Academy Awards season may have officially wrapped up, bringing a slow but needed halt to Hollywood fashion and red carpet buzz. While some celebrities are grateful for the end of a back-to-back fashion haul of makeup, fittings and outfit checks, the endless art ensemble of hairstyling, and the satisfying but aching stretch of a 6-inchs heel, some are yet to call it a night on the red carpet season, as they continue to grace the lenses of the endless clicks of cameras at smaller soirees and notable events like Breakthrough Prize ceremony.
On April 5, some of Hollywood’s biggest and finest lit up Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar to show their support and honor the world’s top scientists in life sciences, fundamental physics, and mathematics at the 11th annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony.
The event which took place in Los Angeles, saw some of the leading names in the world, such as Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, come together to honor the extraordinary achievements of the world’s leading scientists, with each Breakthrough prize worth the whooping sum of $3 million.
What makes the Breakthrough Prize so refreshing is that it doesn’t shy away from glamor. It leans in. There’s no lab coat in sight. At this year’s breakthrough Prize ceremony, Paris Hilton, Ashton Kutcher, and even Elon Musk were spotted in the crowd.
Often referred to as the “Oscars of science”, the red carpet of this year’s Breakthrough Prize was hot and blazing with retro and bespoke fashion from some of our favorite Hollywood A-listers, featuring the likes of Katy Perry, Gal Gadot, Zoe Saldana and many others. But before we talk about who won what, let’s deeply look into the hottest red carpet looks.
One of the first stars to set the tone for the evening was Zoe Saldaña, who brought high-concept glamour in a chocolate brown off-the-shoulder gown by Schiaparelli. The rich chocolate-brown piece featured a sheer overlay with a dramatic rose motif across the chest that gave the illusion of a tattoo. Her longtime stylist Petra Flannery orchestrated the look with her usual precision, letting Zoe’s natural grace and fearless fashion sense shine through.This is not the first time we see Kim in a ‘wet look’. Kim Kardashian brought high drama in a sculpted white python-textured dress by Alaia. The crisscross halter neckline, daring midriff cutouts, and form-fitting silhouette made for a minimalist yet ultra-sexy look. The Skims mogul paired the look with a simple diamond pinky ring by Lorraine Schwartz and wet-look waves courtesy of Chris Appleton, while her go-to MUA Ariel kept the glam glossy and bronzed in her signature high-gloss finish. It was classic Kim.Fresh off the “Barbie” press tour, Margot Robbie did a total 180 with her red carpet aesthetic and we loved every second of it. Margot Robbie was the embodiment of understated sophistication in a strapless Rick Owens gown from the designer’s Spring 2024 collection. The “Radiance” gown featured soft ruching at the hips and a structured bodice that perfectly balanced edge and elegance. With her new sleek lob, minimal makeup by Pati Dubroff, and gold cuffs by Jennifer Meyer, Margot looked like a modern goddess.If sparkle were a sport, Kate Hudson would’ve taken gold. Kate Hudson shimmered like a dream in an Elie Saab sequined mesh gown that flowed like liquid stardust. The dazzling design caught the light from every angle, creating a cascade of sparkle as she walked. True to her effortless style, Kate kept the rest of the look clean and ethereal, allowing the gown’s intricacy to speak for itself.Never one to shy away from a statement, Lizzo turned heads in a deep red strapless gown with matching opera gloves. The look was all drama and confidence, punctuated with bold glam that made her stand out as one of the night’s most memorable style icons. She walked with the kind of presence that only Lizzo can command. Lizzo leaned into full-on drama with a sultry eye and a sleek up-do that let the gown steal the spotlight.
Katy Perry arrived in a futuristic Gaurav Gupta metallic silver hooded gown, with architectural detailing that hugged her curves and gave her the air of an intergalactic goddess. The structured silhouette and glimmering silver fabric gave her a space-age siren vibe. It was high fashion, high drama, and absolutely on brand.Salma Hayek turned heads in a turtleneck black gown with sheer sleeves and flowing lines—proving once again that simplicity, when executed right, can be utterly show-stopping. But what really made her stand out? Her radiant silver streaks, styled in soft curls that framed her face beautifully. Gold statement jewelry sealed the look, giving her the aura of a goddess who’s walked straight out of a Renaissance painting.Trust Christina Aguilera to serve classic diva energy. She walked the carpet in a corseted white gown by Dolce & Gabbana, all curves and confidence. The gown’s sharp structure paired with her platinum waves and dramatic lashes made this a certified ‘Xtina’ moment, equal parts vintage and vamp.
Ever the minimalist, Gwyneth brought her signature refined chic to the breakthrough prize carpet, though outfit details were kept under wraps, her presence alone spoke volumes. Sleek, simple, and sophisticated, as expected. She made a fashion historian’s dream come true in a vintage trumpet gown from Donna Karan’s Resort 2015 archives. It was a throwback done right, two-toned, statuesque, and exuding the kind of calm confidence only Paltrow herself can deliver.
The prestige and money are significant, yes. But the true power of the Breakthrough Prize lies in its ability to inspire. When middle-schoolers see scientists celebrated like rockstars, the message is clear, being smart is cool. Curiosity is power. Equations can change the world.
The laureates aren’t just researchers, they’re ambassadors of what’s possible. Many of them came from humble backgrounds. Some are the first in their families to attend university. Others have battled skepticism and academic gatekeeping for decades. Their journey to that stage isn’t just scientific, it’s deeply human.
At $3 million per major prize, the Breakthrough Prize dwarfs other scientific awards in monetary terms. The difference is intentional. The Breakthrough prize founders wanted the prize to reflect not just the intellectual achievement, but the cultural value of science. I don’t know about you, but I love to see smart people win.
There’s something deeply satisfying about watching someone who’s spent years in the shadows of academia walk into a room, collect a $3 million check, and get cheered on by the same people we see on billboards. Breakthrough Prize ceremony didn’t just reward genius, it elevated it. It reminded us that some of the most powerful people in the world aren’t influencers, they’re innovators. And in a time where so much of life feels shallow and short-lived, that depth? That legacy? It hits different.
