles, California, on February 24, 1999.

Hector Mata/Getty Images

She accessorized the bold look with crystal-lined gloves, a satin choker, semi-sheer tights, and knee-high boots.

Next, the musician took her daring style to the 2002 CMA Awards.
Shania Twain attends the CMA Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 6, 2002.
Shania Twain attends the CMA Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 6, 2002.

Scott Gries/Getty Images

She wore a form-fitting halter dress that was most daring up top, with a plunging, scooped neckline.

Twain donned the glittering, gold gown with diamond jewelry, long earrings, and her hair styled in curls.

By 2003, it was time for Twain to experiment with edgier looks, like the dress she wore to the American Music Awards.
Shania Twain attends the American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, on January 13, 2003.
Shania Twain attends the American Music Awards in Los Angeles, California, on January 13, 2003.

Steve Granitz/Getty Images

Her black, long-sleeved dress was made from sheer mesh, but it was wrapped with opaque black fabric and matching straps. It also had a tulle piece attached to one side of its skirt that created a short train.

To complement the unique look, Twain also wore a crimped hairstyle and thigh-high lace-up boots.

The country star perfectly mixed glamour and drama that year when she performed at the Super Bowl XXXVII halftime show.
Shania Twain performs at Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego, California, on January 26, 2003.
Shania Twain performs at Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego, California, on January 26, 2003.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Her outfit included a crystal-covered bra, black shorts over fishnet tights, a sparkling black duster jacket, and a sequined white belt that wrapped around her waist and hips.

She also wore thigh-high leather boots.

She tried bold prints and colors at the 2003 CMA Awards months later.
Shania Twain performs at the CMA Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 5, 2003.
Shania Twain performs at the CMA Awards in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 5, 2003.

Scott Gries/Getty Images

Twain performed onstage in low-rise black cargo pants and a puffer vest buttoned only halfway.

The latter piece had a green, black, and pink swirled print that perfectly matched the design of her slouchy boots.

Fast-forward to 2012, Twain kicked off her Las Vegas residency in a semi-sheer catsuit.
Shania Twain performs a residency show in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 1, 2012.
Shania Twain performs a residency show in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 1, 2012.

Jeff Bottari/Stringer/Getty Images

The long-sleeved, high-neck piece was decorated from top to bottom with black beads in a tiger-stripe print, and her black gloves were lined with long, fabric fringe.

She wore the outfit with heeled, belted boots.

When she performed at the 2017 Grey Cup, Twain came prepared for Canada's snowy weather.
Shania Twain performs at the Grey Cup in Ottawa, Canada, on November 26, 2017.
Shania Twain performs at the Grey Cup in Ottawa, Canada, on November 26, 2017.

Mark Horton/Getty Images

She hit the stage in a red catsuit with a plunging neckline and a sparkling chainmail piece worn over it.

Twain also rocked furry boots, a matching jacket, and red leather gloves.

Last year, Twain put a new, daring twist on one of her most famous music-video looks.
Shania Twain attends the People's Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on December 6, 2022.
Shania Twain attends the People's Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on December 6, 2022.

Todd Williamson/E! Entertainment/NBC/Getty Images

She walked the People's Choice Awards red carpet in a custom Rodarte dress. It had a sheer, long-sleeved bodice, a leopard-print bralette, and a floor-length velvet skirt with a waistline that dipped below her belly button.

The outfit — which seemingly called back to her ensemble from the "That Don't Impress Me Much" music video — also included a leopard-print hood and shoulder piece.

Then, at the 2023 Grammys, Twain arrived with hair as red as the carpet and a hat as big as the event.
Shania Twain attends the Grammys in Los Angeles, California, on February 5, 2023.
Shania Twain attends the Grammys in Los Angeles, California, on February 5, 2023.

Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

Harris Reed designed her black-and-white polka-dot look. It featured bell-bottom pants, a bustier top, and a blazer worn on top.

She returned to her country roots in a bold way at the 2023 CMT Music Awards.
Shania Twain attends the 2023 CMT Music Awards.
Shania Twain attends the CMT Music Awards in Austin, Texas, on April 2, 2023.

Christopher Polk/Getty Images

She first walked the red carpet in a butterfly-print dress, but later changed into a sparkling purple Chanel set that included a crop top and matching shorts. 

When some people on social media criticized the look, particularly the cut of her shorts and the plunging neckline of her top, Twain defended her daring outfit.

"For me fashion is a powerful tool that helps to convey my personality and express my creativity," she wrote in an Instagram post. "And other than getting to hang out with my friends for the night, it's one of my favourite things about attending award shows!"

During a 2023 concert in North Carolina, Twain hit the stage in a vibrant outfit and equally bold accessories.
Shania Twain performs in Charlotte, North Carolina, on June 28, 2023.
Shania Twain performs in Charlotte, North Carolina, on June 28, 2023.

Jeff Hahne/Getty Images

She wore a pink, loose-fitting top over what appeared to be a yellow leotard, and matching jelly sandals with straps that wrapped around her legs.

She then performed in Michigan while wearing a see-through leotard.
Shania Twain performs in Brooklyn, Michigan, on July 16, 2023.
Shania Twain performs in Brooklyn, Michigan, on July 16, 2023.

Scott Legato/Getty Images

The black garment was covered in crystals, as were her fishnet tights and knee-high boots.

To complete the outfit, Twain also wore a pink-and-purple cape that flowed behind her and layers of chunky necklaces.

In 2024, Twain arrived at the People's Choice Country Awards in sparkling denim.
Shania Twain at the People's Choice Country Awards in Nashville on September 26, 2024.
Shania Twain at the People's Choice Country Awards in Nashville on September 26, 2024.

Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

In collaboration with Levi's, Twain helped design her denim evening gown.

The halter piece had a form-fitting bodice, a mermaid skirt, a thick, pointed collar, and all-over crystal detailing.

She wore the dramatic dress with denim gloves, a chunky ring, and a '60s-inspired hairstyle.

This year, she chose a statement silver gown for the Academy of Country Music Awards.
Shania Twain at the 2026 ACM Awards in Las Vegas.
Shania Twain at the 2026 ACM Awards in Las Vegas.

Brian Friedman/Dick Clark Productions/Getty Images

The silver, strapless gown was designed by Falguni Shane Peacock.

It was covered in silver and black sequins, the latter of which were arranged in the shape of a panther across its skirt.

The dress, which was accessorized with black leather gloves, also had satin strips that flowed from her waist.

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I visited friends in a small town in Maine and found a hidden gem I'd travel to again and again

26 de Março de 2026, 14:14
Two images. Left: The author stands in front of an ocean shore. Right: An aerial view of Belfast with fall trees behind buildings and boats on the shore behind the bay
The author visited Belfast, Maine, and thinks it's a hidden gem destination.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider, halbergman/Getty Images

  • In July 2024, I visited Belfast, Maine, a town rich in maritime history and local businesses.
  • Belfast offers a stark contrast to busy urban life and is perfect for city escapes.
  • I think it's an underrated travel destination, and I know I'll be back.

If you're planning a New England road trip, don't sleep on Belfast, Maine.

When I visited the town in 2024 for the Fourth of July, I expected nothing more than a wholesome, long weekend with my friends to take a break from the hustle and bustle of my life in New York City.

I got all that — and more.

It was my first time in Maine, and this particular small town, which I'd never heard of before my friends moved there, surprised me with its history, local culture, and dramatic coastal views.

After my trip, I've decided that Belfast is a hidden gem for tourists, and I'll go back again for my big-city escapes.

Belfast is about 100 miles up the coast from Portland.
A map of the coast of Maine with an arrow pointing to Belfast

Google Maps

To reach the small town on Penobscot Bay, we flew from New York to Portland, and our friends picked us up from the airport for a two-hour drive up the coast.

The town is rooted in maritime history.
A bay full of boats at Front Street Shipyard on a cloudy, foggy day in Belfast, Maine

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Belfast was incorporated as a town in the 1700s, but it started to prosper in the 19th century as a hub for maritime workers, the city's website says. For about 100 years, Belfast residents built wooden sailboats, operated steamships, and transported goods, from ice and apples to hay and fertilizer.

Then, in the 1980s, creatives flocked to the town, transforming it into an artists' oasis with galleries and warehouse studios.

Belfast maintains its 19th-century seaside feel.
An aerial view of Belfast with fall trees behind buildings and boats on the shore behind the bay

halbergman/Getty Images

The waterfront town has about 7,000 residents.

The architecture in Belfast combines traditional New England-style homes with old-world styles from the Italian and Greek Revival eras, the Boston Globe reported. This gave the town a European twist on the classic New England aesthetic.

My friends said Belfast gets tourists in the summer, but it didn't feel crowded. We never waited too long for a table at a restaurant, and I didn't see many large groups.

The town is filled with historic inns.
Adirondack chairs in backyard garden next to large victorian house in summer, Captain Nickels Inn, near Belfast, Maine, USA
Captain Nickels Inn just outside of Belfast, Maine.

Jon Lovette/Getty Images

I saw more historic inns than traditional hotels, which could be because tourists visit for unique accommodations.

The inns looked like gigantic mansions, and seeing them up close made me wish I'd booked just one night in a place like the Jeweled Turret Inn. The bed and breakfast, decorated with antiques, is a 19th-century Victorian landmark on the National Register of Historic Places.

There's also the Alden House Inn, a Greek Revival building dating back to 1840. I spotted its porch filled with guests on a weekend afternoon and longed to hang out there.

I stayed with friends. Their neighborhood was surprisingly walkable for a small town.
Left: four people walk on a sidewalk next to a harbor towards ships. Right: A concrete bridge over the bay with a hills side packed with tres at the end of it

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Belfast is pedestrian-friendly, scoring 71 out of 100 on Walk Score.

From my friends' apartment, we reached hiking trails, the waterfront, and the downtown area — all on foot.

My friends also live steps away from a farmers market and the Belfast Armistice Bridge, which pedestrians use to cross the Passagassawakeag River.

We went hiking without having to hop in a car.
A shore of.a bay with rocks and trees on the left

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

My friends live less than 5 minutes from the Rail Trail that runs along the Passagassawakeag River.

I spent one day working remotely from Belfast, and we took a quick hike during my lunch break.

I was impressed by the hillside views and the landmasses in the distance, covered in rich green trees. It was an ideal place to refresh in the middle of a shift.

We also walked to the town's many small businesses and shopped for locally sourced food.
Left: A small boat standing up against a fence with a building behind it. Right: A meal on a plate made entirely of farmer's market ingredients

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

My friend told me one of the coolest things about Belfast is that there are so many local shops. There's no Walmart, Target, or Costco in town. The only brand-name stores I saw were Walgreens, CVS, and Dollar General.

The Press Herald reported that Maine towns are known for their small businesses. Belfast, in particular, has a plethora of locally owned retailers, from a general store and a DVD rental store to shops selling vintage dollhouses and handmade clothing and furniture.

We went to a farmers market selling local produce and foods during my trip, and my friends cooked up a feast.

We had a watermelon and feta salad, roasted duck, lobster mac and cheese, and potato salad with duck fat and herb-infused dressing: dill, parsley, and garlic scapes.

The ingredients tasted so fresh, as did the local pastries and bagels we got for breakfast.

We drove to some places, like Acadia National Park.
Two images of Acadia National Park. Left: the ocean flows into a narrow space between two large rocks. Right: Two people walk o a train towards the ocean

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Acadia National Park is just a 90-minute drive from Belfast. We took a day trip there on a Saturday, and I was surprised to find it wasn't as crowded as most national parks I've visited on weekends.

The coastal park, surrounded by islands, looked majestic in the hazy weather. We hiked through forests to the rocky coastline, where we went tide-pooling and found a massive cave. It was even more picturesque than the trails in Belfast, and it helped me see how the state of Maine inspired my favorite American writer, Stephen King.

Belfast and the surrounding areas seemed extremely dog-friendly.
Left image: A man and a woman walk with a dog on a street with a bridge over a bay in the background. Right: Three friends and a dog stand on a rocky staircase with overcast skies

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

My friends in Maine have a super sweet, active dog named Zeus. He accompanied us on nearly every adventure during our trip, from restaurants to the Rail Trail to Acadia, one of the most dog-friendly national parks in the US, according to the NPS.

Having Zeus with us made the trip so much goofier and more fun. It wouldn't have been the same without him.

I could have stayed so much longer, and I'll definitely be back.
Two images. Left: Four friends take a selfie with one of them holding a lobster roll

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Aside from being a unique town with so much to offer, Belfast would be an ideal destination for tourists looking to travel sustainably. Eco-travel experts have said that supporting local businesses and getting around without a car are responsible practices for the health of our planet.

During my next trip to Belfast, I'll spend more time browsing local shops, book a stay at a historic inn, and take more day trips to places like Portland. Plus, I'd love to see Acadia on a day with clear skies.

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The most famous band of all time from every state

Steven Tyler of Aerosmith.
Steven Tyler of Aerosmith.

Lisa Lake/Getty Images

  • Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Detroit have long served as major hubs for iconic bands.
  • Still, every state boasts at least one band it can call its own.
  • OneRepublic famously hails from Colorado, and Alabama is from, you guessed it, Alabama.

Great music isn't just found in a few iconic cities — it thrums through every corner of the United States. Each state has produced many bands that helped define its sound and leave a lasting mark on music history.

To figure out the most famous band from every state, Business Insider weighed reputation, record sales, and awards. Crucially, each act was judged in the context of its own era because today's chart-toppers don't necessarily eclipse the legends of decades past.

We focused exclusively on groups — no solo acts — but took a flexible approach to what counts as a "band," including any musical act made up of more than one person. While we primarily looked at where each band was formed, we also considered where their music took off and the hometowns that shaped them.

So, which band puts your state on the map? Let's find out.

Emmie Martin and Christi Danner contributed to a previous version of this article.

ALABAMA: Alabama
Alabama band

Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images

One of the most successful bands of all time, Alabama has sold over 56 million records, per the The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and has scored 43 No. 1 hits. It also has 11 multi-platinum albums and two Grammys. The band, which formed in Fort Payne, Alabama, sold more records during the '80s than any other band. Not only is their success impressive by any measure, but they also did a lot to make country music popular in the mainstream.

Jeff Cook, a founding member, lead guitarist, and fiddler for the band, died at 73 in 2022, at his Florida home, leaving behind a legacy as a key architect of the group's signature sound.

ALASKA: Portugal. The Man
Portugal The Man

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Alaska was far away from the rock 'n roll scene that defined the late 1960s and continued into the '70s in the continental United States, and rarely have any bands found success beyond the state's borders. That is, until Portugal. The Man exploded into the alt/indie rock scene.

Since releasing its debut album "Waiter: You Vultures!" in 2006, the band from Wasilla, Alaska, has become an indie-rock phenom, hitting major stops on the festival circuit and collaborating with artists including "Weird Al" Yankovic, Tom Morello, and Danger Mouse.

The band's biggest claim to fame is its 2017 hit single "Feel It Still," which dominated the airwaves and earned the group its first and only Grammy Award for best pop duo/group performance.

ARIZONA: Alice Cooper
Alice Cooper (band)

Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images

The first of the many shock-rock bands of the '70s, Alice Cooper kept fans entranced with their gender-bending outfits and dark onstage theatrics — concert-goers could expect performances to include stunts like Cooper's faux-beheading via guillotine.

But it's the music that kept fans coming back for more, and their riff-heavy brand of hard rock produced a string of hits, including "School's Out" and "Be My Lover." Alice Cooper was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.

ARKANSAS: Evanescence
Evanescence Amy Lee

Simon Fergusson/Getty Images

Despite the goth-metal style that now defines Evanescence, they got their start as a Christian rock band after forming in Little Rock, Arkansas. In fact, their 2003 debut album, "Fallen," which produced hits "Bring Me to Life" and "My Immortal" and won the band two Grammys, was released during their religious days, reaching No. 1 on Billboard's Top Contemporary Christian chart.

However, following a profanity-laden article in Entertainment Weekly in which band founders Amy Lee and Ben Moody renounced their affiliation with Christian music, polarizing many Christian fans, Evanescence turned toward a more secular fan base.

The band has released a total of five studio albums, with a sixth in the works, and they announced a worldwide tour that will start in summer 2026.

CALIFORNIA: The Grateful Dead
Grateful Dead

Ed Perlstein/Getty Images

During the '60s and '70s, the Laurel Canyon scene in Los Angeles was home to some of the rock world's biggest hits, including Joni Mitchell, Frank Zappa, The Eagles, and The Byrds. Then you had the Bay Area, the epicenter of the counterculture movement, which spawned the careers of Janis Joplin and Jefferson Starship.

But no one was quite as popular as the Grateful Dead.

In addition to some of the best songwriting in rock history, the band's free-flowing jams, Jerry Garcia's epic guitar solos, and the cosmic drum duets from Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart earned the Dead one of the most devout fanbases of all time: the Deadheads. Unlike other bands on this list, The Dead didn't win stacks of awards or sell a record-breaking number of albums. For Jerry and the band, it was all about the live experience; there was just this spiritual energy of seeing the Dead live that no other band has matched since.

Other major bands from California include The Eagles, Van Halen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Go-Go's, Green Day, No Doubt, and Maroon 5.

COLORADO: OneRepublic
OneRepublic

Mark Davis/Getty Images

In 2015, OneRepublic's third album, "Native," reached 1 million in sales, Billboard reported, following the example of their 2007 debut, "Dreaming Out Loud," which also hit 1 million. In 2024, they released their sixth studio album, "Artificial Paradise."

They were nominated for a Grammy for best pop performance by a duo or group with vocals for their single "Apologize," with Timbaland, in 2009.

The band, which formed in Colorado Springs, is best recognized for singles "Stop and Stare," "Good Life," and "Counting Stars," all of which became Top 40 hits.

CONNECTICUT: The Carpenters
The Carpenters

NBC/Getty Images

Brother and sister team Richard and Karen Carpenter, who were born in New Haven, endeared themselves to the world throughout the 1970s with classic hits like "Top of the World" and "Rainy Days and Mondays."

The pair went on to win three Grammys and host their own variety show on NBC for a short period.

Though Karen died in 1983, her legacy lives on through a previously unreleased solo album released in 1996.

DELAWARE: George Thorogood and the Destroyers
George Thorogood and the Destroyers

Paul Kane/ Getty Images

Though often looked down on by blues purists, George Thorogood and the Destroyers' catchy blues-pop sound earned them widespread popularity and five gold albums throughout the '80s, including 1982's "Bad to the Bone." And they can thank their home state for launching their career — the band's first gig together was a show at the University of Delaware in 1973.

The band will be inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville as part of the 2026 class.

FLORIDA: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
tom petty

Samir Hussein/Getty Images

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' career spanned almost 40 years and included classic hits like "American Girl," "Refugee," and "Don't Do Me Like That." Their third album, "Damn the Torpedoes," went platinum and cemented the Gainesville band as bona-fide rock stars.

Petty, who died in 2017, was also known for taking a stand against the music industry, most notably by declaring bankruptcy to get out of a contract in 1979 and later threatening to withhold his new album until the label lowered its price, per History.com.

Other famous bands from Florida include Lynyrd Skynyrd, NSYNC, and the Backstreet Boys.

GEORGIA: R.E.M.
REM

Ebet Roberts/Getty Images

Hailing from Athens, Georgia, R.E.M. was founded in 1980 after drummer Bill Berry, guitarist Peter Buck, bassist Mike Mills, and lead vocalist Michael Stipe all met as students at the University of Georgia.

Between 1982 and 2012, when the band amicably broke up, R.E.M. released 15 albums, six of which went platinum; many others reached gold. The band has won three Grammys from 13 nominations and has released countless songs that have broken into the Billboard Top 10 and Top 40, including "Losing My Religion" and "The One I Love."

Thanks to Buck's iconic 12-string arpeggios, Stipe's cerebral lyrics, and efficient yet catchy rhythms from Berry and Mills, R.E.M. is celebrated as a pioneering alternative rock band that paved the way for '90s grunge and post-punk icons, including Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and The Smashing Pumpkins.

HAWAII: Pepper
Band Pepper 2010

Joey Foley/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Pepper might be from Hawaii, but don't expect any classic island tunes from the alt-rock trio. The band combines elements of pop, reggae, and punk for a raw yet lively sound.

Pepper released its first full-length album, "Give'n It," in 2000, but found mainstream success with 2002's "Kona Town" and its breakout hit "Give It Up."

IDAHO: Built to Spill
Built To Spill

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Built to Spill formed in Boise in 1992 and first gained critical attention with 1994's "There's Nothing Wrong with Love."

After signing with Warner Brothers in 1995, they released "Perfect from Now On," which diverged from the band's signature short, poppy sound. But the band continued to plug away, and, despite a rotating cast of members and a short hiatus, they're still making music.

In 2022, they released their ninth album, "When the Wind Forgets Your Name."

ILLINOIS: Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth Wind and Fire

Gary Gershoff/Getty Images

Earth, Wind & Fire is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed bands of the '70s. The band's breakthrough album, "That's the Way of the World," released in 1975, introduced the hit single "Shining Star" and was followed by a stream of five consecutive multiplatinum albums. Earth, Wind & Fire has also taken home six Grammys out of an impressive 17 nominations, and the band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.

Earth, Wind & Fire has lost several key members over the years — including founder Maurice White, drummer Fred White, saxophonist Andrew Woolfolk, and guitarist Sheldon Reynolds — but the band continues to perform and tour, carrying on its legacy with longtime members, such as Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson, and Verdine White, and other long-serving bandmates.

Other famous bands from Illinois include Chicago, The Smashing Pumpkins, Cheap Trick, REO Speedwagon, and Styx.

INDIANA: Jackson 5
Jackson 5

Gary Merrin/Fotos International/Getty Images

Composed of five brothers — Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, Tito, and Michael — the Jackson 5, from Gary, Indiana, made music history in 1970 as the first recording artist whose first four Motown singles all became No. 1 hits.

The brothers immediately rose to stardom and sold out 20,000-seat venues within the year, performing hits like "ABC," "I Want You Back," and "I'll Be There."

IOWA: Slipknot
Slipknot

Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

One of the most prominent nu-metal bands of the '90s, Slipknot was known as much for its image as its music. The band, which is from Des Moines, performed in matching black jumpsuits and horror-themed Halloween masks and used numbers as stage names.

Their self-titled debut album went platinum in 2000, making them the first band on their label, Roadrunner Records, to do so. The band's annual festival, Knotfest, has turned into the world's most popular hard rock and metal festival.

KANSAS: Kansas
Kansas rock band

Paul Natkin/Getty Images

Best known for hits "Carry on Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind," Kansas formed in Topeka in 1973. Throughout their 40-year career, the rock legends have sold over 23 million records, per RIAA, and produced 12 gold albums and five multi-platinum albums.

A fun fact: "Dust in the Wind" has been played on the radio more than 3 million times.

KENTUCKY: My Morning Jacket
My Morning Jacket

Paul Morigi/Getty Images

My Morning Jacket formed in Louisville in 1998 and released their alt-country debut album, "The Tennessee Fire," the following year.

Their 2005 album "Z" marked a major turning point in the band's history: "Z" laid the foundation for the dreamy jams off "Evil Urges" and the two "Waterfall" albums and paved the way for My Morning Jacket to become one of the most successful contemporary rock bands.

The Jacket is also known for its legendary live performances and made history in 2008 after delivering a nearly four-hour show at Bonnaroo.

LOUISIANA: The Neville Brothers
The Neville Brothers

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

The Neville Brothers are an R&B group famously known for embracing their hometown of New Orleans. They won a Grammy in 1989 for best pop instrumental performance and have closed out the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for years.

Though their last record together was released in 2004, the brothers reunited for a farewell show in NOLA in 2015, USA Today reported. Charles Neville died in 2018, and Art Neville died the following year.

MAINE: Rustic Overtones
Rustic Overtones band.
Rustic Overtones.

Jack Milton/Portland Press Herald via Getty Images

All Portland natives, the Rustic Overtones formed over 30 years ago and released their third full-length — but first commercially successful — album, "Rooms by the Hour," in 1998.

Its 2007 album "Light At The End" was the fastest-selling local album in the state of Maine's history, the Portland Press Herald reported at the time. Perhaps Rustic Overtones' biggest claim to fame is being the first band ever broadcast live on XM Satellite Radio.

The band has a unique style of indie rock pulling from blends of soul music, punk, and jazz. Rustic Overtones has worked with an array of artists over the years, including Imogen Heap and Funkmaster Flex.

In more recent years, The Ghost of Paul Revere, a Portland-based folk trio, has risen to prominence in the state, with its song "Ballad of the 20th Maine" becoming the state's official ballad in 2019.

MARYLAND: Good Charlotte
Good Charlotte

Matt Jelonek/Getty Images

Good Charlotte is a pop-punk band from Maryland that rose to prominence in the early 2000s with their catchy hooks and angst-driven lyrics.

Formed by brothers Joel and Benji Madden, the group broke through with their 2002 album, "The Young and the Hopeless," which featured major hits such as "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous," "The Anthem," and "Girls & Boys." The RIAA certified it as quadruple platinum in 2025.

The band's awards over the years have included an MTV Video Music Award and Teen Choice Awards, indicating their mainstream success.

Other Maryland bands include The Orioles and All Time Low.

MASSACHUSETTS: Boston
Boston band

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Aerosmith might be known as the "bad boys from Boston," but since they actually got their start in New Hampshire, arena-rock band Boston is the most famous band formed in Massachusetts.

The group released their eponymous debut album in 1976, which sold more than half a million copies in just a week, jumping straight to the top of the charts and spawning several hits, including "More Than a Feeling" and "Peace of Mind." The album was so successful that Boston became the first band in history to play its debut concert at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Tommy DeCarlo, Boston's lead vocalist who rose from devoted fan to frontman after Brad Delp's death, died at 60 on March 9, following a brief battle with brain cancer.

MICHIGAN: The Temptations
The Tempations

NBC/Getty Images

One of the most successful Black vocal groups of all time, the Temptations, originally known as the Elgins, formed in Detroit in 1961 when two groups merged — Otis Williams and the Distants and the Primes.

Now considered a classic example of Motown's signature sound, the group rose to prominence with hits like "My Girl" and "Since I Lost My Baby," produced under the inimitable Smokey Robinson. Taking a nod from Sly and the Family Stone, the group released the 1968 psychedelic soul hit single "Cloud 9," which won the group and Motown their first Grammy Award.

During its heyday with Motown in the 1960s and '70s, The Temptations produced 37 Top 40 hits, 15 Top 10 hits, and four No. 1 hits. And that was only on the pop charts; the group dominated the R&B charts with 15 No. 1 singles and 17 No. 1 albums.

Several members of The Temptations' classic lineup have died over the years, including David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, and Dennis Edwards.

MINNESOTA: Prince and the Revolution
Prince in concert

Kristian Dowling/Getty Images

Though Prince and the Revolution had achieved considerable success beforehand, it was the 1984 film release of "Purple Rain" — and Prince's accompanying soundtrack — that launched the group into superstardom. The "Purple Rain" album sold over 13 million copies, spent 24 weeks at the top of the charts, and produced hits "When Doves Cry," "Purple Rain," and "Take Me with U."

Prince was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, his first year of eligibility. He died in 2016, aged 57, at his Paisley Park estate in Minnesota.

MISSISSIPPI: 3 Doors Down
3 Doors Down

Frank Micelotta/Getty Images

Three Doors Down, from Escatawpa, Mississippi, hit it big in the early 2000s with radio-friendly singles "Here Without You," "Kryptonite," and "When I'm Gone."

The post-grunge band saw three albums go multi-platinum, including 2000's "The Better Life," which has gone platinum seven times and became one of the best-selling albums of the year, per Billboard.

MISSOURI: Ike and Tina Turner
Ike and Tina Turner

David Redfern/Getty Images

Ike and Tina Turner were a wildly successful duo for nearly 20 years, topping R&B and pop charts, touring with the Rolling Stones, and winning a Grammy for their song "Proud Mary." In 1976, Tina left what she described as an abusive relationship with Ike and went on to build her own successful solo career.

Tina Turner was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 2021. She died in 2023, at age 83. Ike Turner died in 2007.

MONTANA: Silkworm
Silkworm

Hargrove House Productions/YouTube

The nearly 20-year career of Silkworm, who formed in Missoula, was cut short in 2005 when their drummer, Michael Dahlquist, was killed in a car accident.

In February 2013, filmmaker Seth Pomeroy released "Couldn't You Wait?" a documentary that tells Silkworm's story from their start as childhood friends to their final days together.

The remaining band members went on to form a new band called Bottomless Pit.

NEBRASKA: Bright Eyes
BrightEyes

Mike Lawrie/ Getty Images

Bright Eyes is the main creative vehicle for Omaha-born Conor Oberst. The band has had some notable success on the charts: In 2005 its album "I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning" peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 and its 2007 album "Cassadaga" peaked at No. 4. A

After a nine-year hiatus, the band released a new album, "Down In the Weeds, Where the World Once Was," in 2020. In 2024, it released "Five Dice, All Threes."

NEVADA: Imagine Dragons
ImagineDragons

Ethan Miller/ Getty Images

In 2015, Imagine Dragons earned its first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 chart with "Smoke + Mirrors."

The Las Vegas band entered the spotlight with their Grammy Award-winning single "Radioactive," from their 2012 debut album. The song held the record for the longest time on the Hot 100 — 87 weeks, or almost two years — until The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" overtook it in 2021.

Other famous bands from Nevada include The Killers and Panic! At The Disco.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Aerosmith
aerosmith

Kevin Winter/ Getty Images

Aerosmith is one of the most recognizable '70s rock bands and one of the biggest comeback stories in rock history. Aerosmith was flying high and on its way to rock royalty after the release of "Toys in the Attic" and "Rocks" in 1975 and 1976, respectively.

But the band's struggle with drug and alcohol abuse took its toll, leading guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford to temporarily leave the band. Aerosmith seemed to be on the brink of no return until Run-D.M.C. released a cover of "Walk This Way" and catapulted the band back to the mainstream.

Though they're billed as the "bad boys from Boston," many people don't know that Aerosmith formed in New Hampshire before making it big. Lead singer Steven Tyler and Perry spent summers together as children, and the band played at small venues and high school proms throughout the state before making a name for themselves nationally.

NEW JERSEY: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
BruceSpringsteen

Mark Metcalfe/ Getty Images

Bruce Springsteen himself inducted the E Street Band into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, in celebration of the 40 years they spent working together. One of America's most beloved musicians, Springsteen — also known as "The Boss" — is most famous for the work he did with the E Street Band, whom he met in Asbury Park.

Springsteen has released multiple albums that have gone platinum — including his first, 1972's "Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J." — and achieved global fame after the release of the 1975 album "Born to Run." He got his own biopic in 2025, "Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere."

Other famous bands from New Jersey include Bon Jovi, Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, My Chemical Romance, and The Jonas Brothers, who were recently inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

NEW MEXICO: The Shins
The Shins

Scott Gries/ Getty Images

Frontman James Mercer started The Shins as a side project in 1996 in Albuquerque, but it quickly evolved to be the state's most notable rock band.

After the soundtrack of the 2004 film "Garden State" included the songs "Caring Is Creepy" and "New Slang," the Shins began earning a significantly larger audience. The band's next album after the movie, 2007's "Wincing the Night Away" peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, cementing The Shins as the Southwest's indie darlings.

Other famous bands from New Mexico include The Fireballs and Xit.

NEW YORK: The Ramones
Ramones

Keystone/Getty Images

There are plenty of famous bands from New York — The Beastie Boys, The Velvet Underground, and KISS, to name a few — but few have the influence and reputation of The Ramones, who have innumerable hits, including "Blitzkrieg Bop," "I Wanna Be Sedated," and "Sheena Is a Punk Rocker."

There's even a street in Manhattan named Joey Ramone Place, after the lead singer who died of cancer in 2001.

NORTH CAROLINA: The Charlie Daniels Band
CharlieDanielsBand

Larry Busacca/ Getty Images

Wilmington's The Charlie Daniels Band, with its rotating cast of musicians, has been an icon of country music since the 1970s.

Their eclectic blend of Southern rock and hardcore country has earned them numerous awards and recognitions, including a Grammy Award.

The band's most famous contribution to the annals of rock and country music is without a doubt "The Devil Went Down to Georgia," which features one of the best fiddle solos ever performed.

NORTH DAKOTA: Bobby Vee & The Strangers
Bobby Vee

Keystone/Getty Images

Bobby Vee and The Strangers, originally called The Shadows, first performed publicly on "The Day the Music Died" — the group filled in for Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper at a gig in Moorhead, Minnesota, after the three famous musicians were killed in a plane crash in 1959.

The then-15-year-old Vee would go on to earn two gold albums, 38 songs in the Billboard Top 100, six gold singles, and 14 Top 40 hits.

OHIO: Twenty One Pilots
Twenty One Pilots.
Twenty One Pilots

Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

Twenty One Pilots, from Columbus, Ohio, is made up of Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun. They are known for fusing alternative rock, hip-hop, and electronic elements.

They broke into the mainstream with the 2015 album Blurryface, which produced major hits like "Stressed Out," "Ride," and "Heathens." The band has earned significant recognition, including a Grammy Award for best pop duo/group performance in 2017 for "Stressed Out," as well as multiple Billboard Music Awards and American Music Awards.

Other famous bands from Ohio include the Isley Brothers and The Black Keys.

OKLAHOMA: The Flaming Lips
The Flaming Lips

Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

The Flaming Lips, formed in Norman, Oklahoma, in 1983, have only had one hit single in the US, "She Don't Use Jelly," released in 1993.

However, they have earned three Grammy Awards, multiple hit singles in the UK and Europe, and a large indie following.

The band is known for its energetic live performances that feature mesmerizing light shows and wacky stage props like giant robots and laser hands.

OREGON: The Decemberists
The Decemberists

Rob Ball/Getty Images

No band embodies the woodsy vibe of Portland, Oregon, better than The Decemberists. Since forming in 2001, the band has earned a Grammy nomination and performed at Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign stop in Portland.

The Decemberists' sonic architecture — founded on strong lyric writing and a diverse range of folk textures — and whimsical live performances, which usually feature a historical reenactment of sorts, have helped the band become darlings of folk-pop music.

Frontman Colin Meloy and co. scored their biggest success to date with the 2011 studio album "The King Is Dead," which reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200.

PENNSYLVANIA: Hall & Oates
Hall and Oates

Erika Goldring/Getty Images

Duo Daryl Hall and John Oates formed Hall & Oates in the early '70s and released their debut album, "Abandoned Luncheonette," in 1973.

Hailing from Philadelphia, the pair garnered national attention throughout the '70s and '80s with hits such as "Maneater" and "Sara Smile."

The band won three American Music Awards in the early '80s. More recently, both members released solo albums amid a now-resolved but lengthy legal battle.

RHODE ISLAND: Talking Heads
Talking Heads

Chris Walter/Getty Images

Best known for their hits "Psycho Killer," "Life During Wartime," and "Once in a Lifetime," Talking Heads were successful with audiences and professional critics.

Though they rose to fame in New York, the three founding members, David Byrne, Chris Frantz, and Tina Weymouth, began practicing together at the Rhode Island School of Design before becoming Talking Heads.

The band added their fourth member, guitarist Jerry Harrison, shortly before releasing their first single, "Love Goes to Building on Fire"/"New Feeling," in 1976.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Hootie and the Blowfish
HootieAndTheBlowfish

Reed Saxon/ AP

Darius Rucker, Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, and Jim Sonefeld formed Hootie & The Blowfish after meeting in the late 1980s at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Over the next 10 years, they attracted a following throughout the East Coast before releasing their 1994 debut album, "Cracked Rear View," which sold over 16 million copies in the US.

SOUTH DAKOTA: The Spill Canvas
TheSpillCanvas

Jeff Fusco/ Getty Images

Formed in Sioux Falls in 2002, the pop-punk quartet The Spill Canvas has toured with big-name acts including Motion City Soundtrack, Plain White T's, and OneRepublic.

After a nearly two-year hiatus, The Spill Canvas funded their 2012 comeback album, "Gestalt," with the help of fans on Kickstarter.

TENNESSEE: Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Three
Johnny Cash

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The Tennessee Three began as the Tennessee Two, with Luther Perkins and Marshall Grant backing Johnny Cash, and expanded to the Tennessee Three with the addition of drummer W.S. Holland in 1958.

During the 1980s, the band's lineup changed and expanded, and they were called The Great Eighties Eight. Though Johnny Cash participated in various group and solo ventures throughout his long career, with the Tennessee Three, he achieved mega-hits such as "I Walk the Line" and "Folsom Prison Blues."

The band played with Cash through 1999. After the singer's death, the group reformed and released the tribute album "The Sound Must Go On." They've toured the globe playing to Cash fans and in 2012, released the album "All Over Again." Cash won a myriad of awards for his music, most of which feature the Tennessee Three as the backing band.

Other famous bands from Tennessee include Kings of Leon, Paramore, Little Big Town, The Band Perry, and Lady A.

TEXAS: ZZ Top
ZZTop

Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images

Hailing from Houston, ZZ Top was one of the biggest rock acts of the '80s, with huge hits such as "Legs," "Sharp Dressed Man," and "Gimme All Your Lovin'."

In 2004, the bearded, sunglasses-wearing duo, Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill, and their drummer, Frank Beard, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

UTAH: The Osmonds
Osmonds

Chris Jackson/ Getty Images

The four older siblings from the Mormon musical group from Salt Lake City made their big debut on the "Andy Williams Show" in 1962, with the others joining later.

Some of the Osmond siblings, most notably Donny, Marie, and Jimmy, dabbled in solo careers, yet continued to collaborate with the group. The Osmonds have reportedly sold more than 100 million albums worldwide.

VERMONT: Phish
Phish

Michael Loccisano/ Getty Images

Jam band Phish has a cult following that rivals that of the Grateful Dead. The original members — Jon Fishman, Trey Anastasio, and Jeff Holdsworth (who left the band in 1986) — met at the University of Vermont and were later joined by bassist Mike Gordon and keyboardist Page McConnell. The band was officially formed in 1983.

In 1997, the band hosted The Great Went, a music festival in Limestone, Maine, which drew a crowd of 62,000 and was the top-grossing concert of that summer.

VIRGINIA: Dave Matthews Band
DaveMatthewsBand

Matt Roberts/ Getty Images

The Charlottesville-based Dave Matthews Band quickly grew a strong fan base after releasing their live debut album in 1991. "Remember Two Things," their 1993 independently released live album, debuted at No. 1 on the college charts and was later certified platinum.

Today, Dave Matthews Band has sold over 30 million records worldwide and became the first band to have six consecutive studio albums that debuted at No. 1 on Billboard, Billboard reported.

WASHINGTON: Nirvana
Nirvana

Raffaella Cavalieri/Getty Images

Nirvana rocketed to fame with their single "Smells Like Teen Spirit" off the 1991 album "Nevermind," which brought grunge-rock to the mainstream.

The band officially formed a few years earlier, in 1987, when guitarist and vocalist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic began performing at local parties in the Seattle region.

In 1990, Dave Grohl joined Nirvana as the drummer. The band's tragic end came in 1994 with Kurt Cobain's suicide, though their music continued to inspire and impact the grunge movement.

Other famous bands from Washington include Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters.

WASHINGTON, DC: Minor Threat
Ian MacKaye

Steve Eichner/Getty Images

Minor Threat's song "Straight Edge" pioneered (and named) the drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle — one that goes against the wasted-punk-rocker stereotype. The band formed among a wave of punk bands in Washington, DC, and though Minor Threat's career lasted only three years, its influence can still be found in punk music to this day.

After the band's dissolution, frontman Ian MacKaye played with numerous groups before forming Fugazi in 1987.

WEST VIRGINIA: Asleep at the Wheel
Asleep at the Wheel

Jim Bennett/Getty Images

Asleep at the Wheel got their start in Paw Paw, West Virginia, in 1970, when they opened for Alice Cooper and Hot Tuna.

Since then, they have continued to dominate American country and Western music, winning eight Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement in Performance, not to mention a few chart-topping songs along the way. They continue to tour.

WISCONSIN: Violent Femmes
ViolentFemmes

Marty Lederhandler/ AP

When the Violent Femmes released its critically acclaimed eponymous debut album in 1983, the band was nothing more than an underground sensation — in fact, it took eight years for the album to go platinum, Pitchfork reported. But over the years, the band has evolved into one of the most important and popular post-punk groups, as proven not only by its music but also by the fact that the Femmes' acoustic style inspired the MTV show "Unplugged."

In 2015, the Femmes released their first album in 15 years, "We Can Do Anything" — though the critical reception was not too warm — and followed it up with 2019's "Hotel Last Resort."

WYOMING: Teenage Bottlerocket
Teenage Bottlerocket

Taylor Hill/Getty Images

Teenage Bottlerocket released their debut album, "Another Way," in 2002 on Laramie's communal label, One Legged Pup.

The twin Carlisle brothers behind the group — Ray on bass and vocals, and Brandon on drums — cycled through various guitarists before finding Kody Templeman.

The band has become a pop-punk mainstay over the years, playing major events like Warped Tour, and is known for its iconic skull-and-rocket logo.

Editor's note: A version of this story was first published in 2022 and was most recently updated in March 2026.

Read the original article on Business Insider

I made 3-ingredient pork chops in my air fryer. They were so tasty and easy to make that I won't use my oven again.

16 de Março de 2026, 13:02
A photo of cooked pork chops on a plate
They came out so flavorful and juicy.

Chelsea Davis

  • I tried a three-ingredient air-fryer recipe for pork chops, and was very impressed by the results.
  • The air-fryer method significantly reduces post-cooking cleanup time, which I love.
  • Ultimately, I was able to make perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy pork chops in just 15 minutes.

I love using my air fryer, and I haven't found many things it can't cook really well.

So, I was pretty optimistic when I tried making air-fryer pork chops for the first time — and the recipe I found from food blog Chewable Structures couldn't be easier.

After all, it doesn't require any marinade or time-intensive prep work.

The ingredients are simple and easy to customize.
A photo of raw bone in pork chops on a plate
I bought thin-cut, bone-in pork chops.

Chelsea Davis

For this recipe, I used thin-cut, bone-in pork chops. After patting them dry, all I needed to do was coat each one with a drizzle of olive oil and give it a little massage.

Next, I had to season the chops. The recipe suggests using the McCormick chipotle-and-roasted-garlic seasoning. However, you can easily create your own blend depending on what you like.

I made one with salt, pepper, roasted garlic, onion powder, and chipotle pepper. (This technically meant I used a little more than three ingredients, but I didn't mind at all.)

After preheating the air fryer, the chops are ready to start cooking.
A photo of raw seasoned pork chops on a plate
I was really looking for the flavors to marry together into the pork chops.

Chelsea Davis

The only other prep I had to do for the recipe was preheating my air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

No matter what type of air fryer you have, though, just be sure to give each pork chop enough room in the basket. This will help them to cook evenly.

My air fryer has two baskets, so I cooked one pork chop in each basket for 10 minutes on one side and five minutes on the other.

My best tip is to choose thin pork chops.
seasoned pork chops in the air fryer
This recipe works well with thin pork chops, but you can buy thicker ones if you prefer.

Chelsea Davis

Because the meat was sliced thin, my pork chops cooked up very quickly. This recipe works with thicker chops, but you'll need to increase the cooking time.

Whether you choose bone-in or boneless pork chops is up to you, but I find bone-in pork chops to be more flavorful.

The pork chops were ready in 15 minutes and tasted amazing.
pork chops, salad, and butternut squash on a dinner plate
This simple recipe takes very little time and effort and it's absolutely delicious.

Chelsea Davis

Within about 15 minutes, my meat was cooked. And, as the recipe said, the pork chops retained their moisture thanks to the olive-oil coating.

This coating also helped the seasoning stick to the meat better, creating a nice crust on the chop.

This simple recipe took very little time and effort, and the result was absolutely delicious. Minimal dishes were required, and I loved not having to monitor the chops on the stovetop or preheat my oven, either.

I can't see myself making pork chops in anything but my air fryer after this, and I will definitely be making this quick, easy air-fryer recipe again.

This story was originally published on September 22, 2022, and most recently updated on March 16, 2026.

Read the original article on Business Insider

50 unbelievable Oscars records, from the youngest winner to the most nominated film ever

16 de Março de 2026, 12:37
Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Goransson, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, and Michael B. Jordan
"Sinners" won four awards this year.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

  • The 98th Academy Awards were held on Sunday.
  • A few records were broken with this year's crop of winners.
  • Jessie Buckley took the best actress statue home to Ireland for the first time ever.

At the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, a whole new class of winners were minted.

This year's crop of nominated films, which were largely well-liked by critics, came from around the world — and made history. For example, "Sinners" became the most-nominated film ever, "Sentimental Value" was the first Norwegian film to ever win best international feature, and Jessie Buckley is the first Irish woman to win best actress.

A few other records were broken with this year's winners. Here are some Oscars records that could prove helpful at your next trivia night.

Autumn Durald Arkapaw is the first woman to ever win best cinematography.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw at the 2026 Oscars.
Autumn Durald Arkapaw at the 2026 Oscars.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Arkapaw, who won for "Sinners," was only the fourth woman to ever be nominated for the award and the first to win.

In a heartwarming moment, she asked every woman in the audience to stand up as she thanked them for paving the way.

Amy Madigan set a new record for the longest gap between first nomination and first win.
Amy Madigan at the 2026 Oscars.
Amy Madigan at the 2026 Oscars.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Madigan received her first (and until this year, only) nomination in 1986 for best supporting actress in the film "Twice in a Lifetime." Forty years later, she finally won for playing the villainous Aunt Gladys in "Weapons."

Jessie Buckley is the first Irish woman to win best actress.
Jessie Buckley at the 2026 Oscars.
Jessie Buckley at the 2026 Oscars.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Buckley, who won best actress for playing Agnes Shakespeare in "Hamnet," became the first Irish person to win best actress — she thanked the country for paying for her family's flights to the ceremony.

This year, there was also the seventh tie in Oscars history, and the first in 13 years.
Jack Piatt and Sam A. Davis, winner of the Live Action Short Film award for "The Singers"; Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata, winners of the Best Live Action Short Film Award for "Two People Exchanging Saliva",
Jack Piatt and Sam A. Davis, winner of the Live Action Short Film award for "The Singers"; Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata, winners of the Best Live Action Short Film Award for "Two People Exchanging Saliva",

Brianna Bryson/Getty Images; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

The teams from "The Singers" and "Two People Exchanging Saliva" took turns at the podium to accept their respective Oscars for best live-action short film.

This has happened six other times: in 2013 for best sound editing; in 1995 for best live-action short film; in 1987 for best feature documentary; in 1969 for best actress; in 1950 for best documentary (short subject); and in 1932 for best actor.

In 2025, Sean Baker became the first person since Walt Disney to win four Oscars in one night — and the first to win them for the same movie.
Sean Baker, winner of the Best Picture, Best Directing, Best Film Editing, and Best Original Screenplay for "Anora", poses in the press room during the 97th Annual Oscars at Ovation Hollywood on March 02, 2025
Sean Baker, winner of the Best Picture, Best Directing, Best Film Editing, and Best Original Screenplay for "Anora", poses in the press room during the 97th Annual Oscars at Ovation Hollywood on March 02, 2025

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Baker won for writing, directing, editing, and producing "Anora," which took home another Oscar for its leading lady, Mikey Madison.

In one night, in 1954, Disney took home the Oscars for best documentary feature for "The Living Desert," best documentary short subject for "The Alaskan Eskimo," best short subject (cartoon) for "Toot, Whistle, Plunk and Boom," and best short subject (two-reel) for "Bear Country."

That means the two are tied, but Baker had a clean sweep of "Anora" wins. The only award it lost was for best supporting actor.

Legendary composer John Williams has the most Oscar nominations of any living person, with 54 nods.
john williams

Reuters

Williams has won five times, for his work on "Fiddler on the Roof," "Jaws," "Star Wars," "E.T. the Extra Terrestrial," and "Schindler's List."

He was nominated for the 54th time in 2024 for "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny."

He is also the only person to ever be nominated for an Oscar in seven different decades.
john williams 1982
Hollywood, California: John Williams, the winner of the 1982 Academy Award for the Best Original Score for E.T., stands backstage during the Academy Awards Ceremony holding his Oscar.

Bettmann/Getty Images

He's been nominated at least once a decade since his first nomination for 1968's "Valley of the Dolls."

His 2023 nomination made the then-90-year-old the oldest nominee ever — he broke his own record one year later.

However, with 22 wins from 59 nominations, Walt Disney is the most decorated Oscar winner in history.
walt disney oscars
Movie producer Walt Disney holding four Oscar awards he won for best feature-length documentary, short documentary, cartoon & two-reeler at Academy Awards ceremony

George Silk/The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty Images

He was nominated for 58 during his lifetime, from 1932 to 1964. He received a final posthumous nomination (and win) at the 1968 ceremony — best short subject (cartoon) — for "Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day."

Karla Sofía Gascón made history in 2025 as the first transgender actor to be nominated in any category.
Karla Sofía Gascón attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025
Karla Sofía Gascón attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025

Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Gascón was nominated for best actress for her performance in "Emilia Pérez," making her the first trans actor to be nominated for an acting Academy Award. She lost to Mikey Madison.

Troy Kotsur's best supporting actor win for "CODA" in 2022 made him the first deaf man and the second deaf actor overall to win an Oscar.
troy kotsur and his oscarq
US actor Troy Kotsur holds his award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for "CODA" as he attends the 2022 Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 27, 2022.

PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

In 2022, Kotsur took home the best supporting actor award for his role in "CODA" as supportive, yet stubborn, father Frank Rossi.

In "CODA," his wife was played by Marlee Matlin, who was the first deaf actor ever to win an Oscar. She won the best actress statue for "Children of a Lesser God."

Marlee Matlin became both the first deaf person to win an Oscar and the youngest best actress winner when she won for 1986's "Children of a Lesser God."
marlee matlin 1987
3/30/1987-Los Angeles, CA-Actress Marlee Matlin holds her Oscar, which she recieved for Best Actress, as she signs "I love you" at the Academy Awards.

Bettmann/Getty Images

She was 21 at the time of her win.

The youngest winner of best actor was 29-year-old Adrien Brody, who won for "The Pianist" in 2003.
adrien brody wins oscar
Best actor Adrien Brody poses with his Oscar at the 75th annual Academy Awards Sunday, March 23, 2003, in Los Angeles. Brody won for "The Pianist.

Reed Saxon/AP Images

Brody was close to 30 when he won in 2003. In 2025, he won his second Academy Award for his role in "The Brutalist."

Brody has now also joined an elite club of 10 other actors who have won best actor more than once — he's now peers with Spencer Tracy, Jack Nicholson, Marlon Brando, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Cooper, Tom Hanks, Fredric March, Anthony Hopkins, and three-time winners Daniel Day-Lewis and Sean Penn.

Timothée Chalamet became the first actor to be nominated for best actor twice before the age of 30 since James Dean.
Timothee Chalamet at the 2026 Oscars.
Timothée Chalamet at the 2026 Oscars.

Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

Chalamet received his first Oscar nomination in 2018 for his role in "Call Me By Your Name" when he was 23. Seven years later, he was nominated once again for playing Bob Dylan in "A Complete Unknown" at age 29.

He was nominated for his third Academy Award this year, for "Marty Supreme," just a few weeks after he turned 30.

The last time an actor had two best actor nominations to his name before turning 30 was in 1957, when James Dean (posthumously) received two nominations in 1956 and 1957. He died in September 1955 at the age of 24.

In 2022, Ariana DeBose became the first openly queer person of color to win an acting Oscar. She won for "West Side Story."
ariana debose best supporting actress oscars 2022
Ariana DeBose poses with her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for 'West Side Story' in the press room at the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022

David Livingston/Getty Images

DeBose also became the first Afro-Latina woman to win.

In her acceptance speech, she called herself an "openly queer woman of color, an Afro-Latina who found her strength in life through art. And that's what I believe we're here to celebrate. Anybody who's ever questioned your identity ever or find yourself living in the gray spaces? I promise you this: There is indeed a place for us."

Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro were the only men to win Oscars for playing the same role — Vito Corleone, in "The Godfather" and "The Godfather Part II" — until Joaquin Phoenix took home the Oscar for "Joker."
jokers
"The Dark Knight" and "Joker."

Warner Bros. Pictures.

Brando portrayed Vito Corleone as an old man with adult children and grandkids, while De Niro played him as a young man who had just emigrated from Italy.

When Joaquin Phoenix won for "Joker," it marked the second time this happened, as Heath Ledger posthumously won for his performance as the Joker in 2008's "The Dark Knight."

Ariana DeBose and Rita Moreno were the first women to win Oscars for playing the same role. They each won for playing Anita in "West Side Story."
rita moreno and ariana debose
Rita Moreno and Ariana DeBose attend the 94th Annual Academy Awards on March 27, 2022.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Moreno won for playing Anita in the 1961 film "West Side Story" at the 1962 Oscars. Sixty years later, DeBose took home the Oscar for the same role in Steven Spielberg's 2021 remake.

"Parasite" was the 12th film in history to win best picture without receiving a single acting nod.
Parasite movie screenshot 2
This would be the first time a South Korean film has won any kind of Oscar at all.

CJ Entertainment

The last time this happened was in 2009, with "Slumdog Millionaire." Here are the other 10 movies this has happened to.

There are two best picture nominees this year that would've joined this list if they had won: "F1" and "Train Dreams."

"Parasite" was also the first foreign-language film to win best picture. Two international films were also nominated this year ("Sentimental Value" and "The Secret Agent"), but they lost to "One Battle After Another."

Meryl Streep is the most-nominated actress in Oscar history, with a staggering 21 nominations under her belt. She's won three times.
meryl streep oscars 2012
meryl streep oscars 2012

Michael Buckner/Getty Images

Streep has won best actress twice, for "Sophie's Choice" and "The Iron Lady." She won best supporting actress for "Kramer vs. Kramer."

The country that's taken home best international film the most is Italy, which has produced 14 winners from 33 nominations.
paolo sorrentino oscars
OLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 02: Director Paolo Sorrentino poses in the press room at the 86th annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2014 in Hollywood, California.

Jason LaVeris/WireImage/Getty Images

Most recently, Italy won for "The Great Beauty," or "La grande bellezza" in 2014, directed by Paolo Sorrentino. He was nominated again in 2022 for "The Hand of God," but lost to Japan's entry, "Drive My Car."

In 2025, Brazil won its first Oscar with "I'm Still Here."
Walter Salles, winner of the Best International Feature Film for "I'm Still Here", poses in the press room during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025
Walter Salles, winner of the Best International Feature Film for "I'm Still Here", poses in the press room during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images

"I'm Still Here," based on the real story of Eunice and Rubens Paiva, was also nominated for best picture and best actress for its star, Fernanda Torres.

This year, Norway earned its first win in that category with "Sentimental Value."
Joachim Trier at 98th Annual Oscars
Joachim Trier at the 98th annual Oscars.

Gilbert Flores/Penske Media/Getty Images

"Sentimental Value," which was also nominated for best picture, won best international feature at the 2026 Academy Awards. The film was directed by Joachim Trier, who was previously nominated in this category in 2022 but lost to Japan's "Drive My Car."

This is the first time Norway has taken home this award. "This is a historic moment for Norwegian cinema," Norwegian Film Institute CEO Kjersti Mo told Variety.

Martin Scorsese is the most nominated living director, after receiving his 10th nomination for "Killers of the Flower Moon."
Martin Scorsese

Gotham / Contributor / Getty Images

Overall, he's been nominated 10 times for "Raging Bull," "The Last Temptation of Christ," "Goodfellas," "Gangs of New York," "The Aviator," "The Departed," "Hugo," "The Wolf of Wall Street," "The Irishman," and "Killers of the Flower Moon."

He's only won once, for "The Departed."

In 2022, Steven Spielberg became the first person nominated for the best director award in six different decades.
Steven Spielberg with his Oscars for "Schindler's List."
Steven Spielberg with his Oscars for "Schindler's List."

Steve Starr/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images

Spielberg's "West Side Story" earned a best director nod. In total, the movie secured eight nominations, winning one. He was nominated again in 2023 for "The Fabelmans," and in 2026 for producing "Hamnet."

His previous best director nominations were for "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (1978), "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981), "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" (1982), "Schindler's List" (1993), "Saving Private Ryan" (1998), "Munich" (2005), and "Lincoln" (2012). He won for "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan."

Before "West Side Story," he and Scorsese shared the record for a director nominated in five decades. After "Killers of the Flower Moon," the two are tied once again.

In 2021, Anthony Hopkins took the mantle of oldest winner in an acting category from Christopher Plummer — the then-83-year-old won best actor for "The Father."
hopkins and his first oscar
Hopkins and his first Oscar in 1992.

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Hopkins' win was one of the most shocking moments of the night — almost everyone had considered Chadwick Boseman in his final performance a shoo-in.

Hopkins took the record from Plummer, who was 82 when he won for "Beginners" in 2012.

Plummer is still the oldest nominee in an acting category, though. He was 88 when he was nominated for best actor in "All the Money in the World" in 2018.
christopher plummer oscars
Christopher Plummer with his award for best supporting actor at the 2012 Oscars.

Rick Rowell/ABC via Getty images

He was also nominated in 2010 for "The Last Station."

Plummer died in February 2021 at the age of 91.

But the oldest winner in any category is James Ivory, who was 89 when he took home the Oscar for best adapted screenplay in 2018.
james ivory oscars
HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Writer James Ivory, winner of the Best Adapted Screenplay award for 'Call Me By Your Name,' poses in the press room during the 90th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood, California.

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

Ivory won for the "Call Me By Your Name" screenplay, based on the novel of the same name by André Aciman.

The youngest person to ever be nominated for an Oscar was 8-year-old Justin Henry for "Kramer vs. Kramer" in 1979.
Justin Henry as Billy in Kramer vs. Kramer movie

Columbia Pictures

Henry is now 54 and acts sporadically.

The youngest winner was 10-year-old Tatum O'Neal, who won best supporting actress for "Paper Moon" in 1974.
tatum o'neal 1973
2nd April 1974: American actor Tatum O'Neal, wearing a tuxedo, holds her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in director Peter Bogdanovich's film, 'Paper Moon,' at the 46th Annual Academy Awards, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles, California. She was the youngest actor to ever win an Oscar

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

O'Neal co-starred in "Paper Moon" with her father, Ryan O'Neal.

She continues to act.

But the true youngest winner is Shirley Temple, who was 6 when she won the Academy Juvenile Award in 1935. This category no longer exists.
shirley temple
Shirley Temple as a child star wearing accordion pleated dress. Undated photograph.

Bettmann/Getty Images

Other notable winners in this category included Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Bobby Driscoll, and Margaret O'Brien.

2022 was the first time two couples had been nominated for awards in the same year — their nominations covered the four acting categories.
penelope cruz javier bardem jesse plemons kirsten dunst
Cruz and Bardem, left, and Plemons and Dunst, right.

P. Lehman/Future Publishing/Getty Images

Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, who married in 2010, were both nominated: Cruz for best actress in "Parallel Mothers," and Bardem for best actor for "Being the Ricardos."

A second couple, Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons, both secured best supporting acting nominations for their roles in "The Power of the Dog."

Cruz and Bardem lost to Jessica Chastain and Will Smith, while Dunst and Plemons lost to Ariana DeBose and Troy Kotsur.

Three movies are tied for the most wins. "Ben-Hur" (1959), "Titanic" (1997), and "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" (2003) all won 11 awards.
1999 titanic

Paramount Pictures

That record hasn't been broken in over 20 years.

But "Sinners" broke the record for most overall nominations this year, with a staggering 16 nods.
Michael B Jordan around cast of Sinners
"Sinners."

Warner Bros.

It ended up winning four: best original screenplay, best actor, best cinematography, and best score.

Three movies are tied for second place with 14 Oscar nods: "All About Eve" (1950), "Titanic" (1997), and "La La Land" (2016).

As previously stated, "Titanic" went on to win 11 awards. "All About Eve" and "La La Land" each took home six statues.

The longest winner of best picture in Oscars history is 1939's "Gone With the Wind," which clocks in at 3 hours, 58 minutes.
Gone with the Wind

Loews Cineplex Entertainment

That's even longer than the notoriously long "The Brualist," "The Irishman," or "Killers of the Flower Moon."

The most prestigious award of the night is best picture, but it doesn't always go to the best movie. The worst-reviewed winner, according to Rotten Tomatoes, is 1929 winner "The Broadway Melody." It has a 42%.
The Broadway Melody 1929 movie Best Picture winner

MGM

"'The Broadway Melody' is interesting as an example of an early Hollywood musical, but otherwise, it's essentially bereft of appeal for modern audiences," wrote Rotten Tomatoes.

This year's winner, "One Battle After Another," has a 94% critics score and a 85% audience score.

The first woman to win the best director award was Kathryn Bigelow in 2009 for "The Hurt Locker."
kathryn bigelow oscars 2009
HOLLYWOOD - MARCH 07: Director Kathryn Bigelow accepts Best Director award for "The Hurt Locker" onstage during the 82nd Annual Academy Awards held at Kodak Theatre on March 7, 2010 in Hollywood, California.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Prior to Bigelow, just three women had been nominated for directing: Lina Wertmüller for 1975's "Seven Beauties," Jane Campion for 1993's "The Piano," and Sofia Coppola for 2003's "Lost in Translation."

This year, Chloé Zhao was the lone woman nominated for best director. She directed "Hamnet."

In 2021, two women were recognized for directing, and winner Chloé Zhao became the first Asian woman — and second woman overall — to take home the award.
chloe zhao oscars
Chloé Zhao holding her first Oscar.

ABC via Getty Images

She won for "Nomadland." She was nominated once again this year for "Hamnet."

Also in 2021, Steven Yeun became the first Asian American to be nominated for best actor.
steven yeun oscars
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 25: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) In this handout photo provided by A.M.P.A.S., Steven Yeun attends the 93rd Annual Academy Awards at Union Station on April 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

Matt Petit/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images

While Yeun lost the award to Anthony Hopkins, his nomination for "Minari" was still a record-breaking moment.

Only one movie to win best picture has been rated X: "Midnight Cowboy" (1969).
Midnight Cowboy 1969 best picture Dustin Hoffman

United Artists

It was mainly rated X simply because it wasn't suitable for kids — the "X" rating was almost brand new in 1969 and didn't have the same connotations as it does today. However, MTV does point out the film has "a fair amount of nudity and some brief scenes of sexual activity."

When it was later re-rated, it earned an R rating.

Only two sequels have won best picture: "The Godfather Part II" (1974) and "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (2003).
Godfather II Al Pacino

Paramount Pictures/IMDb

In total, 10 sequels have been nominated for best picture — "Dune: Part Two," "Avatar: The Way of Water," "Top Gun: Maverick," "Toy Story 3," "Mad Max: Fury Road," "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," "The Godfather Part III," and "The Bells of St. Mary's," plus the two winners.

You may be wondering, what about "The Silence of the Lambs"? The Anthony Hopkins/Jodie Foster joint could be considered a sequel to "Manhunter," but it's really more of a reboot.

When Cate Blanchett earned an Oscar for playing Katharine Hepburn in 2004's "The Aviator," she became the first person to win an Oscar for playing an Oscar winner.
cate blanchett katharine hepburn

Warner Bros.; Bettmann/Getty Images

She's not the only actor to win an Oscar for portraying an icon, but she was the first to win an Oscar for portraying an Oscar winner.

Renée Zellweger became the second when she won for playing Judy Garland in "Judy" in 2020.

Hepburn herself holds the record for most Oscars for acting — she won four times.
katharine hepburn

Reuters Pictures

Hepburn won in 1933, 1967, 1968, and 1981 for "Morning Glory," "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," "The Lion in Winter," and "On Golden Pond," respectively.

Though, famously, she never attended an awards show to collect her statues in person, per The Hollywood Reporter.

The first Black actor to win an Oscar was Hattie McDaniel in 1939.
hattie mcdaniel
- Los Angeles, CA: Actress Hattie Mc Daniel is shown with the statuette she received for her portrayal in "Gone With The Wind." The award was for Best Supporting Role by an Actress, and was made at the 12th annual Academy Awards ceremony.

Bettmann/Getty Images

McDaniel won the best supporting actress award for "Gone with the Wind," in which she played Mammy, a role that has since been mired in controversy, per the Jim Crow Museum.

Sidney Poitier became the first Black man to win when he was awarded best actor for "Lilies of the Field" (1963).
sidney poitier oscars
Sidney Poitier admires the Oscar he has just received in Santa Monica, California, on April 13, 1964. He won Best Performance by an Actor for his role in the 1963 film Lilies of the Field.

Bettmann/Getty Images

Poitier had previously been nominated for his role in 1958's "The Defiant Ones."

He died in January 2022 at 94.

With four nominations, Viola Davis is the most Oscar-nominated Black actress in history.
viola davis oscar

ABC/Tyler Golden

Davis, an EGOT winner, has been nominated four times: twice for best supporting actress for "Doubt" and "Fences" (which she won), and twice for best actress for "The Help" and "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."

"For me, it's a reflection of the lack of opportunities and access to opportunities people of color have had in this business. If me, going back to the Oscars four times in 2021, makes me the most nominated Black actress in history, that's a testament to the sheer lack of material there has been out there for artists of color," said Davis in a February 2021 interview with Variety.

Octavia Spencer is right behind her with three nominations ("The Help," "Hidden Figures," and "The Shape of Water"). Whoopi Goldberg, with two, is the only other Black actress with more than one competitive Oscar nomination ("Ghost" and "The Color Purple").

Denzel Washington is the most nominated Black actor of all time. With "The Tragedy of Macbeth," he secured his 10th nomination.
Denzel Washington Oscar

AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian

He has been nominated 10 times between 1988 and 2022, earning nods for best supporting actor ("Cry Freedom," "Glory"), best actor ("Malcolm X," "The Hurricane," "Training Day," "Flight," "Fences," "Roman J. Israel, Esq." and "The Tragedy of Macbeth"), and best picture ("Fences").

He has won twice: He won best supporting actor for "Glory" in 1990 and best actor for "Training Day" in 2002.

In 2026, songwriter Diane Warren earned her 17th nomination — she's the most-nominated person in Oscars history to have never taken home a competitive statue.
Diane Warren at the 2026 Oscars.
Diane Warren at the 2026 Oscars.

ANGELA WEISS/AFP/Getty Images

Warren was nominated in the best original song category for "Dear Me" from the documentary "Diane Warren: Relentless" this year.

In 2026, she lost out on a statue following her 17th nomination.

She won an honorary Oscar in 2022, but she still hasn't taken home a competitive statue, making it the longest losing streak in Academy history.

In 2025, Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win best costume design.
Paul Tazewell, winner of the Best Costume Design for "Wicked", poses in the press room during the 97th Annual Oscars
Paul Tazewell, winner of the Best Costume Design for "Wicked", poses in the press room during the 97th Annual Oscar

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Tazewell won for his stunning costumes in "Wicked."

He's only the second Black costume designer to ever win. The first was Ruth E. Carter in 2019 and 2023.
Ruth E. Carter poses with the Best Costume Design award for "Black Panther" in the press room during the 91st Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on February 24, 2019
Ruth E. Carter poses with the Best Costume Design award for "Black Panther" in the press room during the 91st Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on February 24, 2019

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Carter won for her work on both "Black Panther" films. She was nominated again in 2026 for "Sinners," but lost.

Only two actors have won Oscars posthumously: Heath Ledger for "The Dark Knight" and Peter Finch for "Network."
heather ledger peter finch
Ledger and Finch.

BILLY FARRELL/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images; Photoshot/Getty Images

Joaquin Phoenix thanked Ledger in his 2020 SAG Awards acceptance speech, calling Ledger his "favorite actor."

In 2021, Jamika Wilson and Mia Neal became the first Black winners of the best makeup and hairstyling award for their work on "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."
Mia Neal, Jamika Wilson, and Sergio Lopez-Rivera
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 25: (L-R) Mia Neal, Jamika Wilson, and Sergio Lopez-Rivera, winners of Makeup and Hairstyling for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom", pose in the press room during the 93rd Annual Academy Awards at Union Station on April 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

Chris Pizzello-Pool/Getty Images

They shared the award with Sergio Lopez-Rivera, as well.

Read the original article on Business Insider

What 79 best actress winners wore to accept their Oscars

15 de Março de 2026, 11:14
Emma Stone at the 2024 Academy Awards
Emma Stone.

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

  • The 98th Academy Awards will be held on March 15, 2026.
  • This year's best actress nominees are Jessie Buckley, Emma Stone, Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, and Renate Reinsve.
  • We went back to 1930 to see how red-carpet fashion has changed over the decades.

Besides being a night to recognize talent both in front of and behind the camera, the Oscars are also a night for fashion.

The style of the nominees in the best actress category is perhaps the most scrutinized, analyzed, and remembered by the general public — it's their coronation moment as the reigning queens of Hollywood.

We went all the way back to 1930 to see what (almost) every best actress winner has worn on their big night, from Ginger Rogers to Faye Dunaway to Julia Roberts to Mikey Madison.

Kirsten Acuna contributed to a prior version of this article.

1930: Mary Pickford
Hanns Kraly, William C. deMille, Mary Pickford, and Warner Baxter.
Hanns Kraly, William C. deMille, Mary Pickford, and Warner Baxter.

FPG/Getty Images

Pickford wore a bedazzled dress, a large diamond bangle, and a few strings of pearls when she won for "Coquette."

There were actually two Academy Awards in 1930; one in April and then another in November.

1930: Norma Shearer
norma shearer oscars 1930

AP

Shearer wore a jacket with fur-lined sleeves over her dress when she won the Oscar for her role in "The Divorce."

She finished her outfit with red lipstick, wavy hair, and several pieces of dainty jewelry.

1931: Marie Dressler
marie dressler oscars

AP

Dressler received the Oscar for her part in "Min and Bill." She wore a dark shift dress and a long necklace.

1932: Helen Hayes
Louis B. Mayer and Helen Hayes at the 1932 Oscars
Louis B. Mayer and Helen Hayes.

Getty Images/Getty Images

Hayes wore a classic black dress paired with a pearl necklace and gloves to win best actress for her performance in "The Sin of Madelon Claudet."

1935: Claudette Colbert
Claudette COLBERT congratulating Shirley TEMPLE
Shirley Temple and Claudette Colbert.

Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone/Getty Images

Colbert won best actress for "It Happened One Night." She wore a gray suit with a large flower pinned to the lapel and a black hat.

1936: Bette Davis
Bette Davis and Victor McLaglen are shown after winning their Oscars at the 1935 Academy Awards banquet held at the Biltmore Bowl, Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, Ca., on March 5, 1936
Bette Davis and Victor McLaglen are shown after winning their Oscars at the 1935 Academy Awards banquet held at the Biltmore Bowl, Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, Ca., on March 5, 1936.

AP Photo

Davis wore a patterned ensemble when she took home the award for best actress for her work in "Dangerous."

She was so convinced that she wouldn't win the Oscar that she wore "an old costume" to the ceremony, Harper's Bazaar reported.

1937: Luise Rainer
luise rainer oscar

AP

Rainer wore an elegant white coat and styled her hair in an updo to win the Oscar for her portrayal of Anna Held in "The Great Ziegfeld."

1938: Luise Rainer
Luise Rainer at the 1938 Oscars
Luise Rainer.

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Yes, Rainer won back-to-back Academy Awards. Her second win came for her performance as O-Lan in "The Good Earth." For her second win, she wore a high-necked gown with bell sleeves.

1939: Bette Davis
Spencer Tracy, Bette Davis, and another guest at the 1939 Oscars.
Spencer Tracy and Bette Davis.

Eric Carpenter/Getty Images

Bette Davis won her second best actress Oscar for her role in "Jezebel." She wore a black gown with a cloud-like collar embellishment.

1940: Vivien Leigh
vivienne leigh oscars

AP

Leigh wore a patterned dress while accepting the Oscar for playing Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone with the Wind." She completed her outfit with a single pendant, dark lipstick, curled hair, and tons of mascara.

1941: Ginger Rogers
Jimmy Stewart and Ginger Rogers at the 1941 Oscars
Jimmy Stewart and Ginger Rogers.

Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

Rogers accepted the Oscar at the 13th annual Academy Awards for "Kitty Foyle" in a brown dress with lace details.

In 1921, attendees were advised to wear "muted tones" because of the ongoing war, The Telegraph reported.

1942: Joan Fontaine
joan fontaine

AP

Fontaine won best actress for "Suspicion." She wore a lacy black dress, which she paired with a matching hat and several pearl necklaces.

1944: Jennifer Jones
Paul Lucas, Jennifer Jones, Katina Paxinou, and Charles Coburn at the 1943 Oscars
Paul Lucas, Jennifer Jones, Katina Paxinou, and Charles Coburn.

Bettmann/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

Jones (second from left) won her Oscar for "The Song of Bernadette." She wore a unique dark gown with white, puffy sleeves and a flower embellishment at the collar.

1945: Ingrid Bergman
ingrid bergman bing crosby

AP Photo/Harold P. Matosian

Bergman wore a dark skirt and blouse when she won the Oscar for her role in "Gaslight." The star finished her outfit by sweeping her hair away from her face.

1947: Olivia de Havilland
Olivia De Havilland And Ray Milland In 1947
Olivia De Havilland and Ray Milland.

Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone/Getty Images

De Havilland took home the gold for her role in "To Each His Own."

The actor wore a strapless floral gown, complemented by large curls and a pearl necklace.

1948: Loretta Young
loretta young

AP

Young wore a green satin gown with matching gloves to accept the award for "The Farmer's Daughter." Her tiered dress had plenty of ruffles.

1949: Jane Wyman
jane wyman

AP

Wyman kissed her best actress Oscar for her role in "Johnny Belinda." She wore a white gown with an embellished collar.

1950: Olivia de Havilland
Broderick Crawford, Olivia de Havilland, Robert Rossen, Mercedes McCambridge, and Dean Jagger at the 1950 Oscars
Broderick Crawford, Olivia de Havilland, Robert Rossen, Mercedes McCambridge, and Dean Jagger

AP

De Havilland (second from left) embodied '50s style when she accepted the Oscar for her role in "The Heiress." The actor paired her flower-embellished gown with matching gloves.

1953: Shirley Booth
Shirley Booth and Frederic March at the 1954 Oscars
Shirley Booth and Frederic March.

Bettmann/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

Booth won best actress at the 25th Academy Awards for her performance in "Come Back, Little Sheba" in a patterned, long-sleeve dress with matching gloves.

This ceremony was held simultaneously in Hollywood and New York City, and was also the first to be televised.

1954: Audrey Hepburn
audrey hepburn academy awards 1954

AP

Hepburn wore a belted Givenchy dress as she accepted the award for her performance in "Roman Holiday." She finished the look with classic eyeliner and lipstick.

1955: Grace Kelly
Edmond O'Brien and Grace Kelly at the 1955 Oscars
Edmond O'Brien and Grace Kelly.

Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images

Kelly accepted the award for her role in "The Country Girl." The future princess of Monaco topped off her pale-green ensemble with elbow-length gloves, dainty earrings, and an updo.

1958: Joanne Woodward
Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman at the 1958 Oscars
Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman.

Darlene Hammond/Getty Images

Woodward, Oscar winner and wife of Paul Newman, accepted her award for "The Three Faces of Eve" in a strapless gown embellished with sewn-on flowers. She kept her hair and makeup simple, allowing her outfit to stand out.

1959: Susan Hayward
Susan Hayward at the 1959 Oscars
Susan Hayward.

Bettmann/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

Hayward wore a black dress to take home the Oscar for "I Want to Live!" She also sported a voluminous blowout, white gloves, and red lipstick.

1960: Simone Signoret
simone signoret oscars

AP

Signoret won the Oscar for "Room at the Top," wearing an off-the-shoulder black dress.

1961: Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor 1961

AP

Taylor went floral in a Christian Dior gown to accept her award for "Butterfield 8." Her high-volume hair and white gloves added some serious glamour to her outfit.

1965: Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews, Rex Harrison, and Lila Kedrova at the 1965 Oscars
Julie Andrews, Rex Harrison, and Lila Kedrova.

Bettmann/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

Julie Andrews hugged her Oscar for "Mary Poppins" in a pale-yellow gown. The "My Fair Lady" actor topped off her simple dress with a statement necklace and gloves.

1966: Julie Christie
julie christie oscars

AP

Christie wore a shiny gold dress to match the Oscar she won for "Darling." She finished her outfit with a feathery blowout.

1969: Barbara Streisand
Barbara Streisand 1969

AP

Streisand didn't realize her Arnold Scaasi pantsuit was see-through under the lights as she accepted the Academy Award for "Funny Girl." She finished her sequined pantsuit with a sleek bob and lots of eyeliner.

This year featured a rare tie: Streisand shared her award with Katharine Hepburn for "The Lion in Winter," but Hepburn famously attended the Academy Awards only once, to present.

1972: Jane Fonda
Gene Hackman and Jane Fonda at the 1972 Oscars
Gene Hackman and Jane Fonda.

Bettmann/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

Fonda accepted the Oscar for "Klute" in a black Yves Saint Laurent suit. She parted her sleek, shoulder-length hair to the side to complete her mod ensemble.

1973: Liza Minnelli
Liza Minnelli

AP

Minnelli shone in a bright-yellow Halston dress to accept the award for her role in "Cabaret." She paired her outfit with a colorful choker and a matching bracelet.

1976: Louise Fletcher
Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher at the 1976 Academy Awards
Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher.

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images

Jack Nicholson and Fletcher posed together after their Oscar wins for "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Fletcher wore a delicate Champagne-colored gown by Alfred Fiandaca.

1977: Faye Dunaway
Faye Dunaway at the 1977 Oscars
Faye Dunaway.

Tony Korody/Sygma/Getty Images

Dunaway wore a black Geoffrey Beene dress with a rope belt to accept her award for "Network." She finished her dark outfit with several pieces of gold jewelry.

1978: Diane Keaton
Diane Keaton at the 1978 Oscars
Diane Keaton.

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images

Keaton accepted the award for "Annie Hall" in a unique Ruth Morley suit. She went for a muted color palette with her layered outfit.

1979: Jane Fonda
Jane Fonda at the 1978 Oscars.
Jane Fonda.

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/ Getty Images

Fonda wore a gorgeous James Reva gown to accept her trophy for "Coming Home." The two-time winner embraced the trends of the '70s in a flowy floral dress.

1980: Sally Field
Sally Field and Dustin Hoffman at the 1980 Oscars
Sally Field and Dustin Hoffman.

Bettmann/Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

Field embodied spring in a white Bob Mackie dress with sheer floral cover as she accepted the award for "Norma Rae." She added to the look with lots of eyeliner and teased, voluminous hair.

1981: Sissy Spacek
Sissy Spacek at the 1981 Oscars
Sissy Spacek.

Fotos International/Getty Images

Spacek took the award for "Coal Miner's Daughter" in a black jumpsuit and kept the rest of her look simple.

1983: Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep at the 1983 Oscars
Meryl Streep.

Barry King/WireImage/Getty Images

Streep won the Oscar for "Sophie's Choice" in a gold Christian Leigh dress while she was pregnant with her second daughter, Mamie (familiar to fans of "We Were Liars"). She finished her outfit with a pink-brown shade of lipstick and curled hair.

1984: Shirley MacLaine
Shirley MacLaine at the 1984 Oscars
Shirley MacLaine.

William Nation/Sygma/Getty Images

MacLaine wore a Fabrice pale-pink suit when she won for "Terms of Endearment." The suit was embellished with an intricate embroidered pattern.

1985: Sally Field
F. Murray Abraham and Sally Field at the 1985 Oscars
F. Murray Abraham and Sally Field.

ABC Photo Archives/ABC/Getty Images

Field cried out her famous, "You like me! You really like me!" in a strapless black dress as she won for "Places in the Heart," her second win in five years. She finished off her outfit with a necklace that looked like a bow.

1986: Geraldine Page
William Hurt and Geraldine Page at the 1986 Oscars
William Hurt and Geraldine Page.

ABC Photo Archives/ABC/Getty Images

Page, who won the Oscar for her work in "The Trip to Bountiful," layered a deep-purple velvet cape over her dress. She completed her outfit with chandelier earrings and a warm shade of lipstick.

1987: Marlee Matlin
Marlee Matlin at the 1987 Oscars
Marlee Matlin.

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images

Matlin paired her pink dress with a floral headpiece when she won for her role in "Children of a Lesser God." She paired her mixed-material gown with peachy lipstick.

1988: Cher
cher 1988 oscars

Lennox McLendon/AP Photo

Cher famously wore a sheer Bob Mackie ensemble to accept the award for "Moonstruck." From her headdress to her sandals, the star sparkled.

1989: Jodie Foster
Jodie Foster at the 1989 Academy Awards
Jodie Foster.

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images

Foster wore a light-blue gown when she took home the Oscar for her role in "The Accused." She kept her hair and makeup simple, letting the ruched gown speak for itself.

1990: Jessica Tandy
Jessica Tandy at the 1990 Oscars
Jessica Tandy.

CHRISTOPHE D YVOIRE/Sygma/Getty Images

Tandy sparkled in a two-piece getup by Giorgio Armani as she accepted the award for her performance in "Driving Miss Daisy." She finished her outfit with a pair of statement earrings.

1991: Kathy Bates
kathy bates 1991

Bob Galbraith/Associated Press

Bates wore a black gown with shoulder pads to accept her award for "Misery." Her earrings matched the glitzy details on her dress.

1992: Jodie Foster
Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster at the 1992 Academy Awards
Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster.

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images

Foster took home the gold statue again for her role in "The Silence of the Lambs." This time, she opted for a cream Armani jacket and paisley crystal-encrusted trousers, and went old school with matching gloves. Foster also wore a red pin on her lapel for HIV/AIDS awareness.

1993: Emma Thompson
Emma Thompson at the 1993 Academy Awards
Emma Thompson.

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images

Thompson wore an emerald Caroline Charles jumpsuit when she won for "Howards End." She completed her look with red lipstick and curled ringlets.

1994: Holly Hunter
Tom Hanks and Holly Hunter at the 1994 Academy Awards
Tom Hanks and Holly Hunter.

Frank Trapper/Corbis/Getty Images

Hunter wore a black and gray Vera Wang dress with a hint of sparkle when she won for "The Piano." She matched her earrings and bracelet to the glimmering details on her dress.

1995: Jessica Lange
Jessica Lange at the 1995 Oscars
Jessica Lange.

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images

Lange wore Calvin Klein when she won the award for "Blue Sky." She added a touch of color to her dark, mesh-paneled gown with her bright lipstick.

1996: Susan Sarandon
susan sarandon oscars 96

Reed Saxon/Associated Press

Sarandon wore a bronze Dolce & Gabbana gown when she was recognized for "Dead Man Walking." She finished off her outfit with tousled hair.

1997: Frances McDormand
Frances McDormand at the 1997 Academy Awards
Frances McDormand.

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images

McDormand wore a simple blue dress when she won for "Fargo." She kept her accessories minimal, opting for just one ring and a pair of earrings, a style she still goes by to this day.

1998: Helen Hunt
Helen Hunt at the 1998 Oscars
Helen Hunt.

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images

Hunt stunned in a strapless blue dress by Tom Ford for Gucci when she won for "As Good as It Gets." She finished off her outfit with a matching wrap, frosty makeup, and a diamond bracelet.

1999: Gwyneth Paltrow
Gywneth Paltrow at the 1999 Academy Awards
Gywneth Paltrow.

Kevin.Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images

Paltrow wore a baby-pink Ralph Lauren princess gown when she took home the Academy Award for "Shakespeare in Love," one of the most iconic Oscar looks of all time. She topped off her dress with a sheer, tulle wrap, a statement necklace, bright-pink lipstick, and a touch of blush.

2000: Hilary Swank
Hilary Swank at the 2000 Oscars
Hilary Swank.

Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images

Swank wore a strapless green Randolph Duke dress when she accepted the award for "Boys Don't Cry." She glammed up her dress with a dazzling statement necklace.

2001: Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts at the 2001 Oscars
Julia Roberts.

Mirek Towski/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Roberts wore a black Valentino gown with white accents when she won for "Erin Brockovich."

2002: Halle Berry
Halle Berry 2002 Oscars

AP

Berry wore one of the most memorable Oscars dresses when she accepted her award for "Monster's Ball" in a floor-sweeping Elie Saab gown. Her dress had a mesh, floral-embroidered top and a contrasting satin skirt.

2003: Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman at the 2003 Oscars
Nicole Kidman.

Robert Mora/Getty Images

Kidman accepted her Oscar for "The Hours" in a black Jean Paul Gaultier dress that had an unexpected, edgy neckline.

2004: Charlize Theron
Charlize Theron at the 2004 Oscars
Charlize Theron.

Christopher Polk/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Theron rocked a glittering Gucci dress when she won for "Monster." The actor looked very old Hollywood with her hair styled in glamorous waves.

February 2005: Hilary Swank
hilary swank oscars 2005
hilary swank oscars 2005

Chris Pizzello/AP Photo

Swank accepted her Oscar for "Million Dollar Baby" in a fully backless Guy Laroche dress. She completed the look with shimmering makeup and a sleek hairdo.

2006: Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon at the 2006 Academy Awards
Reese Witherspoon.

J. Vespa/WireImage/Getty Images

Witherspoon looked radiant in a Christian Dior gown when she won for her performance in "Walk the Line." She completed her outfit with a smoky eye, a simple hairdo, and earrings that matched her dress.

2007: Helen Mirren
helen mirren 2007 oscars

AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian

Mirren wore a Christian Lacroix gown when she accepted the Oscar for "The Queen." It looks like she layered a patterned tulle skirt over her lacy, embellished gown.

2008: Marion Cotillard
Marion Cotillard Oscars 2008
Marion Cotillard Oscars 2008

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Cotillard took home the Oscar for "La Vie En Rose." The actor looked glamorous, with sleek curls and a mermaid-inspired dress by Jean Paul Gaultier.

2009: Kate Winslet
kate winslet oscars 2009

AP Photo/Matt Sayles

Winslet took home the Oscar for "The Reader" in a one-shouldered, blue-gray Yves Saint Laurent gown. Winslet complemented her two-toned dress with a smoky eye.

2010: Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock at the 2010 Oscars
Sandra Bullock.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Bullock wore a silver Marchesa dress as she accepted the award for her role in "The Blindside." The actor brought some color to her look with bright-pink lipstick.

2011: Natalie Portman
natalie portman 2011
natalie portman 2011 oscars

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Portman wore an off-the-shoulder Rodarte dress while accepting the award for "Black Swan." Portman's shoes and earrings perfectly matched her dress. Fun fact: She was four months pregnant at the time!

2012: Meryl Streep
Meryl Streep at the 2012 Academy Awards
Meryl Streep.

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Streep matched her Oscar for "The Iron Lady" in a gold Lanvin dress. From her accessories to her makeup, she appeared to be dripping in gold.

2013: Jennifer Lawrence
jennifer lawrence oscars 2013

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Lawrence, who won for "Silver Linings Playbook," may have tripped on her way to the stage, but she still looked flawless in this white Christian Dior gown.

2014: Cate Blanchett
cate blanchett

AP

Blanchett wore an embellished Armani Privé gown when she took home the award for "Blue Jasmine." She completed her look with delicate curls and large sunburst earrings.

2015: Julianne Moore
Julianne Moore at the 2015 Academy Awards
Julianne Moore.

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Moore wore a strapless Chanel gown when she accepted the award for "Still Alice." The custom, detailed gown took over 900 hours to make, according to People.

2016: Brie Larson
brie larson oscars 2016

Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Larson accepted the Oscar for "Room" in a belted, royal-blue Gucci dress. The intricate gown was in the works for two months, per ABC.

2017: Emma Stone
Emma Stone

Getty Images

Stone wore a vintage-inspired gown when she won the award for her performance in "La La Land." She finished her golden-toned dress with big waves and classic red lipstick.

2018: Frances McDormand
frances mcdormand
Frances McDormand.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

McDormand won the award for her role in "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri," wearing a black dress with a gold pattern. During her acceptance speech, McDormand asked every female nominee in the audience to stand and discussed the importance of inclusion riders.

2019: Olivia Colman
Olivia Colman at the 2019 Academy Awards
Olivia Colman.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Colman wore an emerald-green Prada gown that took months to create as she accepted the award for "The Favourite." Colman's gown was draped with a silk organza cape, tied into a giant bow at the back, and covered in Swarovski crystal flowers.

2020: Renée Zellweger
renee zellweger 2020 oscars

Jennifer Graylock/PA Images via Getty Images

Zellweger won her second Oscar — her first best actress Oscar, for "Judy" — in a custom white Armani Privé gown.

Though tough to see, according to Entertainment Tonight, the gown was covered in beads with pale pink and blue thread.

2021: Frances McDormand
frances mcdormand oscars 2021

Matt Petit/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty Images

McDormand wore a navy-blue gown with a feathered bottom and feathered sleeves to win her third acting Oscar for "Nomadland."

With her win, McDormand tied Meryl Streep and Ingrid Bergman with the most Oscar wins for acting. Katharine Hepburn holds the record with four best actress statues.

2022: Jessica Chastain
essica Chastain, winner of the Actress in a Leading Role award for ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’ poses in the press room during the 94th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California
Jessica Chastain with her first Oscar win.

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Chastain dazzled in a sparkly ombré Gucci gown that transitioned from rose gold to lavender as she accepted her first Academy Award for "The Eyes of Tammy Faye."

2023: Michelle Yeoh
Michelle Yeoh attends the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California.
Michelle Yeoh channeled an angelic goddess in white.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

Feathers accented the angelic Dior Couture gown. The "Everything Everywhere All At Once" star paired the look with a Moussaieff diamond headband and earrings, along with a Richard Mille watch.

2024: Emma Stone
Emma Stone at the 2024 Academy Awards
Emma Stone.

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

Stone accepted her second best actress Oscar (this one for "Poor Things") in a mint-green peplum gown designed by Louis Vuitton, but she made sure to point out during her speech that the zipper had broken at some point during the ceremony.

She blamed Ryan Gosling's spirited performance of "I'm Just Ken."

2025: Mikey Madison
Mikey Madison at the 2025 Academy Awards
Mikey Madison.

Scott Kirkland/Disney via Getty Images

Madison, who won for "Anora," went for an Old Hollywood look at the 2025 Oscars, wearing a two-toned pink and black satin dress with a bow. It was designed by Dior.

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