The Actor Awards: A Nod to Old Hollywood Glamour
The upcoming Actor Awards, airing on Netflix on March 1st, will transport viewers to a bygone era of cinematic elegance, embracing the rich stylistic heritage of the 1920s and 1930s. Showrunner and executive producer Jon Brockett, a lifelong admirer of classic Hollywood's formidable female stars, has partnered with ELLE magazine's Editor-in-Chief Nina Garcia and Fashion Director Alex White to craft a captivating theme: 'Reimagining Hollywood Glamour From the '20s and '30s.' This collaboration promises an event where the red carpet will be ablaze with interpretations of vintage sophistication, reflecting a period that continues to inspire contemporary fashion and culture.
Brockett's fascination with the '20s and '30s, particularly the powerful presence of actresses like Katharine Hepburn, Bette Davis, and Joan Crawford, laid the groundwork for this year's awards theme. He emphasizes the enduring appeal of this period's fashion, describing it as a "well to keep going back to" that remains perpetually classic. The vision for the event is to provide ample creative freedom to attending talent, allowing them to recontextualize and reinterpret the era's iconic styles through a modern lens, encouraging boundary-pushing expressions of sensuality and gender exploration.
The influence of this vintage aesthetic extends beyond the awards ceremony's fashion. Recent cinematic works, including "Babylon" and "Mank," have delved into the allure of early Hollywood. Furthermore, museums are currently hosting exhibitions celebrating the Art Deco movement, such as the Musée des Arts Décoratifs' centennial exhibit and a forthcoming Schiaparelli retrospective at the V&A. These cultural touchstones underscore a broader societal appreciation for the elegance and artistic innovation of the period.
Contemporary designers have also been revisiting these decades, incorporating flapper-inspired elements, Art Deco motifs, and Surrealist influences into their collections. Brands like Fendi and Chanel have showcased pieces that pay homage to the era, while Valentino's recent couture show drew directly from the late house founder's memories of Old Hollywood films. Even archival pieces are experiencing a revival on the red carpet, and unexpected trends, like pillbox hats, are re-emerging, signaling a renewed embrace of antique fashion.
The event's design further immerses guests in the chosen theme. Collaborating with production designer Matt Steinbrenner, gala designer Tony Schubert, and Netflix Events' Rebecca Moskowitz, Brockett, along with his husband and interior designer Jason Martin, has infused the venue with period-appropriate details. Expect elements such as reeded glass, graphic patterns in decorative flooring, and curvilinear lines throughout the set. A speakeasy-inspired gala and an antique photo portrait station will culminate the evening, offering guests a tangible keepsake from a timeless epoch that resonates strongly in the present day.
This enduring fascination with Old Hollywood is reflected in how contemporary actors often draw upon its aesthetics to shape their public image. Brockett observes that this connection to a glamorous past imparts a significant weight to an actor's appearance, embodying a sense of strength and power that helps define their style over time. The Actor Awards' embrace of this theme highlights the continuing relevance of the 1920s and 1930s in defining elegance, style, and star power within the entertainment industry.